what do you say/do if a female soldier/NCO has a visible moustache?

2019-06-28T15:19:46-04:00

I know the shaving regs are mainly aimed at male soldiers. but what do you do, if anything, if you have a female soldier who has a clearly visible moustache that is outside of regulation?

Response by SGT Debra Jahnel made Jun 28 at 2019 3:26 PM

2019-06-28T15:26:37-04:00

I am a female vet from the 80s. I have & have had a clearly visible mustache (very fair skin, very dark hair). Sir, check the regs. Female regs in the 80s did NOT mention facial hair or leg hair. If they still don't, there's nothing you can or should say.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jun 28 at 2019 3:34 PM

2019-06-28T15:34:39-04:00

Back in the day a male soldier put in a complaint about a female who had facial hair (side burns and chin wiskers, slight mustache). He said if I can't grow a beard, why can she. They made here get rid of the facial hair. I'm talking early 80's.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jun 28 at 2019 6:57 PM

2019-06-28T18:57:25-04:00

What do I say? Easy: "Shouldn't you be in the Marines?"

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2019 4:44 AM

2019-06-29T04:44:30-04:00

We had them follow the regs at the time for females and the solutions allowed them. If she is out of regulation, have her supervisor informally council her. If she does not come into compliance, the next inspection is the best chance to document the issue and get counseling on the record. And, if it is not solved by her next marking period, make it part of her evaluation and part of her personnel record if required after that. The normal process of bringin any soldier into compliance with the regulations.

But, to do it right, you have to know the regulations, the solutions available, and the process for dealing with these kinds of personal/medical issues before hand. In other world do your homework. Seek expert advice from your personnel. admin, and medical staff. And, do not be afraid to ask your peers and supervisors for advice. That is what they are all there for. To make sure the right thing is done in the best manner possible with the best outcome for all concerned.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jun 29 at 2019 12:28 PM

2019-06-29T12:28:39-04:00

Any standard or regulation is written to address the "norm". When a situation falls outside the norm, analyze the root objective of the instruction. The objective of the grooming standards for shaving are that a soldier (notice the term is asexual) will not be authorized to wear a beard or have a moustache that is maintained outside specific limits. Your female soldier is not allowed to ignore those standards any more than a male soldier is allowed to breach the appearance standards expected of females regarding breasts. If the male can not maintain an appropriate appearance in uniform due to the size of his breasts, he has to do something to conform to the appearance standards.

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Jun 29 at 2019 2:59 PM

2019-06-29T14:59:31-04:00

Some issues may be solved by approaching the subject in a direct manner with some tact. In regards to a female soldier and her facial hair, it may be more appropriate for a female NCO to ascertain there is a problem. A few women soldiers may have a genetic disposition to hirsuteness, and that is a medical condition.

Read the regulations regarding facial hair and look to see if it is truly gender specific. If you have a question about should women shave noticeable hair, ask the S1, they should be able to give you a solid reading on the requirements.

However I would also go with what a NBC NCO says after doing a mask check using and common fitting and testing procedures. If the female soldier can not attain an adequate facial seal due to hair, she may well need to shave. then apply the male grooming standard for facial hair in regards to the requirements to have the current generation of protective masks seal properly. However if she can achieve a proper seal and wear the mask properly, what you address is probably a non issue unless the Bn CSM and leadership tell the companies within the BN and 1SGs to address it across the board.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Jun 30 at 2019 12:44 AM

2019-06-30T00:44:59-04:00

Same as I would do if a male soldier had a mustache that wasn't regulation, unless women aren't allowed to grow mustaches. I think that would be discrimination in todays politically correct environment. semper fi.