Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Requiring Black Military Men to Shave. Requiring Black soldiers to shave daily causes Medical, career, and administrative challenges, Due to a biological skin condition that very often affects them. Up to 80% of Black men have curly, coarse facial hair That grows in a corkscrew pattern. When closely shaved, The hair sharpens and becomes ingrown as it grows back. This close shaving causes pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). "Razor bumps' is a chronic inflammatory disorder, Causing painful, acne-like lesions, bleeding, and infection. The worst outcome is severe, disfiguring facial scarring. PFB is a biological issue and not one of hygiene. Despite creams and shaving techniques, the only Successful medical solution is to cease shaving closely. There are 'shaving profiles' or 'shaving waivers', But soldiers granted these, often face unfair stigma. Historically, Black soldiers have reported A hindrance to receiving high-profile roles. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in spite of all this knowledge, Has moved to harshly enforce daily shaving standards. Currently, any soldier who has a medical waiver, Lasting longer than 12 months, Will be processed for administrative separation Or discharge from the military. About 65% of soldiers with shaving difficulties are Black. This will force qualified, decorated troops out of the military, All due to an unalterable, biological trait. An argument for such justification is that facial hair Prevents a proper fit on biological and chemical defense masks. Critics point out that modern gas masks Can create a seal over short facial hair. Also. Elite Forces are often granted exceptions to grow beards. These exemptions show that some facial hair Does not compromise lethality or safety. Will Secretary Hegseth finally listen to reason and relent? Frank Maurer 11 October 2026 1620 Hours.