By Michael Lee Simpson

The Department of Defense has effectively banned beards in the U.S. military by issuing tough new grooming rules which say troops will be kicked out if they don't shave.

The new policy says exemptions - shaving waivers - can only be approved with permission from a medical officer, and can only be issued for a year - after which "separation proceedings" will begin.

The memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said grooming standards were key to discipline, unity, and the “warrior ethos".

The grooming standard set by the U.S. military is to be clean-shaven and neat in presentation for a proper military appearance,” the release said.

Effective immediately, the directive requires that all requests for shaving waivers be reviewed by military medical officers, w

See Full Page