The intent of this petition is to appeal to the White House and the Department of Defense to allow the growth, wear,and maintenance of a clean, well-trimmed beard by US Armed Forces Service members while on duty and in uniform. The wearing of the beard would be allowed at both stateside and overseas locations, and will be regulated by dress and appearance standards as set forth by the Department of Defense and its respective service branches.
The beard is, and always has been, a symbol of respect and maturity amongst many cultures throughout the world, including the United States of America. Though periodic social and fashion movements have altered, elimated, or manipulated the beard, it has remained a natural part of mankind's physiological makeup, and should be respected as such.