The Navy has banned the use of beards for all its personnel. The ban was already in place in the Army and Air Force.
The objective of the ban is to avoid "all eccentricity in its shape and dimensions" Those with a " medical prescription" are also exempt from the ban, according to the Navy. The decision was made by the Ministry of Defense, which is responsible for the Navy's uniform policy. The prohibition was first introduced in 2001, but has now been extended to include all personnel.