BATTLE OF OUR HAIROS

Army in beards plea

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STUBBLE trouble is growing for the Army’s top brass.

Soldiers are unhappy that they are the only servicemen still banned from growing beards.

In 2019, the RAF joined the Royal Navy in allowing personnel to grow facial fuzz as long as it meets strict rules.

Squaddies say it is unfair that they must be clean-shaven and they want the Army to “do the right thing”.

In a letter to an Army magazine, one ranted: “If we really care about equality of opportunity then all personnel must be allowed to grow a beard if they want to.

“Alternatively, let nobody grow one. The current situation of religious and medical exemptions is divisive, especially when the evidence from the other services demonstrate that beards can be smart and have no effect on an individual’s output.” The writer claimed the beard ban could be a barrier to recruitment.

In August 2019, senior officers allowed beards for the first time in the RAF’s 101 years. Defence chiefs said the move would “promote inclusivity, broaden the recruitment pool and help us retain our highly-skilled personnel”.

But the Army said they do not allow beards, unless for religious or medical reasons, as it may hit “operational effectiveness.” Lt Col Rachel Emmerson, who works on diversity and inclusion at Army HQ, said: “We routinely review regulations, including the facial hair element, with the last review in early 2020 deciding to retain current policy.”