Soldiers and officers serving in the British Army are now allowed to grow beards, following a change in rules overseen by local MP, Andrew Murrison.
The Army overturned its 100-year ban on facial hair earlier this month, becoming the last of the armed forces to allow its personnel to grow beards although, as with the Navy and Royal Air Force, there will be strict rules on the grooming of facial hair.
The change in policy was overseen by Andrew Murrison through his role as Minister for Defence People.
The MP, who is a Navy veteran and reservist said, “Beards are much more common these days among young men who may be thinking of joining the Army than a generation ago. Facial hair may be a small thing, but I don’t want any good people being put off the Army by unnecessary rules.
“Potential reservists in particular may wonder why they would have to be clean shaven 365 days a year when they are on duty for just five weeks.”
