By Mark Nichol
High style: Beards could replace moustaches as the RAF airman’s favourite look
Handlebar moustaches, lovingly waxed and twirled, were once synonymous with Royal Air Force pilots.
Now modern airmen are demanding the right to grow hipster beards.
RAF chiefs have been in discussions about permitting beards, which are currently allowed only on medical or religious grounds.
The talks follow the results of an RAF survey which found that some male personnel would consider extending the length of their military careers if they were allowed to grow beards.
A source said: ‘As odd as it might seem, beards have emerged as a key retention issue inside the RAF.
‘Beards are hugely popular again on ‘civvy street’ and shaving everyday seems unnecessarily restrictive to many young men.
‘Senior officers are desperate to stem the outflow of highly skilled and expensively trained personnel so they’re listening more and more to those in the ranks.
‘Is it worth losing good people over an issue like facial hair? That’s the big question.’
The matter has been considered by the RAF’s ‘dress and discipline policy team’ which regularly reviews issues around the appearance of personnel, such as changes to uniforms and rules on tattoos.
Current RAF policy states: ‘The hair of the head is to be well cut and trimmed. If a moustache is worn, the upper lip is to be unshaved and the moustache is not to extend below the edge of the mouth.
‘Beards may be permitted on religious grounds or when specially authorised on medical grounds.
‘For occupational or operational reasons, where a hazard clearly exists, personnel with beards may be ordered to modify facial hair to enable the correct wearing of a respirator or breathing apparatus.’