Throughout history up until the 20th Century, facial hair was prevalent throughout the military. Beards were banned in the late 20th Century due to the risk of life and improper seals on Gas Masks. We propose the Commander in Chief issue an Executive Order allowing service members to grow beard, so long as they are short, well groomed, and are not ridiculously shaped, trimmed or styled for the following reasons.
1- Cultural. There would be no need for controversy allowing for servicemen of faiths requiring beards if they were allowed to have one.
2- Strategic. We are in a war zone where the culture dictates that a beard means manhood. To Afghani civilians, our soldiers are teenagers at best.
3- Gas masks fit with beards now.
4- Spec Forces soldiers can; why can't the rest of them?