--- title: "The 5 best beards in military history" date: "2019-01-28" modified: "2020-10-22" authors: - name: "Team Mighty" job_title: "Author" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/teammighty/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/best-beards-in-military-history/" categories: - "History" tags: - "Military History" --- # The 5 best beards in military history ![Military beards]() *SOCOM veterans Fred Lewis (left) and Victor Sassoon bump beards for good luck during the 2016 Department of Defense Warrior Games at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. (U.S. Army/Roger Wollenberg)* The Pentagon can resist all it wants, but beards have made a comeback. The Official Journal of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society even [conducted a study]() to explore how others perceive individuals with (or without) facial hair. Women rated men with facial hair as more attractive and appearing healthier than those who were clean-shaven—and [now male service members want change](). **Related: [The Army was more lethal when these 6 beards were in command]()** Today’s military men, however, are just going to have to rely on the uniform to gain an edge over civilians. Since the advent of the gas mask, facial hair has been strictly regulated by the military. There are certain exceptions, however, such as a new regulation allowing service members to wear a [beard for religious reasons]() or operations where a beard could help service members blend in better with the local population. But until the U.S. military embraces the beard, it’ll remain a rare sight on our warriors. All the more reason to admire the best military beards in history. ### “Cowboy” ![Military beards]() *(Electronic Arts)* In 2002, Scott Nelson photographed a U.S. Army Special Forces unit in Afghanistan as they began to amp up their pursuit of terrorists in the area. One of the soldiers photographed went by the nickname “Cowboy”—and he’s been rather shrouded in mystery ever since. Nonetheless, it could be argued that he has the OG operator beard, so much so that Danger Close Games [used his likeness]() as inspiration when finding and outfitting the model for their “Medal of Honor” game. Something about the tactical environment makes this otherwise too-long-in-my-opinion beard completely OK. ### Gen. Ambrose Burnside ![Gen. Ambrose Burnside]() *Gen. Ambrose Burnside (Library of Congress)* No list of military facial hair is complete without the man whose whiskers were so incredible that the world named a patch of facial hair after him. ### Prince Harry of Wales ![Prince Harry]() *Prince Harry of Wales congratulates retired U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Sarah Rudder, U.S. Air Force Cpt. Christy Wise, and their fellow medalist in the 100-meter dash at the Invictus Games at York Lions Stadium in Toronto, September 24, 2017. (U.S. Army/Staff Sgt. Daniel Luksan)* The pictures of the bearded prince in his flight suit [at the 2015 Battle of Britain Flypast]() are why I am now in full favor of allowing beards in uniform. Harry served from 2005-2015, even secretly deploying on combat missions [in Afghanistan]() before his location was publicized and he was pulled out for security reasons. He’s the epitome of cool, he fully recognizes the meaning and importance of service, and he’s proof that a military beard can still look professional. ### Ulysses S. Grant ![Ulysses S. Grant]() *Ulysses S. Grant (Library of Congress)* The man led the Union to victory and served two terms as president. That is the beard of victory right there. ### Maj. Gen. George Crook ![Maj. George Crook]() *Maj. George Crook (National Park Service)* Crook cut his teeth fighting Native American tribes in Oregon before the Civil War. When he was called on to serve the Union, he used the same tactics in the face of the rebel enemy. His beard is exactly the kind you’d expect from a man the Apaches called “Grey Wolf.” *We Are The Mighty is proud to partner with* [*Wahl*]()*, the brand used by professionals.* ### Don’t Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty ##### **• [How to dispute a VA debt you don’t really owe]()** ##### **• [How to join the National World War II Museum’s celebration for ‘Band of Brothers’ 25th annivesary]()** ##### **• [A Nazi was the only person convicted of spying in connection with Pearl Harbor]()** ## Author Team Mighty's experience encompasses intel, special ops, military history, tactical expertise, aviation, gear, and weapons. Authors on Team Mighty include veterans, spouses, and active and reserve service members from every branch of the military, as well as former CIA employees.