British Army allows beards as it ends 100-year ban
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British Army soldiers and officers will finally be allowed to grow a full beard after King Charles gave his approval, allowing military chiefs to end the more than 100-year ban.
Head of the Army General Sir Patrick Sanders decided that its policy should be overhauled after a survey of serving and reservist troops showed an ‘overwhelming majority’ felt soldiers should be allowed beards.
The army’s most senior non-commissioned officer announced that the change will be coming in immediately, meaning those wishing to stop shaving over the Easter break will have time to grow out their facial hair.
Troops that will have beards will be subject to review and that crucially, they must be kept neat.
Only a ‘full set beard’ will be permitted and the length must be between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm or one inch), according to the new policy.
It will need to be ‘trimmed off the cheekbones and neck’ and there must be ‘no patchy or uneven growth’ and ‘no exaggerated colours’.
The ban on beards for most British soldiers dates back to the 19th century, despite years of debate and criticism of what is widely seen as an outdated policy.
The Royal Navy has long permitted sailors to have full beards and moustaches, with their commanding officer’s consent.
The RAF changed its dress regulations in 2019 to allow serving members to grow beards.
The Army has long cited a reason for the ban as being that beards can prevent gas masks from sealing to soldiers’ faces.
Responding to such concerns, a defence source told The Telegraph that ‘if there’s a chemical threat then people will shave.’
Only moustaches are allowed for most soldiers in the Army, but beards are permitted for some military positions on parade, including Pioneer Sergeants, Drum Majors, Pipe Majors, Bugle Majors, and Goat Majors.
