Do you participate in "Movember" or "Mustache March?"

2013-11-16T22:46:09-05:00

Does your unit participate in either Mo-vember or Mustache March? Do you consider this a tradition, good lighthearted fun, or something else altogether different? Alright, let's see those amazing photos, any leftover photos/stories from Movember are still good-to-go at this point, or even a previous year's event like a "'stache dash" or mustached running event? How about those glue on 'staches, an epic draw-on 'stache, or even the classic 30 day 'stache (just before hitting rese, a.k.a. shaving)! I know there's some outstanding photos of the elusive "field 'stache" and the ever-present "deployment 'stache" out there... so, whatever category or type, we want to see them! There are many stories out there both past and present--some pretty entertaining--on the subject of 'Mo-vember' or 'Mustache March,' here's your opportunity to tell your tale and share those outstanding mustacheographs (pictures), and we all know that there are some outstanding examples out there; please, feel free to share your any photos, links, sound files, or anything else needed to help tell your story, and of course please don't hesitate to share your thoughts--good, bad, or indifferent--on the practice as well as any stories, experiences, historical or military cultural context, etc.; well, I'm certain that this will prove to be a genuinely fun and informative conversation, so pull up a keyboard and let's get this thing started; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

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Note: the original thread from this past November involved both "Movember" and "Mustache March," the title was updated in anticipation (and celebration) of Mustache March, and will return to a dual title at the end of March. Thanks for all that you do, now lets get out there and grow some sweet 'staches!

Response by SGT Chris Birkinbine made Nov 17 at 2013 3:42 AM

2013-11-17T03:42:18-05:00

The closest thing I ever had to this, was once while in the field, our First Sergeant "Heavily suggested" we all grow mustaches for the entire month long field exercise. wasn't November, and I think he really just thought it was amusing. It was. Some people (to include me) should never be allowed to rock just the stache.

Response by SGT William B. made Nov 17 at 2013 6:20 AM

2013-11-17T06:20:07-05:00

Sir, as a tall, skinny half-Korean man with the build and face of a 12 year old girl, I cannot for the life of me grow a mustache.  It comes in very thinly, with significant spacing between each follicle.  I'm still rocking it on deployment, but I look like a catfish.<br><br>I'll be rectifying this though.  I just ordered fifteen dozen fake mustaches a week ago, which should cover the rest of the time here in Bagram.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2013 9:35 AM

2013-11-17T09:35:31-05:00

I tried last year and was told it had to go for a change of command ceremony, had to chop it off this year because my scuba mask wouldn't seal and diving is no fun with eyeballs full of murky salt water

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Nov 17 at 2013 3:52 PM

2013-11-17T15:52:59-05:00

I am a strong advocate for the month of Movember. As with breast care awareness month I cannot stress enough the importance to raise funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer research. Last year during my deployment a few of us grew out are stache's with support from our COC (O6-010) just kept it reasonable. Was definitely great for morale and gave everyone something to laugh at. Beware not everyone should grow a mustache.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2013 3:54 PM

2013-11-17T15:54:57-05:00

I have mine growing full force right now. Most people walk through the hangar and see me and cant help but comment, some positive (Hey, that's not too bad on you), some not so positive (Dude, that's creepy as hell). I only do this once a year, or during a deployment, so why the heck not.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 17 at 2013 7:07 PM

2013-11-17T19:07:55-05:00

I do but I have to start in September for anyone to notice.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2013 7:47 PM

2013-11-17T19:47:16-05:00

The Official American Mustache Institute (AMI) website, this month's feature stories include:

1) Workplace Mustache Study: A definitive examination of the state of facial hair in the U.S. work environment (in support of the 'Stash Act legislation proposal)

2) The Robert Goulet memorial 'Mustached American of the Year Award'

3) The Million Mustache March: "The 'Stash Act" scheduled for 1 April in Washington, DC

4) America's most Mustache-Friendly Cities: The Official 2011 White Paper

5) The 'Stash Bash 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

6) AMI interviews - An award winning collection of in-depth celebrity interviews

http://www.americanmustacheinstitute.org/

American Mustache Institute

Protecting the rights of, and fighting discrimination against mustache Americans by promoting the growth, care and culture of the mustache

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 8:42 AM

2013-11-20T08:42:19-05:00

Laser-hair removal provides a far superior " finished product " to waxing, or chemical removals.... In the civilain world there is a whole sub-speciality of Nurse Practitioners who specialize in this unique field. As they say "One mans treasure is another man's "trash". (By"trash", I mean unsightly sprouts of undesirable follicular growth on a female face)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2013 4:39 PM

2013-11-29T16:39:47-05:00

I had one in Germany but looked like a fuhrer and in Germany this is not good.. esp during the cold war.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Nov 29 at 2013 5:34 PM

2013-11-29T17:34:45-05:00

My unit does participate in Movember and Mustache March. I think it is a great idea. We even insert a plug during the November and March Commander's Call for both events. The best part about both months is that we have an excuse to make fun of the boss and his dirty lip. I cannot grow a decent mustache, but that does not stop me from making fun over everyone else's dirty lips.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 6:43 PM

2013-11-30T18:43:56-05:00

I just recently learned of the USAF's Mustache March and its inspiration, BG Robin Olds. As a recipient of the AF Cross, he's certainly impressive. Sadly for the fly boys he pales in comparison to COL Lewis Millett. Then CPT Millett earned the DSC and the MoH for leading the Army's last bayonet charges in Korea, all while rocking a handlebar 'stache years before BG Olds thumbed his nose at the brass. There's even a road named after him at Osan. Unfortunately this is a stellar example of something the Army did better than the Air Force and we just happened to forget about it. http://www.badassoftheweek.com/millett.html

Badass of the Week: Lewis Millett

The ultimate list of all badasses past and present.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 7:34 PM

2013-11-30T19:34:03-05:00

There are not mustaches in the infantry. It is not allowed.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2013 9:49 PM

2013-12-26T21:49:44-05:00

I think it may be just about time for a "Decembeard" Check-in... anyone out there participate in a December-leave-beard?

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2013 9:57 AM

2013-12-29T09:57:10-05:00

The CGOs and I partake in "Movember" and "Mustache March" to see who can grow the best mustache or the craziest looking one amongst us. I need to start in late September and require sunlight for people to even notice a mustache is being attempted.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 9:51 PM

2014-01-17T21:51:00-05:00

<p>In order to promote maximum discussion, here  are just a few related subjects and threads that you may want to check-out; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!</p><p> </p><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="https://www.rallypoint.com/assets/fb_share_logo.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/39193-mustache-unprofessional-even-if-within-regs" target="_blank">Mustache unprofessional even if within regs??</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">I've recently been made aware that it's considered unprofessional for an officer to even have a mustache, regardless of whether or not it's within regulations.Where did that come from? &nbsp;I have so...</div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 6:41 PM

2014-02-14T18:41:58-05:00

Read and heed! lol

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 7:02 PM

2014-02-14T19:02:21-05:00

Hope you all are preparing to put your best 'stache forward... just days to go until the historical and glorious... MUSTACHE MARCH!

The legendary origin of Mustache March

A short biography of Robin Olds and the history of Mustache March

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 11:07 PM

2014-02-14T23:07:57-05:00

Im too scared of SGM John Sixta to grow one!!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 1:17 AM

2014-02-22T01:17:40-05:00

Oh yeah, now that's what I'm talking about! Air Force Chief of Staff on point with 'Mustache March,' much respect! Check out the article below, thanks Capt Charters... "you the man!" https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/62083-usaf-chief-of-staff-mustache-challenge-to-majcoms

USAF Chief of Staff Mustache Challenge to MAJCOMs.

From General Welsh: “I don’t think we’ve ever had an all-in Mustache March, have we?” Welsh said during his Feb. 20 address to the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium. “I’m putting the smack...

Response by MSG Phil Herndon made Feb 22 at 2014 10:23 AM

2014-02-22T10:23:53-05:00

No shave November or "Movember" is a mens health awareness campaign. I think Mustache March is the military version in a morale building event. Mostly because we have to shave but are allowed to grow mustaches.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 4:32 PM

2014-02-22T16:32:44-05:00

I don't even, Air Force.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 10:29 PM

2014-02-27T22:29:10-05:00

In reference to Mustache March, if you'd like to learn about the larger-than-life figure who inspired it, here's a good read about where it all began "Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds" by Robin Olds with Christina Olds and Ed Rasimus, New York: St. Martin's Press, 2010. Hope you all are planning to participate this year, and I hope to see some great photos, see you all in the threads!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 5:07 AM

2014-02-28T05:07:23-05:00

I propose an actual "Mustache March". A ruckmarch to celebrate all of our heroes past and present who have donned staches onto the field of battle. All male participants must have a de-facto mustache, with all female ruckers being allowed to wear a prosthetic mustache.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 6:59 AM

2014-02-28T06:59:33-05:00

I started out with a dream. To have the fullest, most luscious mustache in all of Afghanistan. One that would get restraining orders slapped on me if it ever made an appearance in the continental United States. The kind that causes parents and teachers to call the police when I walk within 100 meters of an elementary school. One that comes standard with a 1972 Chevy Van equipped with a bag of candy, and Jefferson Starship drawn to scale on the outside. A mustache that made women weak in the knees, and the manliest of men green with envy.

Well, Sir. I'm here to tell you that I've done it. I started mine last month, and am proud to say that is at current length inciting members of my Platoon to give me male porn star names, as well as drawing high pedoristic praise from senior ranking members of my Company Leadership as well. They recognize and respect the hegemonic power that resides within the glorious bristles that adorn the top of my lip.

I would post a picture of it but for fear that much like the word of God to the open ear, seeing it would shatter eardrums, and cause eyes to bleed from sheer awe and amazement...also where I'm deployed there isn't a camera for miles apparently.

Response by SSgt George Brown made Mar 2 at 2014 9:07 PM

2014-03-02T21:07:55-05:00

Dang, too bad there is no month that starts with G. You did not mention Fu Man Chu February I noticed Maj Burns! :)

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Mar 2 at 2014 9:38 PM

2014-03-02T21:38:49-05:00

This is ridiculous! Y'all turn dang near every month into some form of creepy mustache month lol.

I fear women will start participating and then you'll really regret it lol.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 2 at 2014 9:43 PM

2014-03-02T21:43:28-05:00

This is a bit older....but not much is changed....other than I am no longer deployed and I got promoted. I KNOW that the combat patch is un-authorized....it is that secret squirrel patch... I AM authorized the 3rd Army patch. this was taken for fun in the office.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 8:13 AM

2014-03-07T08:13:48-05:00

Post Gulf War 1991- haven't worn one since.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 8:45 AM

2014-03-07T08:45:56-05:00

My wife nixed Mustache March for me, since our anniversary falls in March and she HATES my 'stache in November. I can't blame her.....it is red, grey, a little blonde, some barely identifiable brown. My Irish shows a little bit!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 9:26 AM

2014-03-07T09:26:31-05:00

Took this pic this afternoon here in Afghanyland... started way before March kicked off, but hey... what can ya do?!

Response by LTC Martin Metz made Mar 7 at 2014 12:22 PM

2014-03-07T12:22:43-05:00

I've had a mustache ever since I was commissioned in 1974....still do since my retirement in 2011. The only times it came off were for Airborne and Ranger Schools. Do you suppose that's why I didn't make it to Army Chief of Staff?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 2:44 PM

2014-03-21T14:44:16-04:00

Well here's my face currently. Granted I'm in the guard and only shave during drills. I think I might keep the stashe this time though. It's growing in nicer then it ever has.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 21 at 2014 3:03 PM

2014-03-21T15:03:45-04:00

Ok here's my update for Mustache March....

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 23 at 2014 11:30 PM

2014-03-23T23:30:12-04:00

This pic was taken about 2010 at a benefit for two fallen Police offices in St Petersburg, FL. Didn't really get out much at the time... lol

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 23 at 2014 11:57 PM

2014-03-23T23:57:39-04:00

This is a selfie from today... 23 Mar 14

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 6:48 AM

2014-03-25T06:48:55-04:00

I've been growing my "stache" since last April and it's barely visible.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2016 1:02 AM

2016-10-10T01:02:28-04:00

I definitely do! I've been growing my mustache out for a couple weeks now. Surprisingly it has given me a confidence boost and more motivation than I had clean shaven. I like it. :-)