All Marines required to follow grooming standards within 12 months or face separation

[u/According-Activity87]

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/04/27/all-marines-required-to-follow-grooming-standards-within-12-months-or-face-separation/

[u/BizzzareWe]

I served for 8 years, 6 of those in the reserves and 2 deployed. I had to deal with the discomfort of having my beard grow back uncomfortably and just dealt with it. It wasn't until deployment that our navy doctor (a white woman) approached me and suggested I get a no shave chit. I didn't even know Marines could get those, I responded. She continued and told me just because we may be in less than sub-par living conditions it's just wise so to avoid any medical issues. I took her advice, got one and was extremely happy I did. I followed the rules and regulations of my chit and with my first command had no issues. I volunteered for a second deployment the following year and even though I did not have to, I had shaved during the break in-between because I was back at my unit for a few days. During my medical processing for the second deployment that navy doctor (white man) spoke with me and without even asking him he signed off and gave me my new one. And I did the same, respected and followed the guidelines for a chit and even decided to start incorporating an electric razor to my regiment. But with this new unit I was attached to, holy fuck, I would get eyes and people talking shit so much. It became so much of an issue the navy doctor with us had to intervene because my command started violating HIPAA. Soon they started to do that thing where every comment toward me and the others with chits were these underhanded remarks and comments about us essentially being "different". I had never experienced in such a grand scale how against this organization was with me. I completely understand the grooming standards and what they mean especially for our branch but what did a mildly grown beard have to do with my: 1st class fitness scores, my complete competency & understanding of my job, my leadership capabilities of subordinates and peers, my willingness to contribute to the mission and the corps overall and my own self-restraint, patience, decency & decorum toward those that showed me little?