Quote:
Originally Posted by 5kull
In the 80's the beard was to distinguish them easily on the battlefield. The assault pioneer was part of an infantry battalion, he was very important because he would have the special equipment and training to breach enemy fortifications, disarm mines, breach barbwire, destroy fortified positions (concrete bunkers) etc. At least that's what I was told when I was attached to the infantry, I was signals  The rest of us were told we couldn't wear the beard because of the gas mask. |
Nonsense, it was a tradition, that was preserved.. at their own peril... One of these things is not like the other is a magnet for snipers.
Traditionally Sappers were often also company blacksmiths.. and anyone who has spent any time next to a forge knows why blacksmiths have beards.