Can my commander force me to shave my mustache because he doesn't like it, even if it fits the regs?

It's 2020...not 1920..lose the 'stache

SPC (Join to see) Don't Know. I Do Know I've had a Mustache Most of Life. Shaved it for Boot Camp and Occasionally for S**ts and Grins but always Grow it Back.

The regulation is only a starting point. If the commander deems you can't have a mustache, then you cant have a mustache. This is would have to be due to some extenuating circumstances besides the commander does not like the mustache.

Thank you to everybody and the awesome info

While everyone else here has covered the basics regarding your question, I would add: Whenever you can, try and stay out of the way of your "commander." (Co Cdr? Bn Cdr?) In other words, avoid being a road-kill, unless you cannot help it. Let Karma do the rest.

I was once a young Private in the cross-hairs of my 1SG and Co Cdr, and found myself assigned to extra CQ and guard duties. Unbeknownst to me, I was apparently an "essential" person for the S2/S3 sections of my battalion, and was on a list to be exempt from CQ and guard duties. The 1SG thought he was being clever when he assigned me to a Sunday night CQ (runner) duty, followed by a Monday night CQ (runner) duty.

Well, Monday morning I was not at the Bn HQ and someone was sent over to fetch me, as we had much to do. So, I got no sleep that day, though I was told by the S3 (a major) and S3 NCOIC (a Master Sergeant) not to worry about the CQ (runner) duty for Monday night, and that I would also receive an additional day-off, the following week. I was told that I would not be placed on future CQ and/or guard duties ever again.

Well, the 1SG apparently decided to ignore the change, and called to scream at me, when I did not show up for the CQ (runner) duty Monday night. Needless to say, I was up that night too. Then in the morning, the S3 happened to drop by the company hq, and noticed me sitting at the CQ desk. He went white as a sheet, and said to me, "Didn't I tell you that you were relieved from any further duties?!" I told him that the 1SG had gotten angry with me and that he ordered me to be there, just the same. He told me that they needed me that day as well, but that he would make sure that I was never abused in this way again.

It was around this time that the Co Cdr and 1SG walked out of their offices, on their way to morning formation, and noticed the S3 talking to me. It was the most panicked I remember seeing the 1SG, as the S3 pointed his finger at the two of them, growling, "You two clowns! In my office, right after formation!" When the Co Cdr and 1SG showed up for their "meeting," the S3 was also joined by the Bn XO and Bn SGM. Even though the door was closed, you could hear their voices thunder across the Bn HQ building. When the Co Cdr and the 1SG walked out of the S3 office, they looked as though they had gone through combat! From this point on, both the Co Cdr and the 1SG treated me as if I was a ghost, ignoring my presence for the most part, and I was never put on a duty roster ever again, until the next major exercise. (Apparently, Karma helps even young Privates!) :D

SPC Thomas. Are you so attached to your mustache that you are willing to piss off your Commanding Officer and earn his enmity? Take some advice from an old soldier. Shave it off, you can always grow another one.

Ok, first thing you should consider is your boat big enough to handle the waves from pissing off your chain of command. Remember **it runs down hill so not only will your Commander be pissed but so will everyone between them and you. The Commander is authorized, even if you do meet standards, to make you shave if he believes your ‘stache is unkempt, is a safety concern or does not give a professional appearance. Thems the breaks. You want to become a NCO, conform or get out. As a member of the Army means leaving your personality for the weekends. In my career, I have had my share of …growing pains or chaffing by Commanders but if you want to be seen in the best light of the promotion mill, go with the flow.

Too many of the answers here sum up to “regulations aren’t really regulations because commanders can be petty”

We should do better than that.

Yes. (and no). You get to choose your battles, but not the hill you die on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQr9isjLicA

While I agree with the fact that if it fits Regs, and you really want to fight that battle, you better have the regs on hand and your stash dress right dress because a single hair out of regs will get you nailed. We were allowed mustaches during deployment, but back on base, clean shaven was the norm unit wide. Our Commander liked clean shaven soldiers if you had stubble you were in the front leaning rest explaining why you don't know how to shave properly. I would suggest that until you are at a rank that you don't have to be scrutinized over a 'stash, keep it clean.