Why can't we grow beards?

Many reason have already been stated. The real question is why do people want them. Some will refer to 'operational requirements', which in reality is nothing more than an excuse; an American is easy enough to identify, regardless of facial hair, indigenous clothing, or other choices. Then there is the whole 'cultural' excuse; the Afghans have seen Americans for 17 years, know that the professional US military member doesn't wear a beard, and that many of their countrymen (military and civilian) don't wear beards. It comes down to people do what they can get away with, much like the wildly different policies on alcohol consumption in theatre compared to what was once universally accepted as normal and allowed.

Surely you knew the rules before you joined! You can try the coast guard or the Boy Scouts!

Can’t fight city hall I suppose.

When I was in, the type of protective gear for NBC attacks simply would not seal properly if you had face fur. This may have changed since I was in, I really don't know.

Different countries use different weapons, and protective gear. Another nation may have a mask wherein it protects just as well if you have a beard.

Personally, I don't feel that a beard allows for a neat appearance, but this is personal preference.

As for personnel who various issues, such as what you have mentioned, they either must be controllable with medicine, for those with psychological problems. Psychotic personalities are a term used by you, and I don't believe that the army would ever use such, simply because such people can't be controlled efficiently.

Others who don't look professional (in your opinion) must be obeying the rules of the command they are in, or they too would be deemed unfit and discharged.

Once in a while, I remember when on active duty, I would see some soldiers come in late to the barracks, never stand formations, or never stand any duties. Often these would be specialized personnel who may also be using your barracks. Cooks, Chaplain's assistants, Medical personnel and sometimes even MPs may all fall into this category, simply because they was no where else to house an individual.

That guy you think is a lousy soldier, may be an undercover MP, who is in for a few days to get a fresh change of clothes, and sleep, which may not be possible, depending on his duties.

I am hazarding a guess that you are a military member on active duty? Be aware, that a large number of troops that you may see on an active duty post may come from a National Guard unit. Such units may be a bit more lax in following military discipline, and may have uniform violations, or they may simply not have the latest issue of military clothing, because their guard unit is on a lower priority than that of the unit you currently serve in. I ran into that in the mid 80's wherein the active duty personnel had all switched to what was then the new BDU or battle dress uniform, replacing the old olive drab fatigues. But the NG units in AZ still allowed fatigues, and even old jungle uniforms until the late 80's simply because NG personnel do not pay for their uniforms and must wait for a new enlistment to get a new issue of clothing unlike active duty personnel who had a uniform allowance in their monthly check.

If you are still unsure as to why not in any of these cases, take up the issue with your local Sergeant Major. He should know all the reasons why or why not of certain personnel. In many cases, the issue may be above your pay grade or your need to to know. You need to be prepared for that.

From the IG Desk: Waivers are available for a number of personal issues and each one is 'issue specific.' Such dispensations are reviewed and approved/disapproved by competent authority within the scope of the requested waiver. During my career, I observed a number of service members unshaven and/or sporting a beard of sorts. Local command medical authority issued time specific waivers due to allergy or similar problems. While servicing as IG for the 1st Cav in Bosnia (1998), service members were warned about tattoos. Six young men, on R&R in Budapest, ignored that guidance. On return, several fell ill and were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) as a result. Please see your local IG and educate yourself concerning the topics you have outlined. There are restrictions placed on the practices noted and are there for very good reasons. While the points made are of interest, they appear to be unsupported generalizations. Concerning reference to other military organizations; the United States military in its various branches holds to a much higher standard.

Facial hair? Good luck sealing that gas mask.

IMO it all has to do with uniformity and discipline. As an old fart I don't agree with a lot of the present changes.

My advice, ETS, grow your beard...if you can.

Couldn't get a tight fit on a gas mask, same reason Firemen don't have beards.

At one time in the dark, distant, past, when I was a Torpedo Division Officer, the question came up about beards. I checked with the Dept. Head and he said beards were okay with him, as long as you could get a seal on an emergency mask. Of the 57 men in my division I had one outspoken CPO and a couple of others who brought the problem to a head one day, and asked me for a decision. At that time I was clean shaven. Finally, I made the following decision; I was going on leave, and I told the Division that when I returned I would have a beard. Anyone who wanted a beard would have one just like mine, and other strange ideas or designs would be forgotten. My outspoken Chief mentioned something about the Head of the Navy and the Captain, so I took him aside and told him, "All you have to worry about is me!" For the remainder of my Navy career I maintained the beard, neatly trimmed, always easily fitted and sealed with an emergency mask, and to this day, some 44 years later I still wear that beard. Neatly trimmed, and because my wife admires it! My thought is, that if your boss supports your actions, a little thoughtful leadership may well solve the problem.