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Saturday marks the first day of March, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III issued an Air Force wide “all-in” Mustache March challenge to Airmen during his Feb. 20 address to the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium.
Mustache March started as a fighter pilot superstition during the Vietnam War. Pilots claimed that a forbidden ‘stache protected aircraft from enemy bullets.
Legendary ace fighter pilot Brig. Gen. Robin Olds expanded the tradition by continuing to grow out his mustache against military regulations. Though not intended as a direct act of defiance, Olds’ rebellion symbolized the importance of a balance between individuality and teamwork.
KMC Airmen participating in the Mustache March challenge must be compliant with Air Force Instruction 36-2903, specifically Chapter 3, grooming and appearance standards.
According to AFI 36-2903, “Male Airmen may have mustaches; however, they will be conservative (moderate, being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme) and will not extend downward beyond the lip line of the upper lip or extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from both corners of the month.”
For Airmen participating in the annual mustache madness event, keep the soup strainer in regulations. Good luck, and may the best ‘stache win.
To see Welsh’s full remarks at the symposium, check the U.S. Air Force’s official YouTube channel website.
(Editor’s note: Former intern Meghan Augsburger contributed to this article)
