March 'Madness' not just for basketball

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Russell Martin
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  There is a madness taking over D-M, it's been seen firsthand. It's that time of year again when people make themselves look ridiculous in order to show their team spirit. Of course March Madness is mostly synonymous with the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Basketball Tournament in which students and alumni from across the country don their school colors in support of their team. Desert Lightning Team members are apparently doing the same ... only different.

It was a joke, a veritable line in the sand to try and see who could do it better. Perhaps just a few folks made the connection and also participated ... then I walked through the DLT Clinic and realized that an office effort to build camaraderie was actually a bigger phenomenon than I imagined.

You could see it on their faces, like bruises and cuts of a secret underground fighting establishment. The recognition and subtle nod from one participant to the other as if to say, "Keep up the good work."

I'm talking of course about Mustache March. I don't remember where I heard it, but thought it would be fun to challenge my office Airmen to see if they had the intestinal fortitude to bring back the style that has faded from popular American culture. Adventure, excitement, a Jedi craves not these things. Glorious mustaches, Airmen do.

With all due respect to our ranking leadership, many Airmen were not around in the 1960's and 70s when mustaches were a cultural norm and grooming staple. As such, let us be reminded of the standard.

Do you think Air Force leaders had the month of March in mind when they created Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Air Force Dress and Personal Appearance? I'm thinking not. I'm sure "neatly trimmed," means something different to many people. But the regulation does go on to say that mustaches may 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 mouth." Sorry guys, that means no Hulk Hogan Fu Manchu 'stashes or Captain Hook curls. Even those made famous by Magnum P.I. are outside the line.

"It's just a good time," said Master Sgt. Steve Shulski, 355th Security Forces Squadron. "This is a great way to have a little fun, make fun of yourself and each other and build camaraderie."

The 355th Communication Squadron's Top 3 has take the event one step further ... inspiring a squadron-wide competition. There are several categories for Airmen to win in such as, best grown, best style and celebrity-like. Judging will take place at the end of the month.

Along with maintaining Dress and Appearance standards, participants are encouraged to take pride in their ability, or lack thereof, to grow a mustache.

"Growing a mustache entails a lot of responsibility," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Jirsa, 355th CS. "You can't just walk around willy-nilly like it doesn't mean anything. The mustache must become you, and you must become the mustache. Embracing everything about the lifestyle and representing everything that wearing a mustache embodies must be your utmost concern ... and of course Air Force regulations."

Though the phenomenon is sweeping through D-M, not all Airmen are excited about the event.

"I hate Mustache March," said Master Sgt. Heather Legg, 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs superintendent. "I just don't understand why any man would want to do that. Their wives and girlfriends cannot be happy."

While taste may differ amongst Airmen, one thing remains true ... any opportunity to build camaraderie and esprit de corp is a good thing... as long as it's within Air Force standards. So for all those participating in Mustache March, throw caution to the wind and whip out your tiny mustache comb, cause your upper lip will feel a tickle for a few more weeks.