A new mustache policy has arrived for airmen.
Effective immediately, the Air Force will allow airmen to grow their mustaches past the width of their lips, but not longer than “1/4 inch beyond a vertical line drawn from the corner of the mouth.”
Airmen will also now have more flexibility to wear specific unit patches while assigned to joint organizations.
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Meanwhile, the Navy has announced they are lightening the restrictions on beards and will allow retired sailors to sport them while in dress uniform.
The Space Force also announced progressive new grooming and uniform policies last year.
Here’s more from Military.com:
“These changes will allow Airmen additional flexibilities as to how to wear mustaches,” Gwendolyn DeFilippi, acting deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, said in a press release. “Additionally, allowing airmen to wear sister-service patches in their current color configuration influences cohesiveness and pride while assigned to joint organizations.”
Similar to the Space Force’s policies unveiled earlier this week, airmen will now be able to grow mustaches an additional one-fourth of an inch.
“No portion of the mustache will extend below the lip line of the upper lip,” the updated policy reads. “Additionally, the mustache will not go beyond a horizontal line extending across the corners of the mouth and no more than 1/4 inch beyond a vertical line drawn from the corner of the mouth.”
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The other policy update, according to the Air Force’s press release, is allowing airmen to wear patches worn by Guardians when working in joint units together.
The Air Force’s new grooming policies come shortly after last year’s updates to approved female hairstyles. In 2021 the Air Force began allowing female service members to wear their hair in a single braid, double braid, or ponytail that can go down to the bottom of their shoulder blades.
Although the Air Force has relaxed their mustache policy, beards are still off limits for airmen.
Certain exceptions are made however for those with medical waivers or religion exemptions.
The Space Force also announced the same expanded mustache policy, along with a more loose tattoo policy. You can see what the new tattoo policy is here.
I served during the Zumwalt days and had a neat, military-style beard as a Navy Airborne Electronic Warfare Officer. After Vietnam when I started flying jets the beard had to go, but I NEVER met the “one stripe down from your nose” standard for my mustache as I was always “out of regs”.
Facial hair did not make or break the military and never will.
All of this concern about facial hair when the concern should be the current effort to enlist people with known mental disorders for “inclusivity.”
We served with fellow service members we KNEW were gay, but as long as they maintained proper military bearing and did their jobs NO ONE CARED. That is why the acceptance of gays in the military scarcely caused a murmur, but the effort to believe that a biological male or female should be able to serve while suffering from gender dysphoria, which is defined in the mental health guide DSM 5 as a MENTAL DISORDER just doesn’t make any sense.
If the Biden Clown Circus has its way the military branches just might be required to have 51% female composition and would exclude males from enlisting until that goal is met. I served and flew with female Naval Aviators who were outstanding aviators and officers, but they were a definite exception just as ALL Naval Aviators were definite exceptions.
Facial hair regulations won’t make or break the military but “diversity, inclusion and equity” (DIE) will break the military because the next step is promotions based on gender, chosen gender, biological gender, race and perceived racial status (oppressed or oppressor) and not ability, attitude, experience and performance. You may see someone promoted who cannot do their existing job and may not even be able to read or write coherently.
For you facial hair obsessed supposed “professionals” you are entirely missing the real issues.
Joined before the draft got me, decided I wanted to be the best. Went to jump school, then off to Special Forces training and became a Green Beret in 67. Went, to Vietnam with the 5th SF, volunteered for. MACV SOG. Did cross boarder operations in Cambodia. Wounded in 68. After a little under 6 months in the hospital my enlistment was up and got out. I really enjoyed my time. Would do it all over again
If you need a longer mustache or Beard to build your moral so you can feel better about your sissy self then you have more problems than your prissy hair will fix. Grow a nut sack unless you’ve already pu$$ied out and became someone’s Bitch.
Hi I’m a 30 year veteran can my wife file for hearing aids threw the va thanks htcm
Its about time our Air Force Family be freed from the Adolf Hitler style mustache grooming practice. During my 21 year stay, i must have gotten a ton of these write ups. And as you well know, bearing and appearance affected your APR, which bear heavily on your fit for promotion. This new exception will inspire new recruits to join our military because it ties them a bit closer to the sleek and sharpness of the uniform. As we all should be aware of, the mustache and its flashiness gave a ” chest up ” presentation when presenting yourself to the civilian community .in full dress. Thumbs up to our Chefs, First Shirts and brave young officers for making this happen. “” Up and away to the sky “
My 22 year career, I’ve seen this cycle. Started where you can have beards, foo man chu mustache, turbins. The in the early 1980’s that all went away.. then in the the mid 1990’s gang tattoos, face and hand tattoos kept people out. Now recruiting is in the toilet just as it was when I joined. Now 24 years later, we are right back to the beginning. Personally instead of sacrificing our military standards, implement the draft and to hell with any exceptions, because your in college. They can finish their education while SERVING THEIR COUNTRY! If you have a problem with that, then move to a country, where you can have better benefits and freedom.
Yep Biden screwed it all up
The lack of the draft has hurt this country. There is no more “pride of country”, Reimplementing the draft is long overdue. This new generation needs some goals and self-discipline. The uniformed service is the place to get both and more to be successful in life. Bring it back , now.
I found it easier not to have a mustache! But I was an officer so it was discouraged!
I served as aan Air Force med tex för 3yrs 4monthe 25″”days 6bhougrsqd 30 minutes x är p ok roximxately,.. I SWWASZ AN E5 SSGTAND WARDMASTER ATT EDWARDS AFB, CALIFORNIA. I MISS THE SERVICE AND WOULD GO BACK IN TOMORROW if allowed W, but I amnodw 73 and mmy useful nd ess to the military iscgon I did spend almost 20 years as a criterial care Tiscali car Respiratory therapist. Qat one point became the evening shift supervisor at the U OF I MED CENTER WITH 13ICU UNITS TO LOOK AFTER. INCLUDING HI RISK PEDIATRIC FC AND NEONATAL NURSERY
Unitsf. I assisted in some of the basic research into PEEP AND CPAP, EVEN COCUTHOREDB A PAPER PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL OF CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE. I DESIGNED AND BUILT PULMONARY FUNCTION UNITS AT A COUPLE OF HOSPITALS
Who wrote this
Thanks Jay. Its Airman like you who kept us strong
Check this out!!!! I Retired with 21 years!!! With 6 yrs Army, and 15 yrs in the Navy..
When I tried to use my Educational benefits, I was DISAPROVED!!!!!
Here is there reason….
Im Retired but never had 12 straight yrs in the Service..
I got out of the Navy after 4 yrs to go back in the Army.
I was out for 88 days and decided to return to the Navy, Now, nothing changed,
Rank, Time in grade, Time in service and paid for 21 yrs of service… It was like I took a LONG vacation.. But I couldnt use my Benifits….
I THOUGHT IT DIDNT MATTER!!!! Im still a VETERAN that served my Country.that got the SHAFT!!
Something wrong here! Don’t accept this finding! It’s not correct!
Appeal! My husband did the same thing but where it kept messing him up was time in service as when you were out it was considered active reserve which goes to time served. Every transfer of duty station would start a whole thing about when he rotates again and when he was eligible for retirement. In the end he has full retirement short of 20 years active because of that break. He had to appeal his GI bill as well and they paid it. Good luck
I have never heard of such foolishness. I served 21 years of continus service , but 21 is 21 !!. Check out your local wounded warriors. You need to get paid
I think you got the Royal shaft
I, too, had broken service. Six years between the USMC and NatGuard. Got all my benefits without a problem. You must appeal that decision.
Please remove me from this site.
I cannot find an “UNSUBSCRIBE” within this item.
The facial hair restrictions have merit!. In a hand-to-hand battle, anything the little bastard can grab will put you at a disadvantage!. When in a MOPP environment hair can “leak”, leaving little choice but to get the antidote as fast as possible. When the first bullet snaps past your ear, ALL style concerns are out the window. Stay ALIVE and healthy.
Agree 100%! Now is not the time to let our awesome military get weak. What’s next? Hair buns? You know there always something next. It’s makes me sick that the VA has to pay for transgender surgeries. Sick!
What irks me is they let transgendered in the military period.
How is it in 2022 you can actually look at your self in the mirror and acknowledge that you are entirely a narrow minded absolute Biggot. How about this I don’t care if you don’t like the fact a fellow vet can now get gender reassigned surgery, really after all we have been through as a nation with all this world pandemic and death of so so many humans and a economic resesion like none before us a yet that’s what you choose to bitch about are you fucken kidding me right now? GROW THE FUCK UP. I FEEL SORRY THAT THAT IS WHAT YOU CHOOSE to have a issue with God i feel for you. Well I can tell you this I hope with great hope that you decide to grow up and get educated and expand that lump 3 feet above your ass and use it for more then a hat rack. Grab a book or poster board and instead of gripping do something for someone other then your self and try and be an inspiration or a light or a be on and do good for this globe. Try that on for size and see how much better you might feel at the end of the day then the way you currently feel. I will pray for you unless that to might chap your ass, freedom of religion as well. Odd just sayen.
Best,
C. Matte USNR
The only “bigot” is you!!! Also, please learn to spell, punctuate, and use proper grammatical structure. Good grief! First, you chide someone for not liking transgender (that is his opinion) then you attempt to argue a lame argument defending your liberal left wing crap! I’m glad I’m out of the military as I cannot stand to see one of the mightiest nations brought to surrender by idiocy and defamatory measures taken by the likes of yourself! Just because you like transgender does not mean the rest of us have put up with this asinine stupidity!!! If you want to maul and mutilate your body, have at it!
Finally, in 400 years when they dig your sorry carcass up…….guess what? Your DNA will show you are either a male or female!
Sounds sensible!
Best words I’ve heard in a long time. I’m retired with 23 years service. Of course that was 27 years ago, in the real Navy.
I couldn’t have said it any better. I am not gay or whatsoever. People should stop worrying about others. My best friend is gay and he is one of many I would like to have protecting me in a fox hole when I am asleep.
I see the R at the end of your USN so no F you Matte. Your a part time Woke Salior.
Would you please loan me 3600 dollors so I can get my wife home I have no credit so could some one help me please 2nd
Hair buns for Men, sounds like just what they will do. As for women, hair hanging down, braids, any thought to the safety hazards that is going to cost? No, go with the new and improved give me, give of the now military. How worthless to have their cry baby rooms to go when they get stressed out. LOL! Where are they going to hide in a real world situation?
Why should they that’s not a life threatening that is a personal choice what do the rest of us get some of us that deserves disability from service but can’t get it but they can get a sex change operation that wasn’t caused by the military
I don’t agree with most of the comments. I was a draftee who rose to
rank of Brig. Gen. and in my view beards and mustaches are not military, not
clean, and can interfere with gas masks if needed.
I used to shave with cold water in my “pot’ (helmet liner) in the field with a
pocket mirror tacked to a tree.
The current uniform regs and styles also do not inspire neatness or cleanliness,
both of which inspire unit confidence and morale.
If the beard is trimmed neat n clean what’s the problem, its guys like you that keep young men from wanting to serve.
If you have any problems with grooming standards to serve your country, you have some serious issues and concerns!! You should be ashamed to even respond like that!!
THEN ENJOY YOUR GAY BUDDIES AND DIE TOGETHER YOUR ARE ONE OF THE REASON’S THEY LET GAYS BACK IN THE SERVICE. BUT YOU DON’T AND THEY DON’T CARE AT THE COST! AMERICA IS NOW WEAK, LAUGHED AT, AND EVERYONE WANTS TO TRY THEIR LUCK AT THE FENCE OF ALL REAL AMERICANS. CHOSE YOUR SIDE, BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR ALL YOU ARE ABOUT TO LOSE HERE IN THE FUTURE. KEEP VOTING FOR IDIOTS LIKE BIDEN. NOW HAVE A GOOD DAY, AND WIPE UP YOUR TEARS BABY! RETIRED CMC USNAVY!
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Yup, Biden is a frickin’ idiot! Someone needs to take him out!!
I totally agree get him out of office pronto
Right on
I could not agree more General. I’m now 64 and if they called me back today, I would go as long as there were real commanders in charge and not one of these WOKE Generals on TV. These new children going into the military today are more than likely being sent right back home. I know there’s some right here in these comments. All excuses and no drive/no focus.
Your last sentence is spot-on. And if it’s ok with you; I’d like to add to the end of it.
“The current uniform regs and styles also do not inspire neatness or cleanliness,
both of which inspire unit confidence and morale” and most of all, readiness to protect our freedom and families at home no matter the cost! Thank GOD I had commanders with your spirit and laser focus to win, no matter what task given.
What about the Army? Mustache/hair regs. I had to wear a adoft Hitler mustache for 22 yrs, which looked like crap! Does a mustache or hair make me a better soldier, no, but would help the morale in the services! Women service members should have had relaxed hair styles long ago. Special Forces wear long hair, beards, mustaches, Navy seals the same and these soldiers & sailors are the elite! Look at most all the European services, their hair, mustache, boots are much more relaxed.
If you want to improve the moral of the Army & other services, this would be a good start. Retired SGM
THEN ENJOY YOUR GAY BUDDIES AND DIE TOGETHER YOUR ARE ONE OF THE REASON’S THEY LET GAYS BACK IN THE SERVICE. BUT YOU DON’T AND THEY DON’T CARE AT THE COST! AMERICA IS NOW WEAK, LAUGHED AT, AND EVERYONE WANTS TO TRY THEIR LUCK AT THE FENCE OF ALL REAL AMERICANS. CHOSE YOUR SIDE, BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR ALL YOU ARE ABOUT TO LOSE HERE IN THE FUTURE. KEEP VOTING FOR IDIOTS LIKE BIDEN. NOW HAVE A GOOD DAY, AND WIPE UP YOUR TEARS BABY! RETIRED CMC USNAVY!
WHY DO YOU THINK WE ARE BETTER THAN ALL THOSE PEOPLE! REALLY!!!!.
As a veteran of the Nam era, it’s long past due time for a new hair and whiskers codes.. Listen to these young people.
If you need a longer mustache to have morale or the boost, your freaking ego man up, grow some freaking balls you dickhead
If a sailor is retired, what right does the navy have to bitch at him because of his beard ? He is retired, already done his time, he earned the right to his uniform. Get off his back about his beard.
It’s part of uniform regs.. You know this if you’re retired.
I could agree and disagree on this response. He is a free man to do whatever he wants to, yes. But on the same note when you put on any military uniform you are representing the military regardless! Most older soldiers think like that because that’s what they know and respect.
The new standards for the new soldiers will be what they know and respect. Change is sometimes difficult for anyone who is kind of set in their ways. Doesn’t make it wrong or right, just difficult to deal with.
I guess AFR 35-10 is now ancient history!!!!!
Looks like it! Unfortunately!
You said it. The regulations we served under mean nothing. nothing any longer. Go out an take a long look at what the look like today. Disrespectful to what the military stands for. It used to be honor and resect, proud to wear the uniform.
If you spouse was a 100% disabled Veteran and past away then the surviving spouse should get half of his disability plus medical coverage under ChampVA. I believe the disability for a surviving spouse if is called DIC.
God bless
My husband ,David l. Allen, was a 100% disabled veteran. . I took care of him at home. for many years. When he died in June ,10, 2001. I returned all equipment s that he used like bed, ,,, cane,,wheelchairr( manual/ motorized))) etc to VA. . I am now 80 years old annd have diffiiculty walking because of joint pains.. I told my husband before ” I am taking care of you .Who will take care of me? He said maybe, VA will help you ? ( cane, wheelchair ?? Dioes VA do that?. I have Medicare and Tricare for my prescription that my doctor prescribed.. I would appreciatee it very much if I get a response.
Spouses of Disabled Veterans and those that are survivors of the disabled Veterans DO have certain medical benefits. You should contact your local Veterans Representative (usually at the County/Parish Courthouse)
Hell no forget it! I had 33yrs and worked after I was 65 and the place I worked provide health insurance and I could not qualify for TRI-CARE, now i WANT TO RETIRE AND I HAVE TO PAY A PENALTY FOR NOT HAVING PART B. GOOD LUCK @