A soldier just got authorization to wear a beard because of his Norse pagan faith

SMSgt Thor Merich I honestly expect that this will quickly be seen as a precedent for all branches, given the DoD stance that led to this change in the first place.

No, not at all, I put my beliefs in my pocket and complied...do it for one thing, do it for everything... so hell no...

SMSgt Mike Jones - I understand that perspective, but I think it's now inevitable. If the Air Force doesn't follow suit, that means that a Sikh can serve in the Army, but not the Air Force. I don't think it would be good for the Air Force to be less progressive or support less religious freedom than other branches of service. This isn't a "should this happen", it's a "this already happened, what next" I think.

2LT (Join to see) - Yea, I get it but, this usually leads to issues down the road... whether religious or not, which is why I support one prescribed set of regulations for all members, especially in a volunteer military... but, we are in times where diversity is the bell to ring...

GySgt John Olson - I believe it's a combination of oral and written traditions combined with personal gnosis.

There isn't a requirement as with the Sikh, but there is a very clear and written emphasis throughout Norse literature (Eddas and Sagas) directly linking facial hair to piety and masculinity, so I think it's pretty valid.
I'd be inclined to see it as acceptable for Sikh, Muslim, Eastern Orthodox Christian, Orthodox Jewish, Norse Pagan, and any other faith group who could show that their faith considers it either a rule or a traditional cornerstone of identity.

Army Directive 2017-03 authorizing the following change to AR-670-1
(1) Beards (which include facial and neck hair) must be maintained to a length not to exceed 2 inches when measured from the bottom of the chin. Beard hair longer than 2 inches must be rolled and/or tied to achieve the required length. Beards must be worn in a neat and conservative manner that presents a professional appearance. Soldiers may use styling products to groom or hold the beard in place, but may not use petroleum-based products if wearing a protective mask during training. The bulk of a Soldier's beard may not impair the ability to operate an assigned weapon, military equipment, or machinery.

I think that if it passed for Norse Pagans, than Muslim, Eastern Orthodox Christian, Orthodox Jewish, and other Soldiers will have little problem within their existing faith group. Soldier's with even stronger claims, such as the Sikh, will likely have even less issue.