And yet elite units couldn't care less about shaving.

200 years of progress impeded by tradition... yep the modern Army moto.

Funny how we are the only western military to still insist on no beards. Canada, Brits, Frenchies, Germans, Italians... They seemed to be just fine in "field conditions". I guess living in squalor is a uniquely American military thing.

This will clearly bias against Black servicemen. The Army will need to resource the requirement just like anything else. They will need to fund the purchase of lasers for treatment of the PFB or loose many good soldiers, marines... and the rest of em.

Can't speak for the Marine Corps, but it's probably similar to the new Army policy on it, which I've now seen some details on.

1. No permanent shaving profiles.
2. Temporary profiles are still authorized. Requires a treatment plan.
3. Tricare will cover treatment plan, including laser treatments.
4. Service members may be removed if they are on a shaving profiles for more than 12 months in a 2 year period.

This is part of what will be a larger crackdown on grooming and uniform standards in general.

When we fight China, it will be our clean shaves that make the difference in the high stakes fight for national survival.

Glad our leaders remain focused on the things that win wars.

As a Rifle Plt Sgt in the late '90s, I had 1 dark green Marine with a shaving waiver. He was generally unsat, went UA, never to return so I didn't get to see the waiver process play out.

I really don't remember shaving to be a big issue. Yes, everyone broke out in the field from wearing war paint, but we are talking 18-22 yoa devil pups here.

In Boot, I do recall 1 of my DI's showing the dark green recruits how to shave. He also showed the rest of the platoon by shaving a recruit and cutting the recruit's face in the process. He drew more blood from the recruit he demonstrated teeth brushing on though.

Read through this whole discussion, and not a single mention of using Nair?

I was a NFO, and clean shaven, we had to wear O2 masks often, or be prepared to.

I always used an electric razor. Once I was RIF'd from the Navy I stopped shaving entirely.

Joe Schillaci 48 said:

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USA*** said:

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Y'all are just jealous. Y'alls poor choice of service isn't the Air Force's fault!

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The other services should not be haters. Our country needs smart people and the Air Force is the source of the US military smart people.

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Yep. I had a PES and NMS, and about 20/200 vision. I went for the AFROTC full ride scholarship because I knew they'd never make me fly a plane. Got the award, but ended up turning it down.