--- title: "How to properly seal a gas mask without shaving your beard" date: "2022-07-17" modified: "2022-07-17" authors: - name: "Eric Milzarski" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/eric/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/properly-seal-gas-mask-beard/" categories: - "Join the Military" - "Military Life" - "Tactical" --- # How to properly seal a gas mask without shaving your beard ![]() Warfighters have charged into battle throughout history with fully bearded chins. Sadly, the need to survival chemical weapons attacks has overshadowed the need to keep one's chin beautiful. Today, the most widely stated reason for requiring troops to keep a clean-shaven face is because facial hair prevents the proper sealing of a gas mask. Many [studies]() and personnel [trials]() have proven this true time and time again. That's right, folks. Chemical weapons are so evil that they've even killed beards. --- ![]() *Even though chemical warfare is uncommon, we might have a potential enemy who isn't afraid to use it. (Photo by Sgt. Scott Wolfe)* Maintaining a clean shave isn't a problem for most troops. Military regulations prohibit facial hair and every male service member must remain baby-faced. This isn't solely for potential chemical warfare reasons, but rather for maintaining a uniform and professional [appearance]() among troops. However, troops with [religious reasons]() or a medical profile may be exempt from the shaving requirement. Unfortunately, their luck runs out when it's time to visit the CS chamber. Despite knowing that their beards will prevent a complete seal, some in the chain of command will still send these troops in for whatever reason. ![]() *I'm not saying these leaders are setting up those troops for failure, but they really are. (Photo by Pierre Courtejoie)* Well, my bearded friends, the military is developing an [alternative]() to the standard M50 gas mask that will protect a troop from chemical weapons by forming a skin-tight seal at the neck instead of the chin. Unfortunately, there hasn't been much [progress]() with the technology, even from the Canadian military, but trials are still ongoing. This doesn't mean that bearded gentlemen are completely screwed out of wearing a gas mask. A Marine veteran and survivalist YouTuber, [TEOTWAWKI Man](), has found a field expedient solution — all it takes is a bunch of Vaseline. What you need to do is slather the edges of the mask with Vaseline and coat your beard with it, too. It should be a *nasty* amount of goo. It won't be pleasant, but it will be a lot faster than shaving and a lot less painful than sucking up CS gas. ## Author Eric is a U.S. Army veteran and was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division where he served as a radio operator. After being honorably discharged, he then pursued a career in the film and television world.He is now the resident "nerd" at We Are The Mighty. To follow Eric on social media: please check out the links below. [Facebook]()