Well, i got some creaping crud in Fort Benning, Nizeral is my bodywash of choise

If my 3 day growth is any indication, I could probably grow a pretty good beard, for a blondie, and yes, I know what I am.  I've actually grown it out for about 2 weeks one time, and I could tell It would take a lot of work not to look like a bum.  Top that off with the dust and welding fumes (including specialty rods with high manganese and chrome) I deal with pretty regularly, and I think I'd rather play it safe and not let it grow out too far.