Why do pioneers have beards

As well as being the forefront of the army, the Pioneer was also the blacksmith, and thus was allowed a beard to help protect his face from the soaring heat of the forge. In more modern times, the pioneer sergeant is responsible for woodwork, but will still wear the traditional aprons and axes.

Although a beard is a formal allowance in that rank, other ranks are allowed to grow beards for certain reasons, including: skin medical - for example, temporary skin irritation; or religious reasons - for example, Sikhism prohibits cutting your hair.

Elsewhere, the Navy allows beards but not moustaches, which, strangely, are accepted in the RAF, Army and Royal Marines - albeit not extending below the edge of the mouth.

Navy personnel must seek permission to grow their beard, and when they do, are expected to keep them for at least six months. As for the other hair on your head - your barnet - according to armystudyguide.

The hair must also not fall over the eyes or ears. For females, a similar rule applies, with 'trendy styles that result in shaved portions of the scalp or designs cut into the hair' being prohibited. Topics: Moustache , british army , Beard. Chosen for You Chosen for You.

Most Read Stories Most Read. Advert Exceptions can be made for religious or medical reasons, but the average Joe will need to shave every day.

The salt sprinkled on the wound is watching our allies grow beards that put every hipster to shame. Some only allow a neatly trimmed pencil mustache, like the Americans, while others only allow their Navy to sport beards.

This goes for everyone except the Royal Navy, which allows beards but forbids mustaches alone. There is an awesome exception for Pioneer sergeants, however, who grow out beards for ceremonial purposes.

Historically, these sergeants were the blacksmiths of the unit and the beard protected their faces from forge flames. This rank, position, and beard can be found in Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations, too. Spanish troops are held to the most relaxed facial hair standards. If you can grow a beard, go for it. If your little whiskers are trying to poke through, keep at it. The only restriction is that it must be a full beard. Photo by Cpl. Tracy McKithern.

German troops are allowed to grow their beards as long as they are trimmed, unobtrusive, and well-kept. As long as a troop can still wear a gas mask, they can keep the beard. What makes German troops stand out is that they are not allowed to have stubble.

So, the only way to keep facial hair is if you can grow a majestic enough beard while on leave. If their command approves of the beard upon return, they can keep it. If not…. Bundeswehr soldiers get one shot.