British Army considers lifting 300-plus-year beard ban to attract recruits
The British Army is reportedly considering lifting a 300-plus-year ban on beards to attract more recruits.
As reported by the Telegraph, current rules state that beards can be grown with only the commanding officer’s authorisation.
The Guardian reported that the move would align the Army with the Royal Navy, which has long allowed full beard and moustache sets, and the RAF, which permitted beards in 2019.
Here's all you need to know about the British Army's beard ban and why it is considering ending it.
Why are beards banned in the British Army?
As reported by the Guardian, the British Army has banned beards — except in extreme circumstances or with very specific exceptions — since the beginning of the 18th century. The extreme circumstances include operational purposes, such as covert missions.
Beards are permitted for some military positions and grades, including Pioneer Sergeants, Drum Majors, Pipe Majors, Bugle Majors, and Goat Majors. They were first prohibited for both practical and historical reasons: hair impedes the formation of an airtight seal around the face by gas masks and other breathing devices.
Only moustaches are allowed in the Army.
Currently, Royal Navy sailors who want to grow a beard must obtain their commanding officer's consent.
Since Prince Harry opted to wear his Army uniform to his 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle, his late grandmother the Queen granted him special permission to keep his beard.
Re: British Army considers lifting 300-plus-year beard ban to attract recruits
Members of the Welsh Guards have been pictured sporting beards in their military uniform after the 100-year ban on facial hair was lifted last month.
The infantry soldiers are part of the British Army's Household Division and are responsible for guarding royal palaces and carrying out combat operations overseas.
On their official page on social media site X, the Welsh Guards posted images of their Guardsmen with the caption: "The beards have arrived! Like it or lump it, the beards are here!
"Members of Number 2 Company proudly took up their posts on Kings Guard this morning, marching from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace."
One social media user responded by saying: "A long overdue update to the regulations. Looks good."
Another person disagreed and simply wrote: "Scruffy looking."
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