Beards in British Army under constant review amid rumours of rule change
The British Army has said its dress and appearance policy is "under constant review" amid reports it could be about to relax its rules on beards to aid recruitment.
The Army is supposedly 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 one only being able to be grown with the Commanding Officer's authority.
Only a handful of Army ranks, such as Pioneer Sergeant and Bugle Major, are currently permitted to wear a beard or mutton chops on traditional grounds.
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.
An Army spokesperson told Forces News: "Exceptions are usually only granted on medical or religious grounds, or where tradition permits. However, dress and appearance policy is under constant review."
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.
Earlier this year, a top military adviser in the United States said people should "quit wasting our time on something that doesn't have anything to do with kicking the enemy's ass" on the subject of beards in the military.
Chief Master Sergeant Ramon Colon-Lopez, the senior enlisted adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC), shared his views on the shaving policy within the American military during a livestream on social media, where he argued that the debate distracted from the military's priorities and effectiveness.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
