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Why shaving in the military is important?
Shaving is important for military men because it upholds a professional standard and promotes uniformity. One other reason shaving is important is because some equipment that requires a strong seal, such as a gas mask, work best with a clean shaven face.
Do you have to shave in the Navy?
The U.S. Navy requires that the face be clean-shaven unless a shaving waiver is authorized by a Commanding Officer. The waiver is sometimes used to grant religious accommodations or other special interests. A Navy mustache is the one exception. So, for example, handlebar mustaches or goatees are not allowed.
Why did the Navy get rid of beards?
Beards have been a bristly issue inside the Navy for decades. On Nov. 10, 1970, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. In 1984, the sea service published uniform regulations that outlawed beards for “persons in high visibility positions of leadership” such as commanding officers, executive officers and command master chiefs.
A third exception to the no-beard policy is for religious reasons: Effective 22 January 2014, the U.S. military expanded its policies on religious accommodation and now allows all officer and enlisted personnel to request permission to wear beards and articles of clothing for religious reasons.
Why is the military clean shaven?
Beards and sideburns are banned in all military and police forces since the early 20th century. A clean-shaved face is considered part of a spirit of order, hygiene and discipline. Stubble is also considered unacceptable and controlled with severity.
Why do special forces have beards?
For special operations troops, the beards not only help bring them closer to Afghans, they also set them apart from the conventional forces who traditionally must keep stricter grooming standards.
Effective immediately, male sailors can have flat-tops, high and tight, faded and bald hairstyles, the Navy said in an administrative message issued Tuesday. Sideburns also are allowed, though not for bald sailors. Women cannot have “bald hairstyles” unless there’s a medical reason.
What is a no shave chit?
8, the Navy scrapped permanent no-shave chits, waivers that allowed some sailors who suffer from Pseudofolliculitis Barbae — a common condition often called “razor bumps” — to grow out their scruff throughout a career.
Does the military make you shave your armpits?
Serving members of the US Army, Navy and Marine Corps may qualify for a “shaving waiver” if they suffer from medical conditions that make shaving difficult or painful, but still have to keep any facial hair short. The beard ban has meant some Muslims, Sikhs and Hasidic Jews have been unable to sign up for duty.
When did shaving become mandatory in the military?
World War I
World War I was the first time when shaving became mandatory — not only was it a good sanitary practice, but it was necessary to get a seal on the gas mask. The face was to be clean-shaven and the hair no more than one inch long. By World War II, fingernails were also mentioned in the regs (they were to be clean).