: Most of the Marines I know and work with savor more than two days off in a
: row so they can give their face a break. If I was given the option of a
: beard I would take it. I can imagine Mendes, after years of combat
: experience, growing a beard.

Can confirm that. I was in the Air Force for five years. Shaving every day sucks. I got out about a year ago, and I flat out turned down a pretty decent job because they required I be clean shaved. Fuck all of that. I still use beard trimmers and keep it very very short, but I will never shave with a razor more than once every few months again. It is just awful.

Also, can confirm Grizzlei's comics above. There's a difference between keeping people from looking absolutely stupid, or wearing offensive clothing, and just being in control to be in control. I could never have been a Marine, that amount of bullshit they have to put up with is absolutely stupid. You literally can get paperwork for not giving someone with one more stripe than you the proper greeting when passing in the PX. Screw all that.