The United States Military has the largest global presence of any in the world, with troops actively deployed in over 170 countries. Our military has long been respected as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, fighting force in history. Amongst the many men and women who serve or have served, U.S. Special Forces are the best of the best. A cornerstone of modern warfare, Special Forces Units have pulled the most vital and difficult jobs since first forming in the early 50’s.
So what does any of this have to do with your skin? It’s simple, really. If skincare is important to the toughest, most hard working heroes in our armed forces, it should be important to you too. Here is some high level information on how our active military men and women care for their skin and how you can apply the same tactics in your everyday life.
Elite Special Forces Units from Different Military Branches
Before we dive into the details of how U.S. Special Forces handle their daily hygiene and skincare, we should first define exactly what it means to be Special Forces. The U.S. Military has a large number of Special Forces Units, but here are a few that most people will recognize:
The Green Berets: One of the most well known fighting forces in the world, Green Berets are an Army Special Forces Unit tasked with stealth missions, extractions, fighting on the front lines, and everything in between. The 12-person units of The Green Berets are known as “A-Teams”, a term which spawned the popular 80’s TV Show of the same name.
SEAL Team Six: The Navy’s premiere Special Forces Unit is known as SEAL Team Six. This elite unit is most well known for their role in killing Osama bin Laden, the most wanted man of the 21st century. This highly classified, highly dangerous mission was completed in a mere 40 minutes, and SEAL Team Six members were lauded for near perfect execution of the mission as planned.
Delta Force: Formally known as The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, Delta Force is considered to be at the highest level of U.S. Armed Forces (please keep the arguments civil). Delta Force was formed at a similar time for similar reasons as SEAL Team Six, which has led to these two Special Forces Units to be linked throughout the years.
How U.S. Special Forces Practice Skin Hygiene
Perhaps the most famous example of military hygiene in popular culture comes from the Oscar winning 1994 film Forrest Gump. In the film, U.S. military recruits Forrest and Bubba Gump meet their CO, Lieutenant Dan. Lt. Dan tells the new recruits that “ There is one item of G.I. gear that can be the difference between a live grunt and a dead grunt. Socks, cushion, sole, O.D. green.”
In real life, most active U.S. Special Forces members also take foot, skin, and other forms of hygiene very seriously. In the US Army Field Hygiene and Sanitation report, skincare is covered in great detail. The primary concerns are keeping skin clean, dry, strong, and healthy. Directives include:
- Regular showering or bathing
- The use of body powder to absorb excess moisture, especially in trouble areas like the feet, armpits, crotch, and breasts
- Wearing the appropriate uniform for the situation including temperature and humidity conditions
- Utilizing the appropriate insect repellent
- Avoiding foot fungus by regularly changing socks, wearing clean gear, and using foot powder
U.S. Special Forces Skin Maintenance for Hard Working Men
Needless to say, most of us are not active or former U.S. Special Forces members. Yet the same principles of basic hygiene for overall fitness and skin health remain largely the same for men with an active lifestyle. You may not be humping it behind enemy lines, but your skin doesn’t know the difference between Alabama and East Asian humidity.
So how can hard working men follow the skincare guidelines of our U.S. Special Forces? Simple. View your hygiene as daily maintenance, and stick to a simple routine. We recommend keeping things as easy as possible. Shower regularly. Only wear clean clothes. Wear appropriate deodorant. And use a once daily moisturizer to keep your skin from becoming cracked and damaged.
It really is that easy!
HEFF is Proud to Give Back to Military and First Responders Through Operation Gratitude
HEFF is an everyday skin cream which was designed by a team of doctors, researchers, and chemists to repair, restore, and rejuvenate dry and damaged skin. Our daily moisturizer is strong enough for U.S. Special Forces members, and it is sure as hell strong enough for you. We designed this product to be simple to use, effective, and affordable. HEFF works hard so that you don’t have to!
To try HEFF today, find our products sold in major retailers around the country, online through Amazon, or feel free to contact us directly. Remember that each purchase of HEFF moisturizing cream comes with an opportunity to donate a tube directly to an active military serviceperson, first responder, or other national hero through Operation Gratitude. Join us in supporting our troops through the simple act of giving back!