"The Times Have Changed"... British Army Allows New Recruits to Grow Beards for the First Time in 100 Years

The British Army has allowed soldiers to grow beards for the first time in over 100 years. The regulation was changed to facilitate easier recruitment of new soldiers.

On the 29th (local time), local media such as The Guardian and The Times reported that "the British Army leadership has relaxed regulations on beards after several years of discussion."

Paul Carney, the British Army's senior warrant officer, explained, "The Chief of the General Staff decided to change the dress policy to allow officers and soldiers to have beards, reflecting the opinions of the troops. It took longer than expected to reach a conclusion due to the involvement of many stakeholders, including the monarch, politicians, and allied countries."

Most countries' militaries restrict growing beards due to hygiene and other concerns. The British Army, too, had only allowed neatly trimmed mustaches for over a century. Beards were permitted only in special circumstances such as secret missions or operations, and even then, soldiers had to shave clean once the mission was completed.

British soldier wearing a beret [Image source=Pixabay]

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The British Navy has long allowed beards, and the Air Force has permitted soldiers to grow beards since 2019. However, the Army maintained strict regulations allowing beards only for health reasons, specific religions, or operational needs.

This recent change in the British Army's regulations is mindful of the younger generation's preference for growing beards. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps also stated last year in the media, "According to recent polls, more than 50% of British men have beards or mustaches," adding, "I requested an official review of the Army's outdated beard ban policy."

The Army expects this policy to help with recruitment. Secretary Shapps said, "Recruiting new soldiers is the top priority." Other European countries such as Germany, Belgium, and Denmark also allow soldiers to grow beards.

However, even with the allowance of beards, strict management regulations regarding length and grooming will be enforced. Beard length must be between 2.5mm and 25.5mm, and the cheekbones and neck areas must always be neatly trimmed. Uneven beard length or exaggerated beard color will not be permitted.

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