Why can't we grow beards?

Good luck getting your gas mask to get a proper seal with a beard.

The primary practical reason is that it interferes with the seal of the chemical/biological mask. It is very difficult to maintain a neat uniform appearance. For the Navy, I wish they could still grow them because sailors (to me at least) look great with neat "Czar Nicholas" beards. It makes them look salty. If you are an SF soldier and it is culturally or operationally important for you to have facial hair (Afghanistan) you grow it. We aren't the Royal Dutch Army, we don't allow individual expressions of personality. In most instances a sloppy looking soldier is a sloppy soldier. If you look like a soldier, and act like a soldier, you become a soldier in your subconscious self identity. Uniform doesn't always mean a garment, it is your appearance, it is your group identity, and it is a touch of self-pride to be a part of an exceptional military organization.

Perhaps lice and cleanliness are the reason we shave, plus shaving increases personal morale by 20%

Go spec ops if you want to grow one.

Hey part timer, you can grow a beard! You just have to shave it one weekend a month. Seems like you’d rather “play soldier, than actually serve your country. 1. You are a new soldier , get some salt before trying to change things. 2. You are a part timer, which is great when we need to call in second or third string players. 3. You show your childishness when you argue “Bobby’s mom lets him stay up late” 4.) son .... you are a Slick sleeve, joining the Army Reserve doesn’t make you a General when you get out of boot. Grow up

Really, you childish mentality is showing. “Well Bobby’s mama lets him do it...” Boy child get out of my military.

Maybe it's like the firefighters, if you have a beard your gas mask won't seat to your face.

someone got this wrong, because they don't allow trouble makers in the US Armed Forces- if you got a record, you aint' gettin' in there...if a uniform can hide your TATs, you might make it, beards...NO SIR...I am a decorated VET...my Son had a few traffic tickets, and they barred him from joining...if you can prove this, I'll listen Specialist Cody

One way to look at it is, You can't place your Gas mask on and get a tight seal in case of a gas attack or what ever is used.. I too would have wanted a beard but sad to say there are reason you can't wear a beard..

During my last two years of active duty I was permitted to wear a Goatee