British Army Ends The Controversial Beards Ban
In a move that is set to please many in the ranks, the British Army has announced it is formally lifting its beards ban and will now allow soldiers to grow facial hair. For decades the Army had prohibited any form of facial hair other than a moustache for practical and safety reasons. But that controversial policy is now being scrapped in favour of a more relaxed approach.
The new rules, which come into effect immediately, will permit all regular and reserve soldiers to grow beards, subject to operational health and safety considerations. Troops will still need to keep their beards trimmed and maintain a high standard of grooming. Any soldier unable to grow an effective seal with a respirator mask will still be required to remain clean-shaven.
Why The Change Of Heart?
Senior Army sources say attitudes have changed in recent years regarding beards and facial hair in the workplace. The lifting of the beards ban brings the Army in line with trends seen across other militaries and sectors. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson commented that the move reflects efforts to make the armed forces more inclusive and adaptable to modern norms. It is also hoped relaxing the rules around beards will help with recruitment and retention of troops.
The new policy will see soldiers able to grow short beards of no more than 1cm in length. Larger beards or styles like goatees and stubble will still be prohibited. Only time will tell if this represents a significant culture change for the clean-shaven British Army. But for now many troops seem pleased to have more freedom of choice over their appearance.
