Army Updates Facial Hair Policy to Reinforce Grooming Standards

The U.S. Army Reserve Command announced a major update to its facial hair policy, effective immediately, requiring all soldiers to be clean-shaven while in uniform or civilian clothes on duty. The new policy maintains exemptions for medical, religious, and non-religious reasons, but emphasizes the importance of presentable documentation and support from healthcare providers and commanders.

Key Takeaways:

• The updated facial hair policy, outlined in an Army Directive, requires all soldiers to be clean-shaven while in uniform or civilian clothes on duty, except for medical, religious, or non-religious reasons.
• Temporary exemptions for non-religious reasons require a temporary medical profile (DA Form 3349-SG) and an exception-to-policy (ETP) memo granted by an O-5 officer in the chain of command.
• Soldiers requiring exemptions must maintain presentable copies of their required documents while in uniform or civilian clothes.
• Religious exemptions require documentation of religious accommodation.
• The policy update emphasizes the Army's commitment to maintaining warfighting readiness and a uniform, disciplined force.
• Soldiers who cannot comply with grooming standards within a reasonable timeframe may be administratively separated.

Statistics:

• The new policy affects all soldiers in the Army.
• Exemptions for non-religious reasons require a DA Form 3349-SG and an ETP memo.
• Soldiers must maintain presentable copies of their required documents.
• Soldiers who cannot comply with grooming standards within a reasonable timeframe risk administrative separation.
• The Army Directive updates the facial hair policy, effective immediately.

Sources:

• U.S. Army Reserve Command (July 8) - "* * * Army updates facial hair policy to reinforce grooming standards * *"
• https://www.usar.army.mil/News/News-Display/Article/4237272/army-updates-facial-hair-policy-to-reinforce-grooming-standards/