U.S. Military Faces Backlash Over Elimination of Medical Shaving Exemptions
Sikh Coalition: "Beards Do Not Interfere With Military Service"
Black Soldiers With Severe Pseudofolliculitis Barbae Also Face Discharge Concerns
On the 9th (local time), the U.S. Army announced a new measure strengthening the mandatory shaving regulations. The shaving requirement applies to all soldiers except for religious reasons. U.S. Army official website
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced that, in principle, soldiers who do not shave will be discharged from the military, sparking controversy. Tens of thousands of soldiers who had previously been exempted from the mandatory shaving requirement for religious or health reasons are pushing back, and the issue is spreading into a debate over religious and racial discrimination.
Sikh Coalition: "Beards do not interfere with military service"
Major Simratpal Singh, who led the repeal of the shaving requirement for Sikh soldiers in the U.S. military in 2017. In Sikhism, men follow the doctrine of not cutting their hair and beards. U.S. Army website
The Sikh Coalition recently protested the U.S. Army's announcement that, after a two-year grace period, soldiers who do not comply with the mandatory shaving regulation will be discharged, stating that "growing a beard does not interfere with military service." In a statement, the coalition added that "even if the U.S. Army recognizes religious reasons as an exception to the shaving requirement, Sikh soldiers will still have to carry an 'exemption approval letter' and will be subject to monitoring." The coalition was established in 2001 to prevent religious discrimination against Indian Sikhs living in the United States.
Previously, the U.S. Army stated that all soldiers, except those exempted by the Department of Defense for religious reasons, must keep their beards trimmed, emphasizing that "discipline is at the core of military culture, and discipline is directly linked to readiness." This measure follows Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's directive in March of this year to review military regulations regarding physical fitness, body shape, and shaving. The strengthening of the mandatory shaving regulation, which began with the Marine Corps, is now being expanded to all branches of the military.
Reason for beard ban: Gas masks...Interferes with skin seal
On the 10th (local time) in the Camarillo area of California, U.S. Border Patrol agents wearing gas masks are suppressing illegal immigrant protesters. Photo by AP Yonhap News
The main reason the U.S. Department of Defense established the mandatory shaving regulation is reportedly because beards interfere with the proper wearing of gas masks during operations. Gas masks must fit tightly against the lips and facial skin to prevent the infiltration of toxic substances, but long mustaches and beards significantly reduce the mask's seal.
Military.com, a U.S. military news outlet, pointed out, "The U.S. military's gas mask usage guidelines specify that if beards continue to grow, the protective capability of military-issued gas masks is continuously degraded," adding, "Providing adequate protection for bearded individuals and ensuring masks can be maintained under field conditions requires additional research and development testing."
In fact, during operations where wearing a gas mask is mandatory, commanders may require shaving regardless of exemption status. Military.com reported, "If there is a specific threat of exposure to toxic agents for all soldiers, commanders may temporarily suspend beard growth and require shaving in accordance with their orders."
Black soldiers with pseudofolliculitis barbae face discharge concerns...Racial discrimination controversy
On the 8th (local time), US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth participated in a cabinet meeting. Photo by EPA
However, Black soldiers who have been exempted from the shaving requirement due to medical conditions that prevent them from shaving are now in a difficult position. According to The New York Times (NYT), about 45% of Black service members in the U.S. military have pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), and as a result, about 40,000 soldiers in the military have been exempted from shaving for medical reasons. PFB is a condition in which beard hairs curl back into the skin after shaving, causing inflammation and skin discoloration. It is most common among Black men.
Dr. Sylvan Southern, a dermatologist in Maryland, told the NYT, "PFB is common among people with curly hair and can cause serious wounds due to ingrown beard hairs. People with this condition should not shave completely but should keep their beards trimmed short." Dr. Southern noted that while laser treatment can offer a fundamental solution to PFB, this would require tens of thousands of dollars in surgical costs per soldier.
Observers inside and outside the U.S. military believe the strengthening of the shaving requirement is in line with President Donald Trump's policy direction of dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The NYT expressed concern that stricter shaving regulations could lead to racial and religious discrimination within the military.
Meanwhile, European countries are moving to eliminate mandatory shaving regulations for soldiers. According to the BBC, the British Army abolished its beard ban last year to encourage recruitment. Countries such as Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and Canada, where the number of Sikh and Muslim soldiers is increasing, are also allowing soldiers to grow beards.
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