UK military, grow beards to win Afghans ...

AF Personnel to Grow Beards for Afghan Deployment
UK Ministry of Defence | Apr 2, 2007 DefenceTalk

RAF Regiment Personnel to Grow Beards for Afghan Deployment

Several newspapers report that personnel from 51 Squadron RAF Regiment are growing beards in preparation for their forthcoming deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The Squadron, based at RAF Lossiemouth in Morayshire, requested permission from senior officers in order to help them win hearts and minds of local Afghans, for whom a beard is a symbol of stature and masculinity. Squadron Leader Tony Brown, Officer

Squadron Leader Tony Brown, Officer Commanding 51 Sqn, said:

"It is essential that we win the hearts and minds of the local people, the majority of whom are friendly towards the NATO forces. In the rural south where we will be, beards are a big thing culturally and represent strength and virility. Beards engender a lot of respect in the local community and this may help to open doors and give us a rapport with the local population."