“This update reinforces our culture that fosters discipline — and discipline equals readiness,” Michael R. Weimer, the sergeant major of the Army, said in the statement

Threatening to kick out 40,000 people doesn’t equal readiness.

A 2021 study in the journal Military Medicine said that grooming techniques and topical medications could be effective in treating mild-to-moderate cases of pseudofolliculitis barbae, but more severe cases responded best to laser therapy. Long-term shaving exemptions “may be needed for treatment-resistant cases,” the study said.

I saw many cases first-hand that did not resolve with topical treatments and would have led to scarring unless a permanent waiver was granted. Laser treatment is a terrible compromise on this issue - would you permanently alter yourself to conform to the standards or would you say “Fuck that” and get out when your contract ends?

With how bad the military as a whole is hurting for people, I’m surprised they’re threatening more bullshit like this.