British soldiers (Reuters)

Finally, officers and soldiers of the British Armed Forces were able to grow their beards while serving in the army, in a political change that required the approval of the King.

But - according to The Times - the beards worn by their owners must be polite and subject to review, as the chief non-commissioned officer in the British Army explained in a video message to the troops.

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According to this policy, only a “full beard” is permitted, with a length between 2.5 millimeters and 25.5 millimeters (one inch). It should be defined from the cheekbones and neck. It must not have “patchy or uneven growth” and “no exaggerated colors.”

Petty Officer 1st Class Paul Carney said the new policy would go into effect immediately to allow soldiers to stop shaving over the Easter holiday.

New guidance on beard length and style in the British Army (Design by: EC Design Studio)

"It took a little longer to reach this outcome than expected due to the larger number of stakeholders who participated, including His Majesty the King, our politicians and our allies," he added.

“Beards must be well-groomed, and our standards cannot be stopped,” Carney said.

The newspaper reported that the inspection of beards will take place as soon as the forces return from Easter vacation. She indicated that the king approved the decision on Thursday.

It is noteworthy that the army announced - last year - that it would review the century-old policy, allowing soldiers and women to express their opinions. The vast majority of participants said they wanted to change the rule.

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps told the newspaper before Christmas that the ban on beards in the military was “ridiculous” and it was time for a modernisation. Other armies around the world are "fully capable of fighting with beards," he said. He criticized the army for taking too long to make the decision.

The newspaper indicated that the Royal Navy has long allowed a full beard and mustache, while the Royal Air Force allowed beards in 2019.

Source: Times