I guess that is the price we pay to look ‘professional’!” I drank the Kool-Aid and have possibly altered by body for eternity. Another airman expressed emotional distress over getting his shaving waiver denied and having to go through the laser hair removal process to permanently alter his body.Īn airman reported getting laser hair removal saying he did this to “conform to the Air Force standards and eliminate any chance of me being negatively looked at as a senior non-commissioned officer. One airman reported laser hair removal felt like a rubber band snapping while he watched in horror as smoke emitted from his skin. Laser hair (even when provided through Tricare) comes at a physical and emotional cost. MSgt Gaddiel Israel in his USAF Service Dress with 2 inch facial hair Veterans Affairs recognized PFB as a serious medical condition and some Veterans with PFB qualify for up to 30% disability. The approval and reimbursement process makes a virtually impossible option to utilize for most members. Unfortunately, many laser hair removal facilities do not accept Tricare. For example, in March 2022, Tricare, the military’s health care insurance, approved laser hair removal for PFB when medically necessary. The military is making strides to assist service members with PFB. The hair eventually comes back, necessitating repeated laser hair removal. Airmen have reported paying $1,500 – $3,000 for a series of six treatments. Laser hair removal is time-consuming, expensive, and extremely painful. Often the only treatment options for PFB are to grow a short beard, use a painful cream which can permanently damage skin, or have laser hair removal. PFB “is a common inflammatory condition of the face and neck caused by shaving in predisposed individuals who have naturally curly hair.” At any given time, there are an estimated 168,000 service members who have medical facial hair waivers across the joint force. Tshudy and Cho, roughly 45% of African American service members and 3% of Caucasian service members are affected by pseudofolliculitis barbai (PFB). The military cannot afford to alienate or discriminate against any individual, either those who want to serve or those currently serving, for having facial hair - be it for religious observance or a medical concern.Īccording to Drs. remains ahead of our strategic adversaries. This talent is imperative to national defense strategy execution, ensuring the U.S. While the military is currently meeting its end strength, there is a struggle to retain and attract talent in high-demand career fields such as cyber operations, linguistics and special operations. United States Air Force (USAF) facial hair regulations likely affect diversity goals and talent management.įew can honestly argue that the military is not in a talent management crisis.
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