The British Army has approved having beards and mustaches by soldiers as British Army lifts ban on beards, effective immediately. This decision, signaling a departure from previous policies, makes the Army the last branch of the armed forces to allow facial hair.

According to the new guidelines, facial hair must be kept tidy and adhere to grooming standards. Regular inspections will ensure compliance with these rules.

The change follows months of discussion and review within the Army regarding its stance on facial hair regulations. After considering feedback from personnel, Army officials decided to amend the existing policy.

A spokesperson for the Army stated, “We’ve listened to our soldiers and taken proactive measures in response.”

However, there may be situations where individuals are required to be clean-shaven, especially for operational reasons. Officers and soldiers will need to shave as necessary.

This shift in policy reflects a global trend observed in various armed forces, such as those in Denmark, Germany, and Belgium, where facial hair is permitted among troops. It’s believed that this adjustment aims to appeal to a demographic that prefers sporting facial hair, potentially aiding recruitment efforts.

In summary, this update shows the Army’s willingness to adapt to modern norms while maintaining a professional appearance among its personnel.