Not always, Stephen. When I was attending Southern Cal, the CO was a Navy Captain, and the Exec was a Marine light Colonel. I was growing a beard for a celebration down in Poway, in San Diego County. I was in the Personnel Office one day, picking up our checks, when the Colonel asked if I was in the Navy. When I admitted my affiliation, he asked about the beard. All this was in a friendly, matter of fact tone. When I explained, he said I'd better steer clear of the CO, or he (the CO) would jump my sorry behind (paraphrase)! This from a Marine about a Naval Officer! I thanked him and beat feet. LOL Stan

(This was before Elmo, "Scruffy" Zumwalt became CNO, and alowed beards.)