Until this Thursday, only the pioneer sergeant, the member of the British Army Infantry company who advanced ahead of the rest, with his apron and his ax to clear the way, could wear a beard. Among other things, because he was also the company's blacksmith, and his facial hair protected him from the heat of the forge. In some UK institutions, things change at their own pace. From now on, and once authorization has been obtained from King Carlos III, head of the Armed Forces, army soldiers will be able, like many men of their generation, to wear beards.
No scandalous sideburns, goatees, or flashy dyes will be allowed. The beard must be full, shaved at the level of the cheekbones and not extend over the neck. That is, “neat”, and subject to constant review.
“It has taken us a little longer than expected to be able to carry out this measure, due to all the interests involved in the matter, including His Majesty the King, our politicians and our allies,” explained Chief Petty Officer First Class, Paul Carney, in a four-minute video released this Thursday among the troops. “The chief of the General Staff has taken your opinions into account, and he has decided to change the regulations regarding appearance, so officers and soldiers will be able to wear beards,” he announced.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy have allowed beards and mustaches among their members for years. “How can it be that we have serious problems recruiting personnel, and we arbitrarily maintain this ban?” Defense Minister Grant Shapps complained last year in an interview in which he described it as “ridiculous.” the measure and called for the “modernization” of the army.
Strictly speaking, the pioneer sergeant was not the only exception. Sikhs, Muslims or Rastafarians, who have played fundamental roles in the military history of the British Empire, could keep their beards and mustaches, as long as they did not interfere with their operational effectiveness or pose health or hygiene problems.
The debate about beards in the military has been going on for many years, and has been subject to historical or personal exceptions. During the Crimean War, in the mid-19th century, the mustache and beard became a symbol of bravery and resistance, to the point that British civil society wanted to copy the fashion. For a short time, the mustache became mandatory.
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Prince Harry decided not to get rid of his beard during the wedding ceremony with Meghan Markle, even though he wore a military uniform. The decision had to be justified with the excuse that he was no longer really an officer on duty.
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