Why can't we grow beards?

I have always been able to make a deal with my mask and it has remained neatly trimmed between 1/8” and 1/4”. I am now a 1SG and it has not interfeared with my authority or discipline of my company. The only noticeable issue is when another senior NCO or random MAJ starts to freak out. I’ve been on 4 deployments multiple JRTC and NTC rotations and it seems to only be an issue for people that don’t understand the profile. There is comments like “my commander would never allow that”, like it’s a choice. My favorite trick was when I was a Ssg, we were training with brits, Germans, and French in Normandy and three SMGs would take turns finding every senior NCO in northern framce to stop me and ask for my shaving profile. The Germans thought it was unprofessional, and the brits were placing bets on how many times I would get asked. I believe if the beard would be a common thin then we would have to deal with the maturity levels of our seniors.

Also notice those getting the job done outside the wire almost always had reduced grooming standards.

I think it has more to do with Low-T perfume princes as Hackworth would say.

Who allowed this snowflake into the military? Grow the hell up Specialist.

Since the army allows religious exemptions for beards there is no reason not to allow beards. Obviously grooming standards are 'flexible'.

If you have a beard how could we know who is a SEAL or Special Forces operator?

I am sure everybody knows the answer to that question since the U.S. Military must be ready at all times to encounter the enemy and it's attacks of any nature with better than average odds of survival. Is it necessary to have a beard?

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

Two comments - Sikhs, and now Moslems get exceptions.