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Military.net

Military Branches Release New Facial Hair and Uniform Policies – Here Is What’s Changing

January 24, 2023

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.”

…

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.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brian says

    December 28, 2022 at 3:52 pm

    Hi I’m a 30 year veteran can my wife file for hearing aids threw the va thanks htcm

  2. Msgt Andy says

    November 2, 2022 at 3:26 pm

    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 “

    • David Cafferata MSG Retired US Army says

      December 14, 2022 at 8:12 pm

      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.

      • John Lewis says

        December 28, 2022 at 2:55 pm

        Yep Biden screwed it all up

  3. JAY A FEDER, C, R. T. T,. says

    September 7, 2022 at 4:47 pm

    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

    • Larry Morello says

      September 21, 2022 at 3:36 pm

      Who wrote this

    • Msgt Andy says

      November 2, 2022 at 3:34 pm

      Thanks Jay. Its Airman like you who kept us strong

  4. Tee Barkdull says

    August 24, 2022 at 8:52 pm

    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!!

    • Al Battista says

      September 7, 2022 at 3:01 pm

      Something wrong here! Don’t accept this finding! It’s not correct!

    • Marty Wilson says

      September 7, 2022 at 3:23 pm

      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

    • Msgt Andy says

      November 2, 2022 at 3:39 pm

      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

    • John Lewis says

      December 28, 2022 at 2:59 pm

      I think you got the Royal shaft

  5. Joseph Dean says

    July 27, 2022 at 4:49 pm

    Please remove me from this site.
    I cannot find an “UNSUBSCRIBE” within this item.

  6. Maj Michael says

    June 16, 2022 at 12:29 pm

    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.

    • Dave Baldwin says

      June 16, 2022 at 7:22 pm

      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!

      • Kirby Affholter says

        July 27, 2022 at 5:02 pm

        What irks me is they let transgendered in the military period.

      • Cole says

        July 27, 2022 at 6:50 pm

        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

        • CW3 says

          September 7, 2022 at 2:00 pm

          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!

          • Al Battista says

            September 7, 2022 at 3:06 pm

            Sounds sensible!

          • Samuel Hicks says

            December 28, 2022 at 3:00 pm

            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.

        • SSgt. Harvey, USMC says

          September 7, 2022 at 3:59 pm

          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.

        • Jeff says

          October 5, 2022 at 4:00 pm

          I see the R at the end of your USN so no F you Matte. Your a part time Woke Salior.

        • stone tnanetueildn2 says

          November 2, 2022 at 3:24 pm

          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

      • Jeanne Cunningham says

        August 10, 2022 at 4:04 pm

        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?

      • Gordon Farless says

        August 10, 2022 at 4:21 pm

        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

  7. Sidney Baumgarten says

    June 16, 2022 at 10:16 am

    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.

    • Timothy Coachman says

      June 16, 2022 at 10:49 am

      If the beard is trimmed neat n clean what’s the problem, its guys like you that keep young men from wanting to serve.

      • Gerald says

        June 16, 2022 at 1:48 pm

        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!!

      • LUKE says

        June 17, 2022 at 11:40 am

        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!
        .

        • Art Rader says

          June 22, 2022 at 5:31 pm

          Yup, Biden is a frickin’ idiot! Someone needs to take him out!!

          • John Lewis says

            December 28, 2022 at 3:08 pm

            I totally agree get him out of office pronto

        • John Lewis says

          December 28, 2022 at 3:05 pm

          Right on

    • Dave Baldwin says

      June 16, 2022 at 7:43 pm

      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.

  8. TR says

    June 16, 2022 at 1:53 am

    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

    • LUKE says

      June 17, 2022 at 11:43 am

      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!!!!.

    • Larry L Brown says

      November 2, 2022 at 3:44 pm

      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.

  9. Darryl says

    June 15, 2022 at 10:14 pm

    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.

    • Wesley Soper says

      June 16, 2022 at 9:51 am

      It’s part of uniform regs.. You know this if you’re retired.

    • Gerald says

      June 16, 2022 at 2:00 pm

      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.

  10. Robert Philippi, MSgt, USAF (Ret) says

    June 15, 2022 at 3:00 pm

    I guess AFR 35-10 is now ancient history!!!!!

    • Gerald says

      June 16, 2022 at 2:03 pm

      Looks like it! Unfortunately!

    • Jeanne Cunningham says

      August 10, 2022 at 4:14 pm

      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.

  11. Philip Jones says

    June 15, 2022 at 1:58 pm

    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

  12. Edith B. Allen says

    June 9, 2022 at 1:45 pm

    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.

    • Jeffrey L. Frusha says

      June 15, 2022 at 10:07 am

      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)

    • J. V. "Bud" Blakney says

      June 15, 2022 at 11:16 am

      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 @

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