• Source:JND
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced sweeping changes to military grooming standards, triggering a wave of criticism from faith-based and civil rights groups. Speaking at a high-level gathering in Quantico, Virginia, Hegseth said the Pentagon would reintroduce strict grooming rules, ending what he described as years of “superficial individual expression” in the armed forces.

Hegseth Calls for Clean Shaves and Uniform Appearance

“No more beards, long hair, or relaxed appearance,” Hegseth told an audience of generals, admirals, and senior enlisted officials. “If you want a beard, join the special forces. Otherwise, shave.” His remarks, reportedly laced with mockery toward servicemembers with facial hair—calling them “beardo-s” and “fat generals”—have drawn condemnation from several communities, particularly Sikhs who serve in the US military.

Hours after the address, the Pentagon issued a memo titled “Grooming Standards for Facial Hair,” directing all branches of the armed forces to revert to the pre-2010 rules. The order states that “facial hair waivers are generally not authorised” and that all personnel must maintain a clean-shaven appearance. Sideburns must remain above the ear opening, and moustaches must be neatly trimmed. Beards, goatees, and other facial hair styles are prohibited unless specifically authorised for medical reasons. According to the memo, the services must submit implementation plans within 60 days, with full enforcement to begin within 90 days. “Applicants unable to comply will be deferred from accession until standards are met,” it added.

Sikh Coalition and Faith Groups Raise Concerns

The new policy immediately raised alarms among religious groups. The Sikh Coalition, which has long fought for equal rights for Sikhs in uniform, said it was “angered and deeply concerned” by the move. The organisation stated that the policy forces Sikh soldiers to choose between their faith, which requires keeping uncut hair and beards—and their duty to serve.“This is not about discipline; it’s about exclusion,” the coalition said in a statement. “Sikhs have proudly served the United States while following their religious beliefs. Their record speaks for itself,” it added.

Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), described the measure as “a broad, ideological attack disguised as discipline.” He added, “This isn’t just about grooming. It’s about enforcing conformity in a way that sidelines minorities and non-Christian service members.”

Restoring ‘Warrior Ethos’ And Leadership Changes

Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and Fox News host, has argued that the change is part of a wider push to restore what he calls the “warrior ethos.” His comments on grooming, fitness, and “woke culture” have aligned closely with President Donald Trump’s agenda to reshape the military’s leadership structure. Under his watch, the Pentagon has already begun a 20 per cent reduction in four-star officers and seen the removal of several top commanders, including former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown and Navy Chief Adm. Lisa Franchetti.

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Vice President JD Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, backed Hegseth’s decision, saying the rule aims to bring back “very high standards.” Speaking at the White House, Vance remarked, “When I was a Marine, I didn’t have a beard. Now I’m Vice President, so I can do what I want, but I understand what Pete’s doing, and it’s the right call.”

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As the Pentagon moves to implement the new standards, Sikh and Muslim service members say they are preparing legal challenges, arguing that the rule violates established protections for religious expression within the military.