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.
Do other countries have a similar beard ban?
In the military, facial hair has varied over time in other countries. It might be allowed, common, or an essential component of the uniform.
Countries with restrictions on beards in the military:
United States: The US military generally has strict grooming standards, and beards are not allowed for most service members. Exceptions may be made for certain medical or religious reasons.
Russia: The Russian military traditionally has strict grooming standards, and beards are generally not allowed. However, there may be exceptions for religious or health reasons.
Countries allowing beards in the military:
Israel: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has, in certain cases, allowed soldiers to wear beards for religious reasons.
India: The Indian military, in some branches, permits Sikh soldiers to maintain beards as part of their religious practices.
Canada: The Canadian military allows beards in some cases, and exceptions may be made for religious or cultural reasons.
Is the British Army's beard ban being lifted?
The army board executive committee will debate the issue next week, the Sun reported.
An Army insider told the publication: “We’re in a really difficult jobs market. If a ban on beards is putting people off, then it needs to be reconsidered.”
What is the history of the beards being allowed in the British Army?
British soldiers wore beards down to their waists In the Crimean War in the mid-1850s, the Sun reported.
It said that until 1916, every soldier was told they had to attempt to grow a moustache.
Julian Farrance, a senior curator at the National Army Museum, told the Guardian: “A lot of tradition within the British Army comes from the fashion of the day. Beards were allowed right at the start of the 17th century."
