Can a company commander ban the wear of a mustache even if it follows AR670-1?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 15:57:46 -0500

One of the E-5s in my company just informed me that I must shave my mustache because the CO put that out today and im wondering if he can even do that because my mustache follows AR670-1

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 17 at 2017 4:08 PM

SPC David Willis — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 16:08:59 -0500

He sure can. You can add to but not take away.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 17 at 2017 4:33 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 16:33:08 -0500

You must adhere to the grooming standards of AR670-1.. A commander can not disallow what is allowed in Ar670-1 other then uniform items for the sake of duty, safety. uniformity in a formation or ceremony.
Mustache are permitted. If worn, males will keep mustaches neatly trimmed, tapered, and tidy. Mustaches will not present a chopped off or bushy appearance, and no portion of the mustache will cover the upper lip line, extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corners of the mouth (see lines C and D of Figure 3–1), or extend above a parallel line at the lowest portion of the nose (see line B of Figure 3–1).

The first question is, how important is it to you? Is it a fight wroth fighting for?

Read the cite above.... see the less the clear cut standard? Your "neatly trimmed" may not meet your commanders neatly trimmed.
Your CDR's version of "tidy" may differ then yours.
Those are subjective things, not a clear cut standard ... and with it, comes variables.

If you really want the mustache, use the open door policy to speak to your 1SG.
Know the reg, have three copies, one for you, 1 for the 1SG, and if the CDR gets in on the meeting one for him. "1SG, Im trying to do the right thing here, this is the reg, I believe my mustache meets the requirement...The CDR passed on word it did not...can you help me understand what the issue is?"

You may win the battle, and lose the war.
How many times in a month, quarter, year do you request something that is not by reg owed or required? Are you looking to get recommended to the board? Ask for an early out to go to school? Reenlist? Get a 4 day pass?

A young SSG once reported to Airborne school wearing a mustache that was perfectly within regs., no question.
Said SSG was told he could keep it if he insisted,,,, Said Black Hat then turned to a fellow black hat and said..... "Hey SGT.... has anyone every graduated Airborne school wearing a mustache????? Ever??"
"Why No SGT, I don't think anyone ever has, not one, and not this year anyway"
The formation was dismissed and told we had 10 min to be standing back outside for movement to chow .........
9min 45sec later the entire formation was there ready to go ..I no longer had a mustache....and I graduated basic airborne school 3 weeks later.