Are there military jobs that allow beards?

I'm considering enlisting after graduation but I'm really attached to my beard. Are there any military roles or branches that have more relaxed grooming standards and allow beards?

In general, the U.S. military has grooming standards that prohibit servicemembers from maintaining full beards, mainly due to the need for proper use of gas masks and other protective equipment. But this doesn't mean it's completely impossible to serve with a beard, there are some instances where exceptions are made.

For example, the U.S. Army allows soldiers to grow beards for medical or religious reasons, although these exemptions need to be officially granted. Similarly, the Navy has been known to grant beard waivers due to skin conditions that might be worsened by shaving. The Air Force has also revised their policy and now allows beard waivers for religious reasons, although not for secular reasons.

In the special forces community like the Navy Seals or the Green Berets, the grooming requirements can be somewhat relaxed when they are deployed, to blend in better with the local populations. However, the allowances can differ based on the specific team, mission, and geographical area they are operating in.

Also, it should be noted that many foreign military members do sport beards, such as the UK Royal Navy, which allows full set beards, though not goatees specifically.

Bear in mind these are not guaranteed, and the military reserves the right to place mission requirements over personal grooming preferences. It's also worth noting that overall neatness and a professional appearance remain important, and any beard grown under these waivers or allowances must still be neat and clean.

If you're considering a military career, it's recommended to discuss this with your recruiter, as they would have the most up to-date and specific information about current policies.