Soldiers and officers of the British Land Forces will now be able to grow beards, after a rule of more than a century was abolished, BTA reported.
The Army has confirmed the changes are effective immediately following a review of its military appearance policy.
Beards and mustaches should be neat, well-trimmed and styled frequently.
Newspaper “Times“ reports that the rules approved by the king stipulate that only a “full beard“ (beard, mustache and sideburns – note line) with a permissible length between 2.5 and 2.55 mm without “bare spots and bumps” or “extravagant“ colors.
The Land Forces were the latest branch of Britain's armed forces to allow its members to grow beards after years of controversy over the issue.
„Over the past few months, we have conducted a review of our appearance policy. A wide range of regular officers and soldiers, reservists and veterans had the opportunity to give their views,” said a spokesperson for the Ground Forces.
„The Ground Forces Command reviewed the opinions and the Chief of Staff ordered that the appearance policy be changed and that soldiers and officers be allowed to grow beards. We have listened and are acting," he added.
„Recruitment into the Ground Forces is an important priority and the latest studies of the “South“ showed that most men (54%) today say they currently have a beard or moustache. I asked the Ground Forces to formally review the outdated beard ban. Today, this sensible change to the rules has been made”, British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said.
The Army has confirmed that officers and soldiers will still be asked to shave in certain situations where certain circumstances need to be taken into account.