Growing beards is now allowed in the British Army, providing they are neat and are subject to review, a senior officer announced in a video message to troops. The policy change, which reverses a 100-year-old ban, means troops are allowed a “full set beard” with a length of between 2.5mm and 25.5mm (one inch). Beards must be trimmed off the cheekbones and neck with no "patchy or uneven growth” nor "exaggerated colours." Warrant Officer Class 1 Paul Carney, the most senior non-commissioned officer, confirmed the rule change in a four-minute clip.