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Defense Secretary decries new grooming memo limiting Black waivers

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed frustration that senior leaders ignored his Quantico grooming standards speech.
The Pentagon memo orders commanders to enforce grooming, weight and shaving-waiver rules, including discharge after a year of untreated exemptions.
Shaving waivers for pseudofolliculitis barbae, affecting up to 83% of Black men, are limited to 90 days and require treatment.
The policy reclassifies grooming as a readiness issue, saying facial hair can hinder respirator seals.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed frustration that senior leaders ignored his Quantico grooming standards speech.
The Pentagon memo orders commanders to enforce grooming, weight and shaving-waiver rules, including discharge after a year of untreated exemptions.
Shaving waivers for pseudofolliculitis barbae, affecting up to 83% of Black men, are limited to 90 days and require treatment.
The policy reclassifies grooming as a readiness issue, saying facial hair can hinder respirator seals.