Waiver for beard

[RaginCajun]

I am currently applying for Naval Reserve DCO program but I have a question. I have a beard, mostly because when I shave, I break out VERY bad on my face and neck to the point of massive irritation. Is it possible to get a waiver to maintain facial hair? If so, is it common/relatively easy to get one or is it nearly impossible?

 

[BusyBee604]

Cajun, in 1970, CNO ADM Elmo Zumwalt (in one of a series of memorable "Z-Grams"), lifted the ban on beards. This lasted until 1984, when the new CNO ADM J. D. Watkins, reinstated the ban which stands today. I could find nothing to indicate that the ban is waiverable. The reinstatement reasoning was that 'All Sailors are now Firefighters, and beards prevent an airtight seal when using external breathing equipment...OBAs, etc.).

However, it was generally believed that the unkempt, shaggy/ratty-looking appearance of many Sailors pushing the limits of beard trimming (and hair/sideburn length) regs., became an embarrassment to 'big Navy'!

*Well, there is always the French Foreign Legion alternative!
BzB

 

[BigRed389]

You CAN get no shave chits if you can prove that you have a real problem.

I've also seen a permanent no shave chit granted and entered into the sailor's medical record.

As for how easy it is, it seems to vary depending on how supportive your command and medical reps are. All I've seen is for people who were already in though. For an applicant, no idea.

 

[RaginCajun]

Yeah, from what I have seen they are possible, but I am trying to figure out HOW possible. My face used to get REALLY bad when I'd shave, then if I'd get sweaty, it would get outrageously bad, hence my wearing a beard now.

 

[Gatordev]

Has anyone seen an Officer with a no-shave chit (other than when underway for MWR purposes)? Except maybe a Chaplain, I don't think I have, but they may be out there. That whole "setting the standard" and stuff.

 

[Devil Duck]

Cajun, think I've found another great reason why your interview went poorly.

Look, the Navy does a shit job enforcing the standard. Here you are, applying for a commission asking for relief from a basic requirement - shaving.

If it were possible I'd be rocking a beard today. I work with many allies, including five eyes, that have full beards. While I'd love to join them, it's just not allowed.

Rare exceptions underway, or forward deployed to the Stan.

Recommend being clean shaven for your next interview.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[squorch2]

Here's what you're looking for, Cajun: BUPERSINST 1000.22B Not sure if/how it applies to applicants for service.

 

[Brett327]

Has anyone seen an Officer with a no-shave chit (other than when underway for MWR purposes)? Except maybe a Chaplain, I don't think I have, but they may be out there. That whole "setting the standard" and stuff.

Never. I would be very surprised if such a thing wouldn't have a negative effect on one's career potential. Medically legit or not, people are going to view it negatively.

 

[Renegade One]

In addition to bearded Navy officers being a rarity, I don't think I've ever seen a Marine of any rank with a beard. Do they just not issue waivers? Is it a "shave or discharge" policy? Just curious...

 

[picklesuit]

You will be assimilated...like sex with Kobe, it will go easier if you just lie back and take it....

 

[Uncle Fester]

A classmate of mine at USNA wiped out in a big way with the cycling team, to the point where he needed skin grafts on his face. He grew out his beard while healing, kept it neat and trimmed, as per the instruction...looked pretty bitchin', actually, all Scott of the Antarctic and shit.

Anyway, the point of a no-shave chit is to not aggravate a medical condition while they try to figure out how to fix it. It's not a permanent waiver, unless you're a Sikh in the Army (i.e., religious exemption, and that's on a case-by-case).

 

[dtxz]

I've seen a Marine with a no-shave chit for the duration of a field event for that reason: breaking out. E-4 infantry guy.

 

[BigBadBoJenkins]

Has anyone seen an Officer with a no-shave chit (other than when underway for MWR purposes)? Except maybe a Chaplain, I don't think I have, but they may be out there. That whole "setting the standard" and stuff.

Never seen an officer with a no-shave chit.

I also wonder why beards are OK underway for MWR fundraising reasons. If they aren't worried about firefighting/mask seal problems during the beard growing period underway, doesn't that make that reasoning seem weak? Why couldn't you just have a beard all the time, as long as it was maintained within regs?

 

[BigRed389]

CO can grant permanent no shave chit. Had to route one for an E-5, which was approved.

 

[Gatordev]

Never seen an officer with a no-shave chit.

I also wonder why beards are OK underway for MWR fundraising reasons. If they aren't worried about firefighting/mask seal problems during the beard growing period underway, doesn't that make that reasoning seem weak? Why couldn't you just have a beard all the time, as long as it was maintained within regs?

Why do Shoes roam around the boat in polyester coveralls when "everyone is a firefighter?" Logic is not their forte.