1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

The Army's proposed policy to ban permanent shaving waivers and require extensive treatment plans for soldiers diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) raises serious concerns about racial discrimination. PFB is a chronic skin condition causing painful razor bumps and scarring that disproportionately affects Black men, with estimates suggesting up to 60% are impacted. Requiring expensive laser treatments and threatening dismissal for those needing long-term shaving exemptions unfairly targets a specific demographic. The Army is already struggling to meet recruiting goals, and this policy will only exacerbate those challenges by alienating potential Black recruits. There is no tactical justification for such stringent grooming standards when studies show well-groomed beards do not inhibit gas mask function. I urge you to reconsider implementing this policy that would disproportionately harm Black service members and further impede efforts to build a robust and representative military force.