Beards in the Military

Hey, everyone! Quick question about personal grooming in the military. Are there any branches of the military that allow soldiers to keep their beards, or is everyone expected to be clean-shaven?

The grooming standards can be different depending on the branch you're in, but in general, all U.S. military services have regulations that require military personnel to be clean-shaven. The core reason behind these strict grooming policies is to ensure the proper seal of protective items such as gas masks.

However, exceptions are sometimes made for religious reasons or medical conditions. For instance, Sikh soldiers have been granted accommodations to maintain their beards in accordance with their faith. Moreover, a no-shave chit can be given to individuals who suffer from conditions that may be worsened by shaving, such as pseudofolliculitis barbae (a skin condition that causes severe razor bumps or ingrown hairs).

It's worth noting that the policy is always changing and can differ from branch to branch and even within specific units, so it's best to get the current regulations from a recruiter or the specific service's regulations if it's an important consideration for you.

Finally, remember that these grooming standards also apply to other aspects of personal appearance, including hairstyles and tattoos, so be sure to review all of a service's grooming regulations if you're thinking about enlisting.