Does Moustache March send a mixed message?

2014-02-24T17:30:30-05:00

<A href="http://blogs.militarytimes.com/flightlines/2014/02/21/welsh-throws-down-gauntlet-air-force-wide-mustache-march/">http://blogs.militarytimes.com/flightlines/2014/02/21/welsh-throws-down-gauntlet-air-force-wide-mustache-march/</A>
 
Having worked for Gen Welsh, my opinion might be a little biased so I would like to get an RP perspective on Gen Welsh's challenge to the Air Force.  I, for one, am one of the few that maintains a moustache (within regs) year round.  There have also been numerous posts about the mixed message that the CSAF sends by promoting what constitutes a defiance of regulations.  There have also been comments on how it's good for moral and lastly that it's sexist.  RP, what is your take, and is this type of thing prevalent in the other services?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 5:35 PM

2014-02-24T17:35:13-05:00

I have never seen anything lie this in the Army. I dont see an issue with the idea of the competition but i can see it being an issue because so few know how to wear a moustache that is in compliance with the regs.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 24 at 2014 6:05 PM

2014-02-24T18:05:20-05:00

In my personal opinion.....if they would write a waiver to be non-compliant with the regs for the month of march, would be fun. otherwise.....waste of my time. I have worn one for my entire military career....within the regs.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 7:10 PM

2014-02-24T19:10:21-05:00

I personally think our regulations should be rewritten so that only handlebar mustaches are permitted year round. That would solve a lot of problems.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Feb 26 at 2014 9:41 AM

2014-02-26T09:41:35-05:00

I see no issues with it, I sported a stache from the time I left OSUT in '88 to the day I retired in '13, with short periods of upper-lip nudity throughout my 26 years in. Personally I look silly without it, and now that I am retired I am letting it grow and experimenting with different looks, I cannot pull off the handle-bar look though, that was my grandfathers specialty, I remember that thing, waxed and impressive!!

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 14 at 2020 4:30 AM

2020-02-14T04:30:19-05:00

Well the link wouldn't load for me. But here are my two pennies worth. I don't think there is anything wrong with mustache march or no shave november for males as long as it is in regs. Heck I knew one guy who came up with some rhyming phrase for each month. I don't see how it is a defiance of regulations when facial hair is allowed within limits. It can be great for moral. As for sexist? Really? My gosh females, if you can grow it then kudos to you I guess but as a female I'm pretty glad we don't usually have that ability. Is shaving your legs and pits not enough??? FFS! Not everything is sexist. Would I like a month like "hair down december"? Hell yeah, but it's ridiculous to stomp your foot and throw around your gender as some platform. Get over it and use your energy for something worthwhile like taking embarrassing pics of the pedo-staches your male co-workers grow to show at the unit Christmas party instead.