Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is personally overseeing a renewed push to enforce a Pentagon grooming policy that largely prohibits beards within the military. The initiative gained momentum following a recent visit to a U.S. Navy ship where Hegseth observed sailors not adhering to the policy.
During the visit, Hegseth discovered that some service members sported beards, a direct contravention of a memo he issued in September, which restricted facial hair for most personnel. This observation prompted discussions at the Pentagon aimed at reinforcing the implementation of Hegseth's directive, which he has termed a "war on beards."
"The SecWar is paying close attention to the progress of the EEO [Equal Employment Opportunity] reforms," one defense official involved in civilian personnel policy wrote in an email, according to CNN. "In fact, the push is to move faster … there is a need to revamp some of our timelines."
While the specific ship where the policy violation occurred remains unclear, Hegseth visited the USS Boxer in Singapore in May and the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego in June. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that Hegseth "maintains the highest expectations for our service members to uphold the professional standards of appearance, fitness, and discipline that define our warfighting force." Parnell added that commanders are expected to enforce these standards consistently and will be held accountable for results.
Hegseth initiated a review of military grooming standards in March 2025, which subsequently led to service branches limiting medical waivers for troops seeking to keep facial hair. In a September 30, 2025, speech, Hegseth declared, "No more beardos. The era of rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles is done."
He further warned that individuals unable to meet physical standards for combat positions, pass physical fitness tests, or unwilling to maintain a professional appearance by shaving might need to seek new roles or careers. The September memo also stipulated penalties, including administrative separation or being flagged as non-deployable.
According to the memo, all personnel must maintain a clean-shaven face, with sideburns not extending past the ear opening. Mustaches must be neatly trimmed and not extend beyond the corners of the mouth. Exceptions for facial hair are generally not permitted unless an exemption is granted.
The policy does allow for waivers for individuals with medical conditions, such as pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps), provided there is an annual review of operational impact. Religious accommodations may also be granted to service members in non-deployable roles with low risk of exposure to chemical attacks or firefighting duties, requiring proper documentation of sincerely held beliefs.
Hegseth has drawn parallels between his approach to grooming standards and the "broken windows" theory in policing, emphasizing the need to address minor infractions to maintain overall order and discipline. He stated, "If you want a beard, you can join Special Forces. If not, then shave."