Posted on Jun 18, 2020
Can a Soldier be ordered to shave their mustache?
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I'm currently deployed and we are getting a visit from our Brigade Commander. We were told if we have mustaches, we must shave them. AR670-1 states (b) Facial hair. Males will keep their face clean-shaven when in uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty. Mustaches 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 fig 3–1), or extend above a parallel line at the lowest portion of the nose (see line B of fig 3–1). Handlebar mustaches, goatees, and beards are not authorized. If appropriate medical authority allows beard growth, the maximum length authorized for medical treatment must be specific. For example, “The length of the beard cannot exceed 1/4 inch” (see TB Med 287). Soldiers will keep the growth trimmed to the level specified by the appropriate medical authority, but are not authorized to shape the hair growth (examples include, but are not limited to, goatees, “Fu Manchu,” or handlebar mustaches). My understanding is mustaches are authorized so I don't understand them ordering them shaved. This is strictly for my knowledge. SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" LTC Stephen F. CPL Dave Hoover SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SSG (Join to see) Capt Dwayne Conyers CPT Jack Durish
Facial Hair
Army Regulations
Orders
Knowledge
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 34
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A few questions come to mind! Was the order a verbal order or in writing? Who gave the order? i would abide by the order and shave only to make sure you get into any non disciplinary action for disobeying a lawful order but would make sure the IG is aware of this action.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Yes that's my plan, however I don't plan on filling complaint as I'm mostly looking at knowledge gain. I was always told a commander can add to, but not take away from the regulation so if a mustache is authorized, they can't make it unauthorized or force someone to shave unless it's out of regs. It was verbal from PSG.
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CPT (Join to see)
Make sure you spell their name right when filing the IG complaint.... this sort of issue wouldn’t last long or be resolved in any method you would be satisfied with. Commanders can further restrict from regulation; but cannot allow what isn’t allowed by regs. This you are going to shave it if ordered to do so, or face legitimate legal repercussions.
As stated above, this is likely a case of wanting to prevent undo concern from the visiting senior leader. That being said, it is not a hill I would die on as a commander.
As stated above, this is likely a case of wanting to prevent undo concern from the visiting senior leader. That being said, it is not a hill I would die on as a commander.
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Like others have said, is this worth the hassle. Shave it. It will grow back in a week.
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I would say "shave it for later" (dad joke)... but seriously not worth the headache of keeping it. They grow back. My last CSM would walk around and rag on anyone that couldn't grow a glorious mustache like his, and that was usually the hint hint wink wink that is needed shaved or trimmed.
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I was always told... you can add to, but not take away from a regulation.
Here’s a good article on the subject, it may be old, but it’s insightful nonetheless: https://www.stripes.com/opinion/manipulating-regulations-1.94105
Here’s a good article on the subject, it may be old, but it’s insightful nonetheless: https://www.stripes.com/opinion/manipulating-regulations-1.94105
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Sfc Sands made me shave mine I pushed my limits .
Your top lip will look funny at first but it will grow back.
Your top lip will look funny at first but it will grow back.
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Maybe the Army is sexist, because they allow women to wear makeup, yet they don’t allow men to have beards. Jokes aside, it’s probably better to follow orders. You are correct in citing the standard, but the common theme is to fall in line.
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TSgt Dominic Gioffre
SSgt Joseph Baptist my female Drill Sergeant had noticeable peach fuzz. She was the one who wanted me to shave twice a day. I do recall a few female soldiers with mustaches.
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Pvt SanJuana Méndez
It's more an appearance issue than a gender issue, & certainly NOT just Army. My mom died while I wz in Boot. Hispanic (Latino) women in mourning in my day didn't "primp." We didn't wear lipstick or makeup, or even shape our eyebrows. These were a sign of vanity & had no place for women who were supposed to be too sad to be "vain." There wz absolutely no disclosure before, during or after separation hearing but--in retrospect--perhaps that is why my discharge, tho honorable, wz based on attitude.
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Facial hair standards for mustaches are fairly hard to conform to. Hair that is in standard in the morning can be out in the afternoon. The “order” may have been given to reduce the possibility of drama during inspections. Sucks, but they grow back. I shaved before and during most shifts for years. My advice is to shave now and pick any future battles carefully.
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Short answer... No they can't (ask me how I know lol).
Long answer... Yes they can order you to shave. This isn't the hill you want to die on. Shave it. Grow it back when the horse's ass isn't around any more. I shaved mine several times throughout my career simply because it wasn't worth the effort of fighting. IF the BDE CO has an "open question" period, you might respectfully broach the subject (preferable one-on-one if possible) of why everyone had to shave. It could boil down to some SNCO with a burr under their saddle for mustaches saw it as an excuse to force shaving.
Long answer... Yes they can order you to shave. This isn't the hill you want to die on. Shave it. Grow it back when the horse's ass isn't around any more. I shaved mine several times throughout my career simply because it wasn't worth the effort of fighting. IF the BDE CO has an "open question" period, you might respectfully broach the subject (preferable one-on-one if possible) of why everyone had to shave. It could boil down to some SNCO with a burr under their saddle for mustaches saw it as an excuse to force shaving.
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