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Defense Secretary Hegseth Bans Beards, Cites ‘Woke’ Decline

7/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered stricter beard regulations for active-duty personnel, effectively banning beards.
In September he told senior generals at Marine Corps Base Quantico that grooming standards show a ‘woke’ decline.
During a South Korea base visit he refused to meet troops because some wore beards.
A Pentagon official urged faster implementation, noting observers claim the beard push distracts from Iran combat.

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Story summary

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered stricter beard regulations for active-duty personnel, effectively banning beards.
In September he told senior generals at Marine Corps Base Quantico that grooming standards show a ‘woke’ decline.
During a South Korea base visit he refused to meet troops because some wore beards.
A Pentagon official urged faster implementation, noting observers claim the beard push distracts from Iran combat.