Army allows beards as it ends 100-year ban

SOLDIERS will be allowed to grow beards after the Army overturned a century-old ban on facial hair, The Telegraph can reveal.

The King, who is Commander-inchief, signed off on the decision yesterday to allow officers and soldiers to wear beards.

The policy comes into effect today, meaning soldiers on Easter leave have time to grow a beard while away from work, The Telegraph understands.

Following a review into the Army’s policy on appearances and beards, it was said Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, the head of the Army, took the decision that “the appearance policy will change”. The review included a survey of serving and reservist troops that showed an “overwhelming majority” felt the Army needed to change its policy.

The about-turn comes after Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, said the beard ban was “ludicrous” when discussing the Army’s recruitment crisis.

The move will bring the Army into line with the RAF and Royal Navy which already permit beards.

Troops have been told that beards will have to be “neat” as standards within the Army must not drop.

It was also stressed that any beards grown will be reviewed to ensure they are in line with regulations. It is thought the original ban was to ensure uniformity in appearance.

However, as the Army has struggled with recruitment, it has looked into ways to promote inclusion and encourage men with beards to sign up.

Senior defence sources told The Telegraph there would be “dinosaurs” who will not agree with the decision.

They said: “Someone will say gas masks won’t fit, but if there’s a chemical threat then people will shave.”

In a video released to personnel confirming the decision, Paul Carney, the Army Sergeant Major, said: “The Army has a reputation for… a smart turnout. We must maintain and protect that reputation by continuing to look our best.”