Sergeant Jackson Gracie is in a unique position in the Australian Army.
As the senior small boat platoon sergeant, Sergeant Gracie wears an unkempt beard in accordance with a tradition dating back to 1965 when the Governor-General of Australia, Lord De L'Isle, suggested the assault pioneer sergeant of 4th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (4RAR), wear a beard as a protective measure to reduce powder flash burns.
In 2004, the Regimental Council approved the Pioneer Sergeant of 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), to also to wear a beard because of the 22-year linkage between the regiments.
A few years later, 4RAR became 2nd Commando Regiment, assault pioneer platoons became small boat platoons, and the assault pioneer sergeant role at 2RAR became the senior small boat platoon sergeant.
Sergeant Gracie has spent the majority of his career at 2RAR, apart from a couple of postings to training establishments.
"I have a background in heavy weapons and small boats," Sergeant Gracie said.
"With my qualifications I was a natural fit for the small boat platoon sergeant role.
"When I was told that I would be in that role and I'd be able to keep the holiday beard I'd grown, I was pretty excited.
"It's a very busy role, and maintenance of the boats takes up a lot of time, but we're trialling new equipment and it's interesting to have a bit of ownership in the future of the capability."
'I'm definitely a standout among my peers and I get a lot of looks and questions, especially from warrant officers about why I have a beard.'
After graduating from high school in Mackay, Queensland, in 2011, Sergeant Gracie worked at fast food pizza chains until his enlistment day in October 2012.
During initial employment training at Kapooka in Wagga Wagga, Sergeant Gracie became interested in 2RAR, now known as Army's amphibious infantry battalion.
"I always wanted to be in infantry," Sergeant Gracie said.
"I knew that I wanted to be doing physical work.
"You had to perform at a higher standard to get posted to 2RAR, and that was something I was always interested in.
"I definitely had a lot of exposure to water growing up and I spent quite a bit of time out fishing around Mackay, Bowen and other areas in North Queensland.
"I was already a strong swimmer, and that helped."
Keeping busy maintaining the regiment's equipment and planning for training courses, Sergeant Gracie appreciates the extra time he has in the mornings not having to shave.
"It's a bit of a unique position to be in," Sergeant Gracie said.
"I've been in the ADF since I was 18 and nothing was really growing then, so this is the first time I've had a beard in my adult life.
"My partner lies to me and says that she likes it, but I know she hates it.
"I'm definitely a standout among my peers and I get a lot of looks and questions, especially from warrant officers about why I have a beard."
'I reckon my beard definitely makes me look a lot older so I'll probably de-age by about five or 10 years when it comes off.'
Admitting that it initially felt odd wearing a beard while in uniform, Sergeant Gracie said he was happy to see his beard grow out as bright as it is.
"When I was growing up, most redheads got teased by other kids, but having a red beard is a unique thing," he said.
"I've almost had to cam it up, but you can't hide that thing."
At the end of his posting, Sergeant Gracie said the battalion would gather for a parade and a ceremony to shave his beard off.
As part of the tradition, the Commanding Officer of 2RAR and Sergeant Gracie's partner, Jasmin, will be invited to help.
"It'll be a bit of a ceremony here at 2RAR," Sergeant Gracie said.
"I reckon my beard definitely makes me look a lot older so I'll probably de-age by about five or 10 years when it comes off."
