March 18, 2025 Story by: Editor
A recent Marine Corps policy states that service members with a genetic skin condition, primarily affecting Black men, could face separation if their condition persists despite treatment.
The “interim guidance,” issued Thursday, directs military healthcare providers to reassess Marines diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) within 90 days. The directive outlines a four-phase treatment approach, and if a Marine does not recover, requires a shaving waiver for over a year, and is deemed unfit for service by their commander, they may face administrative separation for “incompatibility with service.”
This marks a shift from a 2022 policy that previously barred the Marine Corps from separating service members solely due to PFB, a condition caused by curled hairs growing back into the skin, leading to inflammation, pain, and scarring.
The policy change coincides with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s broader review of military standards, including shaving waivers and body fat regulations.
Separation May Be Considered After One Year
Marine Corps spokesperson Maj. Jacoby Getty explained the rationale behind the shift, stating:
“In cases where a medical condition prevents a Marine from meeting required standards for an extended period — exceeding one year — administrative separation may be considered if it affects long-term service compatibility.”
However, Getty emphasized that the Marine Corps aims to support affected Marines before resorting to separation.
“Every effort will be made to support Marines through treatment and recovery before such decisions are considered,” he said, adding that the updated policy is meant to ensure consistency in handling medical exemptions.
While it remains unclear how many Marines will be affected, Getty noted that those discharged due to PFB would receive an honorable discharge.
Concerns Over Discrimination
A military dermatologist, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, warned that the policy could disproportionately impact Black service members, who are more likely to suffer from PFB.
The dermatologist highlighted that while Black service members comprise 15-16% of active-duty personnel, they account for 66% of those holding shaving waivers. The policy, they argued, may lead to slower promotions and earlier departures from service.
“You could have a white person, Black person, a Hispanic person, Asian person on a shaving waiver, they’re all going to get discriminated against. They’re all going to promote slower,” they explained.
However, given that the majority of shaving waiver holders are Black, the dermatologist noted, “that’s where the racial discriminatory impact comes.”
They further elaborated on the limited treatment options available:
“We can’t undo genetics,” the dermatologist said. “And so really the only way around is you just shave and you endure the pain and the scarring; you do laser hair removal; or a shaving waiver. That’s really the end of it.”
Marine Corps Defends the Policy
When asked whether the Marine Corps had considered the potential disproportionate impact on Black service members, Getty responded:
“This MARADMIN does not lower our standards but provides clear, standardized guidance on how medical conditions may temporarily impact grooming and uniform compliance.”
He added:
“Our priority is to ensure the health and resilience of our Marines while maintaining our warfighting capability. These updates ensure consistency in the management of medical conditions while reinforcing our commitment to returning Marines to full compliance whenever possible.”
The 90-day reevaluation will assess a Marine’s treatment progress and determine if further care is necessary. The four-phase treatment plan includes avoiding shaving for four weeks, using non-laser hair removal methods for moderate cases, and, as a final option, laser hair removal—though it remains voluntary.
Limited Options for Affected Marines
The dermatologist predicted three likely outcomes from the new policy. Some Marines who never needed a waiver may be removed from it, leading to positive effects. However, others with PFB may feel compelled to shave despite pain and scarring to avoid separation. A third group might opt for laser hair removal, which is not always accessible.
“Again, going back to the fact that two-thirds of these individuals are Black/African American and likely have true PFB, they’re going to be stuck, and they’re going to go, ‘What the hell do I do now?'” the dermatologist said.
They pointed out logistical challenges, especially for Marines stationed overseas:
“I don’t know what the Marine Corps thinks is going to happen here, but if you’re in parts of Japan or Korea, you can’t just walk to the on-base dermatologist and get laser hair removal. That’s not going to work,” they said.
Even in the U.S., where military dermatologists may be unavailable, insurance coverage poses another issue.
“Tricare can’t pay for civilian laser hair removal. There’s no mechanism by which they can reimburse somebody for that — not currently, at least,” the dermatologist added.
Marine Corps Justifies Policy as Maintaining “High Standards”
The Marine Corps argues that the policy aligns with its longstanding emphasis on discipline and high standards. The new guidance follows the Department of Defense’s broader review of military standards dating back to 2015.
Getty emphasized:
“While aligned with OSD’s force-wide review, the Marine Corps has been proactively developing this updated guidance to reinforce our commitment to the highest standards of readiness, discipline, and lethality, ensuring our force remains prepared to fight and win.”
Just three years ago, the Marine Corps explicitly stated that PFB was “no longer a condition that is separable for the convenience of the government.” The 2022 policy prohibited punitive action against Marines with PFB and allowed them to reenlist.
Now, Getty confirmed that Marines could face separation if their treatment options are exhausted, they remain on a waiver for over a year, and their commander determines that their condition makes them “incompatible with service.”
Reenlistment and Command Authority Changes
The new guidance also suggests that reenlistment could be denied to Marines with persistent PFB. Getty stated that commanding officers will work with medical professionals to assess each Marine’s progress and determine eligibility for continued service.
“These ongoing discussions will provide COs with the necessary insight into a Marine’s progress and medical readiness, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding the Marine’s reenlistment eligibility while ensuring their health and operational effectiveness,” he said.
Additionally, the new policy restores commanders’ authority over shaving waivers, reversing a 2022 rule that placed decision-making in the hands of medical professionals. Commanders will now oversee treatment progress and communicate with both medical personnel and the affected Marine.
Furthermore, Marines must now carry a copy of their shaving waiver at all times—a change from the 2022 policy, which did not require this. Getty justified this by stating it would enhance “clarity, consistency, and accountability across the force.”
The Marine Corps expects to officially codify these policy changes in an upcoming order, projected for release in late spring or early summer.
Source: Military.com
