The Marines are grappling with how much to clamp down during the outbreak of coronavirus, but they have drawn the line on haircuts.
Over the last few weeks, the Marines have canceled joint exercises. Marines are wearing face masks and there is a stay-at-home order at Camp Pendleton to limit movement, similar to the order put in place by the state of California.
However, barbershops are open and will remain open, said Col. Jeff Holt, deputy commander, Marine Installations West, Camp Pendleton.
“Our commandant allows us to keep giving haircuts,” Holt said. “And it’s more than just about appearance. There is a hygiene aspect to that, but we have to protect ourselves when getting haircuts.”
The barbershops remain open despite a public rebuke by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, who called out the Marines during a Pentagon briefing with the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Mark Milley.
“What’s going on?” Esper said. “What don’t you guys understand? Suspend haircuts for whatever period of time.”
The comment was directed at Camp Pendleton after a video appeared online. But barber shops remain open.
“The image of the Marines is also to look sharp in uniform,” Holt said. “We are currently continuing the barbershop operations. Each installation has the authority commander has been decentralized and offered that.”
This despite barber shops being closed on Naval Base San Diego and throughout California. Marines put out a video showing how they continue to cut hair with gloves and masks.
Holt said a handful of Marines have tested positive for the novel coronavirus at Camp Pendleton, and that the rate is lower than surrounding communities, though he wouldn’t give the exact number. Most other non-essential services are shut down on base. So far, they have not laid off civilian staff.
