Beards

**techno-spastic** · 25-07-2010, 00:32

Originally Posted by mark1234

Correct.

Pioneer sgts wear a beard and a lovely apron and axe.

It's a regimental appointment though rather than a rank.

Our old pioneer sgt used to have one, Used to get rolled out at all the freedom parades etc. Always looked more of a butcher though, what with his axe & apron.

**techno-spastic** · 25-07-2010, 00:36

Always in the colour party as well, don't know why, can anyone enlighten me as to what that had to do with it?

**gijoe** · 25-07-2010, 21:57

In theatre I think all of the reasons have been done above.

As for the 'locals have respect for you if have a beard' argument - cobblers - they don't although a fair number of units seem to dine out on this one. (RAF Regt KAF biggest on this one!)

The locals are curious because it is their culture to grow a beard as a sign of maturity - if you don't have a beard then you must be young and not an elder. It is a pointless exercise anyway because if you cannot speak their language there is no point in wearing a beard to try and convince them that you are mature. The locals find it all quietly amusing.

So...number of beards in theatre for reasons other than lack of water or medical probably too high.

G

**eodmatt** · 26-07-2010, 05:07

Originally Posted by Yeah_Innit_Blud

Genuine question, not slagging off the black guys or anything, but I've seen a handful of guys with beards for medical reasons, and they're all black. Do black guys get a lot of problems from shaving or something?

Yep. I was advised by our doc not to shave my ex wifes twat - she was from the Caribbean area - bacause she had problems with ingrowing hairs. Pity really as she was a pie n ear sgt.

**Steven** · 26-07-2010, 07:15

Originally Posted by gijoe

In theatre I think all of the reasons have been done above.

As for the 'locals have respect for you if have a beard' argument - cobblers - they don't although a fair number of units seem to dine out on this one. (RAF Regt KAF biggest on this one!)

The locals are curious because it is their culture to grow a beard as a sign of maturity - if you don't have a beard then you must be young and not an elder. It is a pointless exercise anyway because if you cannot speak their language there is no point in wearing a beard to try and convince them that you are mature. The locals find it all quietly amusing.

So...number of beards in theatre for reasons other than lack of water or medical probably too high.

G

Thought it was more because the Muslim faith requires men to grow a fist length beard as soon as they are able.

to shave the beard is HARAAM and among males the only ones to resort to this practice (of shaving) are the HERMAPHRODITES (persons who possess both male and female features and characteristics).

So if you are clean shaven the locals are quietly amused because they think you are a ladyboy.

**martin7606** · 26-07-2010, 09:06

The '07 unit phot for SRR was full of guys in relatively smart rig and yet a motley assortment of scraggy beards.

**Vastatio** · 26-07-2010, 09:12

I've read that in some areas, the locals shave as a reaction against the Taliban's insistence on beards. Seems to be turning into something of a myth...

**OldSnowy** · 26-07-2010, 09:40

Major XXX RA to COS (Herrick, 200

:
"Permission to grow a beard, sir, in order to convince the locals I'm pukka? (he was in a position that involved much mixing with Afghan civvies).

COS:
"The only people here with beards are the Special Forces, and the blokes who empty the shithouses. You are neither. Keep shaving."

**tearsbeforebedtime** · 26-07-2010, 10:27

When we patrolled we didn't shave due to water issues (summer) nothing to do with buddying up with the locals and bezzering with chai doesn't really cut it. Resupply issues also meant that beards were being sported in PBs at various points. If water is availible you wash and shave. Beards off within hours of being in a loc with enough water.

I must admit that being shouted at by a camp rat in beautifuly ironed, pristine kit upon hopping out a wagon on the vehicle park did grate somewhat.