Why can't we grow beards?

it originated at a way to manage pests (lice, mites, fleas, etc...) in the early days, then became a matter of appearance, and then we made chem masks that need clean skin to seal. The truth is that it is an outdated rule for GARRISON, and until we use chem equipment that doesn't require a beard-free face, we as an armed force will still have to shave on deployments, in the field, and even for field training.

Because your moostach is out of regalation. Godfather says it's gotta go.

Met a Female Spanish Legion Officer who had some shrapnel cut's on her cheek and throat. When asked if she required medical assistance. She replied she cut herself worse shaving. Then laughed .

Same reason Hitler had the funny mustache, to be able to don the protective mask...

Of course, uniformity is involved and because another countries army marches off a bridge I guess you want to also! Sorry, could not resist. LOL, I think sanitation is part of it also the gas mask issues. Styles change and someday beards might come back. I have a beard now but I think being clean-shaven in uniform maybe boring to some but I think it shows respect to self and others that your cleaned and groomed. God am I just getting old??? Go Navy Devil Doc's!

Wait wtf does full sleeve tattoos gave to do with professionalism?

Ever tried getting a decent seal on a gas mask with a beard?

Everybody likes to present a professional appearance for the public; even Corporate America has grooming standards so that they can present the best image possible.

Well SPC Vove, the US ARMY isn't one of those other countries that allows beards. For one thing you pointed out, they don't interfer with gas masks. But they do. Try getting a proper seal with a beard. Now walk around on a summer day, with temps in the 80s or 90 plus in desert enviroments. You'll wish you hadn't. Again go around for a week or two without a shower and your beard will not only be sweatty, but ripe with stink. Once the US ARMY lets its troops wear beards, people will bitch about grooming standards. I remember when the US NAVY let its sailors grow beards. They were all happy about being allowed to do that. Then some sailors went hog wild with growing contests and letting standards faĺl. The CNO who gave them a chance to look like pirates retired and the new CNO had every beard shaved off completely. Now, the US ARMY has allowed one individual enlist and his religion (shik) forbades him from cutting his hair or shaving his beard off. He also gets to wear a turban, which is also part of his faith. It's ARMY OCP by now. Having a beard doesn't make you unprofessional, but it goes against grooming standards and will certainly lead to other concerns while you're in the US ARMY. Meanwhile, let other countries do what they do and remember, you're in the US ARMY.

For me it's genetics.