Why can't we grow beards?

Excuse me I meant to say that a beard or any facial hair Beyond a mustache or slight Soul stash, would certainly render any breathing apparatus such as a gas mask ineffective.

That's an easy one because I beard with no degree with a gas mask or any breathing apparatus especially in the event of a chemical attack or biological

SSG(P) (Join to see) if you are that down on the US military, specifically the Army, then clearly you are in the wrong profession. professionalism is paramount to the military. if that includes not allowing beards, then so be it. you either deal with it and soldier on, or you get out. of course, if you are that concerned about being able to have a beard, you can always join a religion (Muslim comes to mind) and apply for a shaving waiver based on your religion.

Two comments - Sikhs, and now Moslems get exceptions.

Personally I think it looks a lot more professional to shave. I see some foreign soldiers and they don't look nearly as professional. We have the best military best military in the world I can care less what grooming standards other nations use. They look up to us in terms of our professionalism and conduct. I've heard from Australian special forces how they perfered working with American assets over their own, so it says a lot. Shaving is just one part of the puzzle that makes us look the part of a professional military.

The whole purpose of military appearance is to set yourself apart from the rest of society in terms of bearing and discipline. No beards. Those are my thoughts.

To say that SF is allowed to wear a beard because it helps them to blend in is a huge falesy. Never in my 4 tours to Iraq have I seen a pale skinned local with a red beard or a blonde beard or a black man local with a beard.

The original reason given for the ban on beards way back in '85 was that beards interfered with getting a proper seal on gas masks and fire fighting breathing apparatus. But truth be told, there were a lot of guys pushing the envelope on standards and it was a pain in the ass to police.

Actually some of the issues you have raised have limited basis in fact. In regard to facial hair, there are restrictions on what is allowed for religious reasons, also for a few MOSes, facial hair is a nonstarter. Limited specific groups within the force however may be granted exception to grooming policy based upon mission. // On the full sleeve tattoos, there are only a few exemptions in the allowance by policy, and they are not to show beyond the cuff while in class A uniform. Some soldiers are grandfathered as they had the ink before there was increased scrutiny. // Weight Control is an issue within the service agreed, however, policies in place are detrimental to the overweight, and thus they either meet standard, or can face separation. // As for criminal history, those are not felony crimes, and the soldiers are subjected to tighter scrutiny before entry. Yes, some standards were relaxed at the height of the Iraq War, but those who were allowed to enlist had to meet specific criteria. // As for psychotics, mental health issues are not taken lightly, due to op tempo, mental health is a challenge for the entire force, and DoD is studying ways to assist soldiers with mental health issues. // Over the years, nay decades, other soldiers have voiced complaints in regards to policies. I like many of my era of service pushed back against some policies, hair length being the most common for men. But after extended time in field environments with poor sanitation facilities, you understand why hair is short, if beards are grown, they are trimmed close, and clean shaven is maintained when practical. Unless, you enjoy the company of lice, parasites, and the health issues they can cause as well. Personal grooming is needed. So feel free to vent here, but suck it up, and drive on. If you stay in service, you may possibly again a position where you will have greater input on policies. Then go for it. But don't make broad comparisons with foreign militaries, what may seem as easier treatment for them may also entail some trade offs you won't enjoy.

Because. Just because. Get used to it. Because.