Military shaves rules on beards in uniform

OTTAWA — The Canadian Armed Forces have been in a lot of hairy situations over the years, but is taking that notion in a totally different direction by officially easing its restrictions on beards while in uniform.

The move announced Wednesday, effective immediately, follows other attempts by senior officers to modernize the military for the 21st century — and in the process increase recruitment and improve morale.

Previously, beards were only allowed for a small segment of the military population — such as sailors on shore duty and members of a specific infantry unit thanks to historical precedent or because of religious or medical reasons.

There will still be restrictions. Unit commanders will be able to order troops to be clean shaven for safety reasons, such as if personnel are operating in places where they might need gas masks. Sailors deployed on ships will also continue to be required to keep their five o’clock shadow under control for the same reason, as they need to be prepared to don firefighting equipment in the event of an emergency.

And anyone whose ability to grow facial hair is dubious will be required to shave off what the commanders have described as “unsuccessful attempts to grow a beard.”

The decision to allow beards followed nearly two years of consultations with service members who repeatedly questioned the restrictions, said Chief Warrant Officer Alain Guimond, the military’s top non-commissioned officer.

“We were getting for a good year-and-a-half to two years questions as to why they weren’t allowed,” Guimond said in an interview.

“It is 2018. That culture, it’s OK if we change it so we keep our people happier.”