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The
degree of control exercised by customs and tradition
on a naval officer or sailor can be gauged from the
fact that he is required to obtain his Commanding
Officer's express permission in case he wishes to
alter his facial appearance by growing a beard or a
moustache, or by getting rid of one. Sailors have to
make a formal request to discontinue shaving, and come
up before the Executive Officer at 'requestmen' for
this purpose, while officers make a formal request to
the Commanding Officer through their Head of
Department.
It
is customary for the Commanding Officer or Executive
Officer to direct that the request be reviewed after
15 days. During this period, the officer or sailor
concerned is not permitted to leave the ship, since
his unshaven appearance is detrimental to the image of
the Service. In case the growth is uneven or, in the
opinion of the superior, does not suit the facial
structure of the person making the request, he is
fully empowered to deny the request. The custom of
wearing a beard is peculiar to the Navy only. Army and
Air Force personnel are not extended this privilege
other than those serving in commando units.
In
1975, the Eastern Fleet was deployed for a sustained
period in the Andaman Islands. Realising the
opportunity this presented, the Admiral ordered a
"long beard competition" with a prize for
the sailor who grew the longest beard in the
stipulated period. As soon as this order was passed,
all local chemists, hakims and raids, were flooded
with enquiries. Much to the envy of others, Popat Lal,
a Gunnery Petty Officer of INS Kavaratti, was declared
the winner, but refused to divulge his secret. During
the next firing serial, however, INS Kavaratti's
forward turret jammed. On investigation, it was found
that the spindle oil was low!
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