Posted on Mar 8, 2017
We want to hear from you: Should the Army allow soldiers to grow beards?
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I find it interesting that in the comments on this poll it seems that most of those against this change are all retired/former Soldiers, and those currently for it are mostly current Soldiers.
We want to hear from you: Should the Army allow soldiers to grow beards?
Posted from buff.ly
DA Pam 670-1
Grooming Standards
Standards
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 36
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Sure... that will increase readiness and efficiency. How about bringing back:
1. The SQT
2. The extended PT scale
3. KP
4. Anything else that makes the force more effective than facial hair.
1. The SQT
2. The extended PT scale
3. KP
4. Anything else that makes the force more effective than facial hair.
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1SG (Join to see)
I'm in agreement on the SQT, but how does KP increase readiness and efficiency? PT clearly enhances readiness, but until we have 80% of the force maxing the APFT, the extended scale doesn't even come into play.
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MSG (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) - All fair points, I think the SQT was too good and realistic an answer so it detracted from my overarching point that there are a million things we should look at changing BEFORE the beard policy. But, in defense of my examples, the extended APFT scale took no extra resources but taking it away removed a small bit of motivation from the over achievers detracting from the readiness of others. And KP sucked....so it built character?
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CPT (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) - It is always good to have a disincentive like KP or "School of the Soldier" for minor infractions that cannot be ignored for various reasons.
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When I was in the Army from 79-86, it was the Cold War and I was in West Berlin. The NBC training with gas masks and such was drilled into our heads. If anyone had a beard, the masks wouldn't seal properly. I don't know what kinds of NBC training is still done, but if that threat is passed, then maybe well groomed beards would be okay. There is an Army officer, a Sikh, who was in the news last year and his photo was very distinguished, beard and all. I've changed my views over the years and for me, if it doesn't effect their work, they're outstanding soldiers, what's the harm? I've seen slobs in uniform, and they were mediocre in performance, but they sure did have a clean shaven face, so let's not ding him for a uniform violation!
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CPT (Join to see)
I believe it would be better to change the regs rather than tolerate a uniform violation.
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Groomed properly, beards have a professional appearance, and reflect modern male culture in the US. A promask can seal over a beard with petroleum jelly. I say yes, but as with haircuts, should be up to the leaders' discretion for professional appearance.
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CPT (Join to see)
I cannot recall for certain, but I believe that petroleum jelly may degrade the mask edges but the damage isn't blatantly obvious. I also recall it may combine with certain chemicals and biological toxins. Mr. Gray, would you please check on that? It has been awhile since my last deployment. V/R
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LTC James McElreath
No commanders should not have that say as to any type of order. Should be Army wide as to the wear of the Army. The truth be known that is why we have an Army of Hitler Mustache!
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CPO Arthur Weinberger
Col McElreath, I concur 100%. A reg is a reg. It should be Army or Navy, etc. wide.
When individuals decide you have infractions, or favoritism.
When individuals decide you have infractions, or favoritism.
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