Pentagon's New Grooming Policy: How Hegseth's Beard Ban Impacts Religious Service Members

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth's Military Grooming Rules Draw Criticism From Sikhs

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has sparked significant controversy with his recent announcement regarding military grooming standards. The Sikh Coalition, a prominent advocacy organization for Sikhs serving in the US military, has voiced strong opposition to these new regulations that prohibit beards, long hair, and other forms of personal expression.

During an address at Quantico, Virginia, Hegseth explicitly stated, "No more beards, long hair, superficial individual expression." He further remarked, "If you want a beard, you can join special forces, if not, then shave," according to reports from the Sikh Coalition.

While speaking to approximately 800 high-ranking military officials including generals, admirals, and senior enlisted leaders, the former Army National Guard officer mockingly referred to service members with facial hair as "beardo-s" and "fat generals."

These new regulations may force Sikhs, Orthodox Jews, and Muslims who maintain facial hair for religious purposes to choose between their faith practices and their military careers, as religious accommodations appear to be in jeopardy.

The coalition emphasized that military personnel are now on "high alert" and reminded that Sikh service members have consistently demonstrated that adhering to their religious practices, such as wearing turbans or maintaining uncut hair, does not compromise their effectiveness, honor, or capabilities as military personnel.

Shortly after Hegseth's presentation, the Pentagon issued a memorandum titled "Grooming Standards for Facial Hair," instructing all military branches to revert to pre-2010 regulations and specifically noting that "facial hair waivers are generally not authorised."

According to the directive, all personnel must maintain a clean-shaven appearance, sideburns must be trimmed above the ear opening, and while mustaches are permitted, they must be neatly maintained. The memo explicitly prohibits beards, goatees, and other facial hair unless specifically authorized.

The document mandates that all military branches develop compliance plans within 60 days, with full enforcement required within 90 days.

Additionally, the memo states, "Applicants unable to comply will be deferred from accession until standards are met."

Mikey Weinstein, who founded the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), characterized these new grooming standards as more than just regulations about facial hair or hairstyles. According to local media reports, Weinstein described them as a "comprehensive, universal attack" that disproportionately impacts individuals who are not straight, white, Christian, and male.