Why can't we grow beards?

Over here on post many, and I do mean many of the black guys have a beard. On the posts I've been to, the black guys get to have beards and white guys are told to bleed and bear it.
Also, the Navy had beards back in the 70's I was told.
Finally, the leftists interested only in equity in our ranks would call beards sexist because the females (mostly) couldn't grow them. I think it should depend on MOS.

Understood and appreciated!

Can't get a good seal on gas masks and SCABs with a beard

All the branches opened this Pandoras Box by allowing their special operations people to grow beards. The idea was supposedly to allow them to blend in. Nice try. Now it’s just a perk. Now the rest of the troops want them. Let the brass sort this one out.

The best way to make an argument look flawed, is to have someone represent it poorly. SPC Voye, stating that a lack of standards in some areas of the service (however imagined), should allow standards to be loosened in another is a terrible means by which to persuade anyone - especially people in the Military. However easy it is to dismiss SPC Voye's line of reasoning, does not mean that the argument itself can be easily dismissed. Consider the following:

- Troops must be clean-shaven when deployed, or in an area where an elevated CBRNE threat exists (for example - The Republic of Korea)
- Commanders may require shaving for work safety, health in field-conditions, or for uniformity during parades, or dining events.
- Regulations be expanded to set the maximum length, and allowable area of facial hair growth when in garrison, or when allowed overseas. (see picture)

The military could absolutely allow beards. The reason it doesn't, is because it hasn't. The Army fears change. It always has, and it always will. It's that simple.

It is true the reason you cannot have a beard is because of protective mask sealing issues. Discovered the hard way largely during WWI. If you wish to assume the risk, I say more power to you. The better question would be; why do we have seperate hair grooming standards for male and females? There is no practicle or safety reason for this. It is a socially driven gender expectation. Make it true equality in every aspect you can. Either guys can grow hair and nails or gals need to cut em off (likewise for facial hair). I got in trouble for asking a Drill Sergeant about a female PAC clerks beard. I just asked why she was allowed to let it go free when shaving profiles usually specify allowable growth length (usually around 1/8")

Wow!!! What ever happened to discipline and prestige in the military. I'm proud I retired in the early 90s when there was still pride and discipline when we wore our uniforms without having to look like " Joe shit the rag man."

when exposed to gasses your mask will not seal properly with a beard

Stay clean and presentable, case closed.

Want to grow a beard in the military? They have a number of selection opportunities where you can man up and try out for a unit that allows them. If you don't have the testicular fortitude to do so, then don't complain about having to match your face with a baby's ass.