Hegseth pushes Navy action after sailors flout beard policy
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing for action after multiple sailors appeared to violate his beard policy during a routine Navy ship visit, according to a defense official and Pentagon emails reviewed by CNN. The episode has intensified enforcement of Pete Hegseth military grooming rules that already limit medical shaving waivers to one year before separation.
Key Takeaways
- Hegseth spotted bearded sailors on a Navy ship visit and questioned whether the rank-and-file is following his grooming directives.
- Pentagon officials were told in June that Hegseth is closely monitoring beard-policy progress and wants faster implementation.
- The Navy's July 8 guidance ends permanent shaving waivers and allows up to 12 months of treatment before administrative separation.
- Critics warn the policy disproportionately affects Black sailors with pseudofolliculitis barbae, or razor bumps.
- Administrative separations for sailors with permanent shaving conditions cannot begin before July 8, 2027.
What Happened During Hegseth's Navy Ship Visit?
As the US-Iran war risked reigniting in recent weeks, Hegseth boarded a Navy ship for what was supposed to be a routine visit with sailors, CNN reported. The trip was marred when he noticed multiple sailors sporting beards, apparently violating a stricter policy restricting beards in most instances that he issued last year.
Hegseth left the ship wondering whether Pentagon rank-and-file personnel were paying attention to his beard policy and other workforce changes. CNN could not determine which ship visit prompted the crackdown; Hegseth visited the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego in June and the USS Boxer in Singapore in May.
How Is the Pentagon Responding?
Shortly after the June visit, Pentagon officials held meetings in which they told subordinates that Hegseth was closely monitoring agencies' progress on the beard policy and other workplace changes. Emails seen by CNN show pressure from political appointees to move faster on the directives.
One Pentagon official emailed colleagues in June: "Want to bring to your attention that the SecWar is paying close attention to the progress of the EEO reforms. In fact, the push is to move faster." Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth "maintains the highest expectations" for grooming standards and that commanders "will be held accountable for delivering results."
What Does the Navy's New Shaving Policy Require?
The Navy announced on July 8 that it will no longer issue permanent shaving waivers for conditions such as pseudofolliculitis barbae, aligning with Hegseth's 2025 guidance, Navy Times reported. Active duty and reserve sailors may receive medical treatment for up to 12 months, with commanding officers granting temporary waivers in 90-day blocks up to four times.
Sailors who cannot meet grooming standards after one year shall be deemed to have an "unmanageable permanent condition" and recommended for separation. Administrative separations cannot begin before July 8, 2027. The changes do not apply to religious grooming accommodations.
Why Does Hegseth's Beard Policy Draw Criticism?
In September, Hegseth issued a memo tightening beard restrictions, declaring "no more beardos" and arguing beards could prevent safe use of protective equipment against chemical or biological threats. Critics say the policy fails to account for pseudofolliculitis barbae, which the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology says affects about 60% of Black men.
Richard Brookshire of the Black Veterans Project told CNN the policy "allows for an environment of hostility to our Black troops" and opens them to disciplinary action for a treatable condition. For more policy and regulatory developments, follow our Fintech & Crypto Alerts coverage.