If a Soldier that has a medical profile authorizing a beard shaves or trims their beard, what should be done?

• A. The Soldier is promoted.
• B. They must file a new medical profile.
• C. The Soldier is in violation of UCMJ and must be counseled.
• D. No action required.

Answer: (C)

Having a medical profile that authorizes a beard means the Army recognizes a need for that grooming exception. It’s not optional extra freedom; it’s a formal accommodation that the Soldier is expected to follow. If the Soldier shaves or trims the beard, they’re not complying with the profile or with AR 670-1’s intent for that accommodation. The correct response is to counsel the Soldier, explaining why the beard is authorized and reinforcing the obligation to follow the medical accommodation. This creates a record of the response and sets the expectation for future compliance. There isn’t a need to file a new medical profile just because the beard was shaved, and promotion for this reason isn’t appropriate. If noncompliance happens again, escalation to further corrective action may be required, in line with military discipline procedures.