Why can't we grow beards?

Thats easy gas masks

I’ll bet part of the reason is because the reg would be very hard to write and with all the other appearances problems I wouldn’t have wanted tha hassle of enforcing it when I served. Look any group picture of special operations people. Nearly all will have on and no two will be alike or close to it.

Can't you have the norse pagen (sp?) Religion and not have to shave because of that? Just maintain your appearance? Or am I wrong?

I’ve had my beard for five years and it has won awards. However, I am willing to part with it if I am permitted to serve again. Even then, I will grow a short one between drill weekends, as my facial hair grows fast.

From what I understand, the main reason why they are not allowed is because of our Protective Masks not being able to seal.

I feel that a professional appearance can be maintained with a full beard and I have demonstrated that in the private sector.

When I served all the uniformity was a necessary part of discipline to me, part of teaching responsibility. While I know it can and does get old even today the code is viewed as a signature part of who we are and what we stood for, to me the code needs to stay.

Shut up and do your job!

Eventually I think the Army will allow beards because they are lowering their standards every year and I see this as a Next Step down. Too many civilians interfering in the military. Those that have no understanding of military history customs and bearing will further degrade all military services eventually.

We're the best military in the world and i point that out when I hear Soldiers start pointing out specific countries that allow beards for their military. Many of those "beard wearing" militaries are paper tigers who without us protecting them couldnt hold their own. One thing that 22 months in Afghanistan taught me is that many of our allies (many paid by us to be there) are weak. Many of those militaries are more like unions than a force to be reckoned with. Stop worrying about beards and ask yourself "am I the best Soldier, Marine, Airman or Sailor I can be and am i pyhsically fit enough and proficient in my job enough that I can quickly lay waste to any adversary?" A beard is a personal preference and in some cases is ok but a beard won't make you a better warfighter. To me the beard question is in the same category as umbrellas, lipstick, backpacks and sweaters in uniform. With that said I currently have a serious beard (retired) and had some serious facial hair during my first trip over so I am a fan of beards but not in uniform except in specific situations.

Hey high speed. I guess you’re better than everyone else. I guess everyone has the same background as you. Partiality and negative judgment on others is not a strong trait as a leader. I feel for the people entrusted to you care that will never measure up to your glory

You cannot seal a gas mask with a full beard..you must have skin contact to seal.. second..you ever learn your history..even biblical history..a long beard is simply a handle for the enemy to hold your head still long enough to cut your throat. Research it. Learn about it..or else you will be a ignorant statistic with a DOA / KIA tag on your toe..we cant file a article 15 for destruction of government property after your dead..