Why can't we grow beards?

When I was in the Navy I remember when beards were allowed for petty officers, but I also remember on 01/01/1985 when everyone had to be clean shaven because standards changed.

I understand your frustrations, which lead to what basically amounts to a vent against the system. I have seen and been responsible for soldiers who should have been turned away at the recruiter's desk for one reason or another. Overweight, couldn't pass PT to save their lives, substance abuse issues, mentally unstable in some shape, form or fashion. I've damn near seen it all. All we can do is shake our heads, keep soldiering on, be the best soldier we know how to be, and let the Army do their jobs (if they're willing to, which is an entirely different conversation to itself).

BECAUSE beards are unsat - disgusting and idiotic that's Enough about that! Use your common sense.

Even those of us with shaving profiles, and who have permission from our commanders must shave while oconus for safety reasons. I understand that the SMA has stated that he has no problem with facial hair, however, it isn't going to happen eventhough a portion of the naval services had full facial hair until the late 80s.

How about be the chain of command says so. You willingly chose to enlist or become commissioned knowing that there are standards to be upheld. Quit bitching and do your job.

You should probably do a little research before posting something like this. Your intelligence is obviously in question.

But my beard will inhibit the gas mask from functioning properly here in my office on post! Because we all carry gas masks everywhere we go in garrison...

Because (just like the baret for all Soldiers) only a few Soldiers would look good with a beard. We would be stuck with most male (or female to be PC) Soldiers looking like a bunch of shitheads!

You’re not recommended to grow Beards because your gas mask will not seal properly on your face.

In England you have to ask permission to get an opportunity to prove that you can grow a "full set" and if you are given the chance, you have either 4 or 6 weeks to prove that you can grow a presentable full set, if you cannot, the you have to shave, that opportunity is only for certain positions. The armed forces are not an equal opportunity employer, if you can't meet certain standards, then you cannot be in. I would love to have that as an option with the US armed forces but we broke away from Tyranny in 1776 and made our own country