Latest "shaving waiver" stories

A soldier assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade uses a single-blade razor to shave his face during a shaving clinic May 22, 2017, at the brigade's organizational classroom. The purpose of this clinic is to teach basic shaving skills in hopes of reducing the number of soldiers on shaving profiles. (Sgt. Caitlyn Smoyer/Army)

Investigation finds allegedly racist texts to Black airman were fake

An airman facing punishment for the incident is still able to appeal.

By Rachel S. Cohen

4 months ago

Airman 1st Class Sunjit Rathour was the first Sikh airman to receive a religious accommodation, and may grow his beard and wear his turban while in uniform. A policy-focused team within the Air Force is considering the merits of a pilot program to study beard wear. (Alexander Goad/Air Force)

Air Force may temporarily allow beards, in the name of research

The idea would let participating airmen sport well-kept beards no longer than one-quarter inch.

By Rachel S. Cohen

5 months ago

Racist text spurs Air Force investigation into alleged squadron job discrimination

"The Air Force is looking for somebody of white complexion and with the image that [it] needs."

By Rachel S. Cohen

9 months ago

Shaving waivers disproportionately affect Black airmen, delay promotions

An article published in the Journal of Military Medicine in July demonstrated a significant association between shaving waivers and delays in promotion.

By Lt. Col. Simon Ritchie

16 months ago

Air Force approves five-year medical beard waivers

Airmen with a medical condition that causes painful ingrown beard hairs and scarring, which commonly affects Black men, can ask for the longer waiver.

By Stephen Losey

3 years ago

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