The British Army’s historic ban on beards has been lifted, allowing soldiers and officers to grow facial hair, in a move that aligns with modern grooming standards and aims for inclusivity.
The British Army has officially ended its century-old ban on beards, allowing soldiers and officers to grow facial hair, as long as it is well-groomed and adheres to defined grooming standards. This landmark decision marks the Army as the last branch of the UK Armed Forces to permit facial hair, aligning its appearance policy with those of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, which have allowed beards for some time.
The policy change, effective immediately, allows for beards that are a “full set” and within a specified length of between 2.5mm and one inch. This move came after a comprehensive review of the Army’s grooming standards and was influenced by a survey of serving and reservist troops, as well as criticisms from Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and backing by King Charles. The Army’s previous stance on beards centred around safety concerns, particularly regarding the proper seal of gas masks, but has since been re-evaluated in light of modernisation efforts and recruitment strategies aimed at attracting a broader pool of candidates.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, Head of the Army, announced the new policy emphasising its reflection of contemporary norms and the armed forces’ commitment to inclusivity and adaptability. This decision has been met with support from various quarters, including the Labour Party, which also endorses the acceptance of tattoos within the military.
Soldiers departing on Easter leave will be among the first to publicly showcase their beards under the new policy, symbolising a significant shift towards modernising the military’s image and practices.
