Why US Military Enforced a Facial Hair Ban

The U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps prohibit beards or other facial hair. They aren’t allowed on the basis of hygiene, the need to completely seal gas masks, and the official uniform dress code. The ban began during World War II when gas masks were crucial to surviving during the war. The Navy ban on beards on Naval installations and operational vessels, including its submarine fleet, was reinstated in 1984 by CNO James D. Watkins. The U.S. Coast Guard allowed beards until 1986, when they were banned by Commandant Admiral Paul Yost.

The majority of police forces in the United States still ban their officers from wearing beards. Moustaches however, are generally allowed in both the military and police forces (except for those undergoing basic training). Those with skin conditions such as pseudofolliculitis barbae or severe acne are allowed to maintain short facial hair with the permission of a doctor or medic, but no shaping is allowed, only trimming with an electric razor, or approved regular razor. 1/8 of an inch is usually the limit for this condition.

Additionally, for almost a decade, ending with a "deauthorization" order that took effect on September 7, 2010, many Special Forces members in Afghanistan were allowed to wear beards.