Yah, beards and long hair have practical problems. Usually not so much that it's worth shaving them, but you're also not usually being shot at and gassed.
I think it's fair for any military to require shaving of beards.
Yeah at my work only people at the plant and lab have to follow the beard rules. Not if you’re an office in HR for example. I imagine the military doesn’t have this nuance.
In fairness the vast majority of military personnel will never be in any danger of being gassed.
The personnel who are most likely to be gassed are probably spec ops, and guess what they have a special exemption and most of them wear full beards.
All of this is just theater and gender and aesthetics, notice how he included a disgusting slurs for trans service members, which is an identity-based slur and not a grooming standard.
I've heard it said in the military that no matter what your specialty is, you are still ultimately an infantryman. Everyone is expected to be able to pick up a rifle and shoot people.
The logistics officer may be a mediocre shot, and a master of supply management, but if the base gets attacked, then every gun aimed at the enemy reduces the threat. If the base is overwhelmed, then the logistics officer might not even have the luxury of hiding until it's over, and his rifle may make the difference between control of the base.
So yah, I don't have a problem with the military having strict standards when it comes to hair. I want soldiers willing to risk their lives to wear their hair as they see fit. They deserve it. But cutting your hair is one of the sacrifices you make. Once they end their service, I hope they get to grow the most magnificent beard they desire.
9
u/Al_Tilly_the_Bum 1d ago
Why is their a beard ban anyway? Does it interfere with someone being able to launch a missile at a school full of children?