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

June 28, 2022 24 Comments

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.

Meanwhile, the Navy has announced they are lightening the restrictions on beards and will allow retired sailors to sport them while in dress uniform.

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The Space Force also announced progressive new grooming and uniform policies at the end of May.

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

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    Reply
  2. Teofila Rufener says

    June 17, 2022 at 7:49 pm

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    Reply
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    Reply
  4. Everette Mighty says

    June 17, 2022 at 2:39 pm

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    Reply
  5. 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.

    Reply
    • 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!

      Reply
  6. 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.

    Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
      • 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!!

        Reply
      • 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!
        .

        Reply
        • Art Rader says

          June 22, 2022 at 5:31 pm

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

          Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  7. 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

    Reply
    • 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!!!!.

      Reply
  8. 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.

    Reply
    • Wesley Soper says

      June 16, 2022 at 9:51 am

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

      Reply
    • 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.

      Reply
  9. Robert Philippi, MSgt, USAF (Ret) says

    June 15, 2022 at 3:00 pm

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

    Reply
    • Gerald says

      June 16, 2022 at 2:03 pm

      Looks like it! Unfortunately!

      Reply
  10. 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

    Reply
  11. 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.

    Reply
    • 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)

      Reply
    • 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 @

      Reply
  12. iptv deals brampton says

    June 2, 2022 at 1:55 am

    I think this is a real great blog.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.

    Reply

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