Not just a fashion statement, Mustache March rooted in Air Force history

Published March 8, 2013
By Senior Airman Joel Mease
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A number of women don't like them, some children are even scared by them, and yet, Airmen still grow them every year. Mustache March is here.

The tradition of growing mustaches in March isn't as clear as one would think from stories told.

"I suppose the first thing to consider with the topic of Mustache March, is it is strongly influenced by legend and culture," said Daniel Knickrehm, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing historian. "This influence, like in the stories surrounding the beginnings of the challenge coin, makes it difficult to find definitive 'proof' of the origins."

As legend goes, the story of the mustache stated with pilots who viewed it as a way to be "bulletproof."

"After the Air Force stopped using TDYs to place pilots and crews into Vietnam, the policy changed to a one-year rotation, something many of us are familiar with here," Knickrehm said. "Because the F-105 missions into North Vietnam were so dangerous, one of the first things pilots did when they hit the ground in Vietnam was to invoke superstition and begin growing their own bulletproof mustache so they could survive the tour and return home safely."

One of those aviators, Col. Robin Olds, would later become the poster child for proud mustache wearers everywhere.

"Colonel Olds had a bulletproof mustache that was distinctly out of regulations," Knickrehm said. "Apparently, many others in Colonel Olds' unit felt the mustache was a culturally acceptable way to flaunt dress and appearance regulations and they followed suit growing their own mustaches."

Not everyone was impressed with Olds' mustache though.

"According to an account from Olds, when he made the rank of brigadier general and reported to the Air Force Chief of Staff, he was told to shave the mustache off and he did so," Knickrehm said.

However legend still doesn't explain how March became the designated month for the once-a-year growth for Airmen.

"Today most Airmen will tell you the story about Olds and his handlebar mustache and how growing a mustache in March is a way to connect with a common dislike for personal hygiene standards," Knickrehm said. "But I couldn't find anyone, or any online source, that told me why it happened in March. My guess is it is a simple matter of alliteration similar to 'March Madness,' but that doesn't explain why it isn't 'Mustache May.'"

Knickrehm said he started growing his mustache out to support the annual cause, but he may keep it a little longer.

"I began growing my own mustache on March 1 and planned to shave it off on April 1," Knickrehm said. "After reading about the bulletproof mustache however, I think I may just keep it until I leave, ensuring my safe return home."