Head of the British Army agrees to take a look at the service's policy on beards

The head of the Army has agreed to look at the service's beard policy to understand whether there are any potential benefits to the recruitment and retention of personnel.

According to a channel on X called British Army Sergeant Major Carney, the Army Executive Board has met and the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders, agreed to examine the current rules in relation to "recruiting, retaining, motivating & our reputation".

This was later confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.

The latest development comes after the Army said its dress and appearance policy was under constant review amid reports it could be about to relax its rules on beards to aid recruitment.

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The Army was said to be considering lifting a ban on soldiers wearing beards for most ranks - but the service responded to the claims by saying there had been "no change" in its beard policy, with a beard only being able to be grown with the Commanding Officer's authority.

The British Army's policy on facial hair has been under the public spotlight following suggestions that potential recruits could be put off joining up because they cannot sport a beard under its current regulations.

What does the Army allow?

Hair length

Hair is to be groomed such that its length does not reach to the collar or onto the ears.

The same applies where twists, locks or cornrows are worn, unless they are worn for religious reasons.

Beard or no beard?

Men are generally to be clean-shaven, but moustaches and beards may be worn in some circumstances.

If a moustache is worn, it is to be trimmed and not below the line of the lower lip.

Beards and whiskers are only to be worn with the CO's authority, which will usually be granted only on medical or religious grounds, or where tradition permits.

The appearance of the beard and whiskers is to be neat and tidy.

How about sideburns?

Sideburns are not to descend below the mid-point of the ear and are to be trimmed horizontally.

The Royal Navy and RAF already allow beards, with each service having a very distinct policy regarding beards.

In September 2019, the Royal Air Force for the first time allowed its personnel to grow beards under new rules introduced in an effort to broaden its recruitment pool and promote inclusivity.