During my time in the USAF - 25 years - I was always told a beard was incompatible with gas masks (and oxygen masks for aircrew). Guess they now have new gas masks? And if so, I guess they will now allow beards for everyone?
They wouldn’t let me grow a mustache any bigger than Hitler’s....
I remember those silly Errol Flynn ‘staches.
I would meet up with guys at reunions ten, fifteen years in and you could look across the room and see the active duty pilots and aviators.
I loved the guys. But I have to say we all laughed at those.
I’ve only had to wear a mask in basic. If the mission requires the use of a mask, the beard and turban out the window. I only care if they can shoot, carry my body, not get lost, etc. Conformity has a time and place.
I deploy for the DOD.. have to be clean shaved for your mask fitting... Next day - start growing the beard again...