At a recent Defense Writers Group event in Washington, D.C., General Eric Smith, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, made it abundantly clear that the Corps will not be changing its stance on beards anytime soon.
He emphasized the importance of the Marine Corps’ distinct identity, noting that recruits enlist with a full awareness of the grooming standards, which do not allow for facial hair.
Maintaining Marine Corps Identity
General Smith expressed that maintaining the Marine Corps brand is crucial for achieving recruiting objectives.
He reinforced the idea that the culture and identity of the Marines must remain consistent; those who choose to join should understand the grooming policies beforehand.
For Marines affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae—a condition commonly known as “razor bumps” that causes painful skin inflammation—the Corps does have a waiver system in place.
This medical condition, which often affects many Black men and can be exacerbated by shaving, permits these individuals to seek exceptions.
However, General Smith made it clear that these waivers are strictly for medical reasons, not for personal or stylistic choices.
The Beard Debate
The debate over whether military personnel should be allowed to sport beards is not new.
Some military experts have raised concerns that facial hair could impede the effectiveness of gas and oxygen masks.
In contrast, other branches of the armed forces, like the British military, have adopted more relaxed rules regarding facial hair.
Historically, the Navy allowed sailors to wear beards, mustaches, and sideburns until 1984 when the ban was reinstated due to uniformity concerns following feedback from senior officials.
More recently, the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act has inspired the Air Force to consider a pilot program that could permit beards for airmen and Space Force personnel.
General Smith’s Light-Hearted Moment
In a light-hearted moment, General Smith shared his plans for retirement, expressing his intent to grow a beard, joking that he won’t have to contend with gas masks anymore.
Source: Taskandpurpose.com