09-18-2025, 07:18 AM
Special Operations soldiers are often embedded with an indigenous population for months on end or moving thru hostile territory for an extended period of time. There isn't a practical reason for grooming standards under those or combat situations which is why there are differing standards in combat settings as opposed to peaceful or rear echelon settings.
As far as the Middle East, village elders generally won't even talk to a clean shaven man. A full beard is a sign of maturity and status. There were times early in the GWOT that lower enlisted troops were brought to act as intermediary in meetings with elders and clean shaven officers because the troop had a beard.
As far as the Middle East, village elders generally won't even talk to a clean shaven man. A full beard is a sign of maturity and status. There were times early in the GWOT that lower enlisted troops were brought to act as intermediary in meetings with elders and clean shaven officers because the troop had a beard.
