[Skybird]

There are other situations (e.g. fire fighting, smoke/overheat, hazmat, aircraft depressurization, submarine environments) besides bio/chem warfare environments where a well fitted breathing mask is essential.

I was always amazed at the number of times someone seemed to be “starting a beard” and showed up unshaven for work in the civilian world. More like too lazy or running late on getting to work that day.

NO to the military.

[Rio]

All I want is to be able to grow a beard,” the petition reads, as penned by Ed Beebe. “I want to grow long locks of love on my face that will make me feel like a manly man.

If Beebe wrote that, then it's going to take more than a beard to do the job.