U.S. Special Forces In Afghanistan Want To Keep Their Beards

Col. Abudul Majeed, 1st Kandak, 209th Afghan National Army Corps commander,(left) combat advised by a U.S. Army Special Forces company commander, assigned to the Combined Joint Special Forces Task Force- Afghanistan, assesses a location for a new governors headquarters in Sangin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan on April 9, 2007.

U.S. Special Forces Ordered To Shave Off Beards, Some Against Command Because It Helps Relations -- New York Daily News

KABUL, Afghanistan - U.S. Special Operations Forces have had countless close shaves this month - not just with the enemy, but with razors and foamy cream.

After almost a decade of growing long beards as a show of deep respect for Afghanistan's male-dominated, bearded tribal culture, many of these elite warriors have been ordered by top brass to shave their faces clean.

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My Comment: This is not the first time that beards and mustaches have been a bone of contention for soldiers in the field and their officers back in command. But the Special Forces in Afghanistan do have a point .... they are always in the field and (I am sure) they understand the cultural aspects of having a beard in Afghan society. While back at command .... my guess is that they have other priorities.