Beards have been banned in all but a few corners of the military since the dawn of chemical warfare and issued gas masks during World War I.
But now the Army is conducting a study to determine whether it can safely allow soldiers to wear beards.
The study, which follows an Army directive allowing Sikh soldiers to keep their beards for religious reasons, is being conducted by Natick Soldier Research Development & Engineering Center. It includes studying the feasibility of wearing the Advanced Combat Helmet with beards, hijabs, bulk hair and turbans.
Once complete, the study's results will be discussed by Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey's senior enlisted counsel and briefed to senior Army leaders.
Until then, we want to know what you think, so sound off by taking this short poll.
