The Army confirmed the changes will come into effect immediately following a review of its grooming policy.
Beards and mustaches must be neatly trimmed and properly maintained and checked regularly.
The policy, which requires royal approval, will only allow a “full set of beards,” with a length limit of 2.5mm to 25.5mm, and will not allow for “patchy or uneven” hair growth, according to a Times report. It states that “exaggerated” colors will be prohibited.
The Army was the last military to allow its soldiers to grow beards, and has debated the policy for years.
An Army spokesperson said: “Over the past few months, we have been reviewing our grooming policies.” took the opportunity to express his opinion.
“Army leadership reviewed the findings and directed the Chief of Staff to change appearance policy and allow officers and soldiers to grow beards.
“We have listened to the people and acted.”
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘Army recruitment is a top priority and a recent YouGov poll found that most men (54%) said they currently had a beard or mustache. “As a result of these findings, I have asked the Army to formally review its outdated beard ban.” Today, this smart rule change was made. ”
The Army also confirmed that officers and soldiers will continue to be asked to shave their beards if operational or professional considerations warrant it.
