Why mind boggling, the majority right here think the rule just fine. Grow up, snowflake!

GF

Snowflake! Nice.

What's the Galaxy portion of your name? Did you fly C-5s?

The problem is, if you don't wan't people looking like "hobos," you'll have to establish some sort of standard to determine what beards are acceptable and which are not.

Simply stating "neatly trimmed" wont work very well, because one person's "neatly trimmed" is another's "hobo." It's a lot easier, from a policy perspective, to just say no to any facial hair or, in some cases, allow for mustaches.

There are just to many variables involved and there are more pressing matters for the powers that be to address.

17 years, two wars, innumerable "contingencies" (Somalia was a contingency"), and 5000+ hours.

GF

I fully understand what you mean, but I don't think it would be too hard. Saying there is a half- or one-inch limit would work well, seems pretty straightforward, and holds up a standard.

Perhaps over time the younger generation will be more accommodating, since they see professionals of all sorts with beards these days. I don't want to bring in the personal factor, but I'm training to be a pilot (I'm now in my thirties,) and I've have a very short, trimmed beard my entire adult life. Basically, I buzz my entire head at the #1 setting. I've held a professional position that entire time and have never been questioned about my appearance. It is a sacrifice I am more than willing to make, but I still find it random and unnecessary.

And the mustache thing is kind of funny, too, because I don't know how one could possibly argue they look more professional or respectable compared to a trimmed beard.

(On a different note I would argue being overweight could also go against the "professional standard," as well, but that's a whole different can of worms.)

Well, you saw my last name. I'm sure you know my father.

Westover? Delta?

GF

Sure, you could put that language into a grooming policy. The issue lies in enforcement. You'll still get a lot of variation and people won't take too kindly to having their boss take out a ruler to measure hair length to verify compliance, especially in a civilian environment.

The moustache thing isn't about which one is more or less professional looking, it's mainly about which is easier to enforce from a standards point of view. The military and many law enforcement agencies do this by simply stating it won't cover the mouth nor extend past the corners of the mouth.

Personally, I prefer the way I look with facial hair (Van Dyke style specifically). However, if I work for a company that has grooming standards, I'm not going to really think twice about shaving.

We are not created equal. Some folk's beard growth looks like the "Mange."

Eventually we will win this battle. Just like we won KCM. The rest of the world seems to get it. A nearly groomed beard is considered professional in 2018. Once this generation of pilots makes it into the higher ranks of mgmt, it will happen!