. . . feel nice and clean.

The issue with shaving is more a survival requirement than a need to go against the Afghan status quo regarding adulthood. A shaved face will be able to seal a protective mask.

It's a very hostile environment, and there is literally no telling what the next bomb will contain. You can weigh the difference between U.S. acceptance to the land against the need to have them survive the journey, and I think a shave is more preferred of the two.

If individuals are working one-on-one with locals (i.e., Special Forces personnel), the need to shave would then be placed on a back burner. the guys doing the sweeps and kicking down the doors need as much protection as they can get.

Dan