ALCOAST 444/25 - OCT 2025 FACIAL HAIR GROOMING STANDARDS POLICY

R 301722Z OCT 25 MID120012170557U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 444/25
SSIC 1020
SUBJ: FACIAL HAIR GROOMING STANDARDS POLICY
A. Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST 1020.6K
B. Military Religious Accommodations, COMDTINST 1000.15
C. SECWAR Memo "Grooming Standards for Facial Hair" of 20AUG25
D. SECWAR Memo "Grooming Standards for Facial Hair Implementation"
of 30SEP25
E. COMCOGARD PSC WASHINGTON DC 011255Z JUL 25/ALCGPSC 088/25
1. This message announces impending updates to REFs (A) and (B)
regarding facial hair grooming standards. As a military service and
branch of the Armed Forces at all times, the Coast Guard will
implement policy in accordance with the Department of War's updated
facial hair policy as announced in REFs (C) and (D). This is
necessary to ensure equipment compatibility, operational readiness,
and deployable force posture.
2. Coast Guard policy continues to be that all personnel will be
clean-shaven while in uniform. Mustaches remain authorized per
REFs (A) and (E).
3. Future policy will align with REF (D), which directs that
"shaving chits" or "shaving waivers" related to Pseudo Folliculitis
Barbae will be limited to 12 months and will include a treatment
plan. Those waiver recipients unable to meet the clean-shaven
requirement after 12 months may be subject to separation.
4. Religious Accommodations processes outlined in REF (B) will
be reviewed to align with REF (D).
5. Additional policy guidance, including updates to REFs (A) and
(B), as required, is forthcoming and will be communicated to the
workforce as expeditiously as possible.
6. POC: Office of Military Personnel Policy and Standards, COMDT
(CG-WMM-21) at HQSPolicyandStandards@uscg.mil.
7. RADM C. E. Fosse, Deputy Commandant for Personnel Readiness
and Chief Human Capital Officer (CG-DCP), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.