Major change to Royal Marine recruitment rules revealed in bid to help recruit more commandos
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THE Royal Marines are to become the last part of the Armed Forces allowed to grow beards. Top Brass have overturned rules on shaving to help attract recruits but will not allow a “full caveman” look. An insider said there will be “length and shape” limits when the rules, now being drafted, are implemented.
![[Royal Marines in uniform at a parade.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2011-plymouth-england-thousands-people-354285068.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It follows the Army’s decision last year to let regular troops grow beards for the first time since 1908. The move was approved by King Charles. The RAF scrapped its beard ban in 2019. A Navy insider said: “It is no secret that retention and recruitment are challenging and if we can show we are willing to adapt to the modern world it can only be for the good.
![[Royal Marines in uniform at a parade.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ay7e14-royal-marine-soldiers-practice-644413113.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“This will fly well with Marines and the public in general, but there will be some people who see it as proof the Royal Marines are going woke or dropping standards.”. The Army’s most senior enlisted soldier Paul Carney said the “overwhelming majority” of people approved of letting troops grow beards.
Royal Navy sailors have never been banned from growing “full set” beards but they are barred from growing moustaches. The SAS and SBS have always been allowed to grow beards. Under the Army rules some troops have to shave if they are required to wear breathing equipment such as scuba gear.
