Army launches survey to find out what serving soldiers and reservists think about beards

The Army wants to hear from its service personnel about a potential change in its policy towards facial hair.

A survey has been launched to understand what personnel think about the Army allowing soldiers to grow beards within specific guidelines.

The move comes after a number of military figures and politicians, including Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, insisted the Armed Forces should modernise in order to attract and retain more personnel.

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The Army has been considering making a change to its policy for some time, with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force both allowing beards.

The ban on beards for most British soldiers dates back to the 19th century, but the clean-shaven policy has been scrutinised many times in the past.

A review is now underway, with the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders, agreeing to examine the current rules.

The policy is being re-examined in an attempt to fill ranks with recruits who would not want to give up their facial hair in order to enlist.

The Army Executive Board, which is reviewing the Army's appearance policy, said the survey was designed to provide service personnel the opportunity to submit their views on whether they should be allowed to have beards.

The survey takes three minutes and is anonymous.

It can be filled by Regular, Reserve, and full-time Reserve personnel - and there is an option to put "Other" if someone does not fit into any of those categories.

The survey is inclusive of all gender identities, whether male, female or non-binary.

The main question 'Do you think appearance policy should be amended to allow Army personnel to grow a beard?' has two answer options – 'No' and ' Yes, neat and tidy'.

The reasons for choosing No are 'untidy appearance ', 'perceived lack of hygiene,' 'negative impact on operational effectiveness,' 'a policy of no beards is part of the Army’s history' and 'just don’t like them '.

The survey deadline is midnight Wednesday 24 January. Anyone following this link is able to complete it.