Final answer:
Historically, military personnel were required to maintain certain grooming standards, including shaving when in uniform. While off duty, regulations have typically been more relaxed, and specific details about off-duty shaving requirements are not mentioned. Over time, grooming standards have evolved and may differ based on the military branch and era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether males are required to shave when off duty or on leave pertains to historical military grooming standards and regulations outside of duty hours. Service members, historically, were required to adhere to strict dress and grooming standards while in uniform, designed to ensure a professional military appearance. Information suggests that soldiers on leave needed to wear uniforms for identification purposes, and military police (MPs) were active in regulating behavior.
However, when off duty and not in uniform, regulations typically have been more relaxed. Although historical records show that servicemen found methods to circumvent wearing uniforms while on leave, no specific regulations are mentioned regarding shaving when off duty during the period in question. Over time, regulations and standards have evolved, and the requirement to shave off duty may no longer be enforced, though this can depend on the era and specific military branch regulations.
The discussion on military grooming standards and uniforms also ties into broader questions of personal choice versus employment requirements and how they intersect with social norms and regulations.