In a move that might make you wonder if the military is preparing for a beauty contest rather than a battlefield, the Pentagon has introduced new grooming standards, mandating that all military personnel be clean-shaven. As of September 15, those seeking an exemption due to medical reasons must now procure a written recommendation from military medical officers, which could be seen as a bureaucratic hurdle in an already complex environment.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has urged the armed services to implement these grooming guidelines following a thorough review of military standards. This review, dubbed a “rapid force-wide review,” appears to have prioritized aesthetics alongside military efficacy.
According to a memorandum released on the same day, Hegseth emphasized that personnel should present themselves as “clean shaven and neat” to uphold what he described as the proper military appearance. Perhaps one might ponder whether a well-trimmed beard could also symbolize strength and leadership, but that’s a debate for another day.
The memorandum details that military medical officers are tasked with providing written recommendations for waivers to the clean-shaven rule, but the final say will rest with the unit commander. Those fortunate enough to receive a waiver must enter a medical treatment plan, which adds another layer of complexity to the issue.
In a rather stringent directive, Hegseth also warned that unit commanders would be responsible for the separation of service members who require a shaving waiver after a year of medical treatment. This suggests that the military is not just interested in looks; it’s keen on results, and quickly.
Hegseth reiterated the importance of grooming standards in fostering a sense of unity and discipline among service members, which could be likened to a corporate dress code aimed at maintaining a professional image—only with more at stake than just a board meeting.
These grooming standards come on the heels of recent changes in the U.S. Army regarding appearance and uniform regulations, which include explicit definitions for hairstyles and guidelines on jewelry, cosmetics, and fingernails. The Army justifies these updates as a reflection of “discipline, professionalism, and a shared commitment to its values.”
Meanwhile, the Air Force has also been busy tightening its own grooming and uniform policies, recently restricting nail polish options for female personnel to just three choices—clear, American, or French manicure—and setting specific facial hair regulations for male Airmen. Such meticulous attention to appearance may raise eyebrows, but the Air Force insists that maintaining a polished look enhances discipline and conveys commitment to the service.
Military Standards Rapid Review
This push for stricter grooming standards isn’t isolated. In March, Hegseth ordered a comprehensive review of military standards covering physical fitness, body composition, and grooming. His rationale was to assess how well the Department of Defense had maintained its standards and to determine necessary changes moving forward.
As Hegseth aptly put it, “We must remain vigilant in maintaining the standards that enable the men and women of our military to protect the American people and our homeland as the world’s most lethal and effective fighting force.” This raises the question, however: must military readiness hinge on the absence of stubble?
April saw the release of a report by the American Security Project (ASP) revealing that nearly 68% of U.S. military reserve personnel were overweight. Hegseth deemed these findings “completely unacceptable,” highlighting a paradox where the military grapples with both appearance standards and fitness challenges. In a candid moment on social media, he declared, “This is what happens when standards are ignored—and this is what we are changing. Real fitness & weight standards are here. We will be FIT, not FAT.”
Ryan Morgan contributed to this report.
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