Army's most senior NCO suggests decision on whether to allow beards may be imminent

The British Army's most senior non-commissioned officer has hinted that his bosses are finalising their decision on whether to allow beards.

WO1 Paul Carney told Forces News the Army was looking very seriously at beards, adding: "There's a team in Army headquarters pulling together the evidence on why we should or shouldn't."

He went on to say that the decision would be announced very soon.

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Last year, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps also weighed in on the debate, describing the Army's current restriction on facial hair as "ridiculous and outdated".

Royal Navy and RAF personnel are already allowed facial hair, with each service having a distinct policy regarding beards.

The Royal Engineer soldier who took on the role as Army Sergeant Major in 2021, believes that putting some soldiers back in frontline recruiting has helped with a recent surge in applications to join Armed Forces.

Army Sergeant Major is the most senior member of the non-commissioned ranks of the Army.

WO1 Carney linked the upturn in applications to join the Army with the Chief of the General Staff's recent warning about preparing for war adding: "I think we've got a great offer."

The news comes after a spokesperson said last year that the Army's policy on beards was under constant review.

Elsewhere, the Royal Air Force has scrapped its decades-old no hand tattoo policy for potential recruits and serving personnel.