Posted on May 22, 2014
SSG Retiree
33.9K
325
132
12
12
0
If you've been in long enough, you have seen this at least once. You come across a female, she has a mustache, what do you (or did you) do? I was present as another soldier to observe my 1SG tell her politely to either make it meet regs or to take it off. She lost her mind! I don't know what happened after I left the unit but I dont think his approach/execution was wrong.

This is another "slippery slope" topic. I'm genuinely interested in your responses, in today's ever changing Army, this could become something that occurs more often.
Posted in these groups: Checklist icon 2 Standards
Avatar feed
Responses: 52
MSG Sean Milhauser
1
1
0
When I first read your question, I have to admit it seems absurd on the surface, but after more reflection, I have to think there could be that "one soldier" that would try to push the standards, despite most reasonable people thinking "why would a female intentionally grow a mustache?"

Maybe the regulation should be amended to reflect similar standards for all soldiers in regards to this area.
(1)
Comment
(0)
PO3 Jordan W.
PO3 Jordan W.
>1 y
MSG,

I find your response motivating as I feel that all service members (male or female) should be held to the same standard.
(0)
Reply
(0)
PO1 Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist
PO1 (Join to see)
>1 y
I vote for bald heads and full beards for ALL!
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SFC William Swartz Jr
1
1
0
I'd a told her, tactfully, in a heartbeat the same as I would any male Soldier....I had to keep mine within regs, by gawd she'll do the same!! :D
(1)
Comment
(0)
SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
>1 y
But the regulations do not adress female facial hair at all. She is not in violation of any regulation.
(2)
Reply
(0)
SFC William Swartz Jr
SFC William Swartz Jr
>1 y
Absolutely correct you are, I would have still told her to fix herself and dealt with any issues after that.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Special Operations Response Team (Sort)
0
0
0
He did the right thing. It’s not a gender requirement it is a facial harp grooming requirement
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PO1 Cryptologic Technician (Technical)
0
0
0
Um.....I've seen a couple females that had a bit of hair on their upper lips and some on their chin. It's those damn hormone fluctuations. it sucks. I've known a few females who either bleach or just shave it off, some pluck the longer hairs (ouch!). I just think that during a PI and a female were to have hair, that a one-on-one should have been done than just outing her right there in front of everyone. It's different for a male because it's to be expected and it's in uniform regulations. Sometimes a female may not even notice the hair because it blends with a skin tone.....

Regs may go through another change.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTJG Jftoc Watch Officer
0
0
0
There is no instruction that I have seen that governs a female with facial hair. Thus, she is in regs. However, with that being said, I doubt an instruction exists for two reasons. 1. Most females do not or cannot grow facial hair. 2. This is not a common problem.

With that being said, I'd pull her to the side and gently and respectfully explain my concern. That her facial hair, though possibly subtle is being noticed by others and that I am concerned about her appearance. Again, I'd bring up that there is no instruction that governs this, however would advise she take a razor to it.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Pete Kain
0
0
0
Be careful of your answer...A transgender is coming soon. OOOH the fun the C.O.C. will have in the field.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC David Brunk
0
0
0
Granted, it's been 20 years since I've read AR 670-1 and there's been a lot of changes during that time, but, a mustache is a mustache and should conform to the regulation, or not be worn.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Aviation Combined Arms Operations
0
0
0
I guess I never thought about this as being an issue, does the 'stache look better on her than you, probably wouldn't say anything, but if it's just peach fuzz, then still wouldn't say anything, now if it extends past the corners of her mouth, well, she better familiarize herself with the AR 670-1!
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Instructor/Writer
0
0
0
I've seen a female or two with more facial hair than me (I was kind of jealous but that's beside the point). Its one of those things where on one hand you research the reg and it says nothing about females shaving and whatnot, while on the other hand you look at them and say that needs to cleaned up pronto. My thought process is this...if you can shave your legs, pits, unmentionables, and tweez your eyebrows, it wouldn't hurt to do a little landscaping if you look a bit on the manly side. Just my 2 cents.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
PO1 Autumn Sandeen
0
0
0
Y'know, having the military services provide hair removal services could be considered no more expensive, no more complicated, and no less medically necessary than healthcare services the military provides to service members and their families every day.

Sometimes we say "cosmetic" for treatments that really aren't.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close