The word “moustache” probably derived from Hellenistic Greek, meaning upper lip. An individual wearing a moustache is said to be “moustached” or “moustachioed”. The earliest document of the usage of moustaches (without the beard) can be traced to Iron Age Celts. According to Diodorus Siculus, a Greek historian

The Gauls are tall of body with rippling muscles and white of skin and their hair is blond, and not only naturally so for they also make it their practice by artificial means to increase the distinguishing colour which nature has given it. For they are always washing their hair in limewater and they pull it back from the forehead to the nape of the neck, with the result that their appearance is like that of Satyrs and Pans since the treatment of their hair makes it so heavy and coarse that it differs in no respect from the mane of horses. Some of them shave the beard but others let it grow a little; and the nobles shave their cheeks but they let the moustache grow until it covers the mouth.

Within the disciplined and regulated world of the military, adherence to rules and regulations is of paramount importance. However, there is one aspect of military grooming that has often sparked debate and occasional rebellion among soldiers – the iconic military moustache.

The tradition of military moustaches can be traced back centuries, with roots in the noble ideals of honor, valor, and masculinity. A moustache is depicted on a statue of the 4th Dynasty Egyptian prince Rahotep (c. 2550 BC). Facial hair and the hair on the head were traditionally left untouched because of Confucian influences in China. In ancient Greece, the moustache was highly regarded as a mark of wisdom, dignity, and self-control. Philosophers and statesmen like Socrates and Plato often sported moustaches, embodying the ideal of intellectual strength and moral character. The Roman Empire further popularized the moustache, with military leaders such as Julius Caesar and Marcus Aurelius proudly displaying their facial hair as a testament to their martial prowess and authority. In Mesopotamia, one of the cradles of civilization, mighty kings and warriors proudly adorned their upper lips with meticulously groomed moustaches. These facial follicles were seen as a sign of power and courage, symbolizing the ruler’s ability to protect and lead their people.

The moustache is also a religious symbol for the male followers of the Yarsan religion. Another ancient portrait showing a shaved man with a moustache is an ancient Iranian (Scythian) horseman from 300 BC. One prominent example of the moustache in early medieval art is the Sutton Hoo helmet. This decorated helmet sports a faceplate depicting the style of its upper lip. During the Middle Ages, the moustache continued to serve as a symbol of strength and honor, especially among knights and warriors. The chivalric code, a set of moral and behavioral guidelines for knights, emphasized virtues such as bravery, loyalty, and respect. The moustache became a visible representation of these qualities, adorning the faces of knights who sought to embody the ideal of noble knighthood. In many 20th-century Arab countries, moustaches are associated with power, and beards are associated with Islamic traditionalism while someone who is clean-shaven or lacks facial hair is associated with those who have more liberal, secular tendencies.

English royalty such as Edward of Wales, and Welsh leaders would also often wear only a moustache. Moustaches would not go away during the Middle Ages. In the 1880s and 1890s moustache popularity in the west peaked. In the 19th century, during the height of colonialism, the British Empire’s military officers often sported elaborate moustache styles. These facial adornments were associated with authority, discipline, and the ability to command respect on the battlefield. This coincided with a popularity in the military virtues of the day. Various cultures have developed different associations with moustaches. Many renowned military leaders, from Alexander the Great to General George S. Patton, have sported distinctive moustaches that have become synonymous with their personas. As military strategies evolved and empires expanded, the moustache retained its significance in the world of warfare.

The 20th century witnessed the moustache taking center stage in military history. During World War I, soldiers on both sides of the conflict wore moustaches, which became a symbol of courage and resolve amidst the horrors of trench warfare. Today, while the prevalence of moustaches in the military has diminished, their legacy endures. Soldiers in various armed forces around the world still sport moustaches during special events or as a nod to tradition. The moustache continues to evoke notions of strength, honor, and masculine identity, paying homage to the historical significance it has held for centuries.

In recent years there is the emergence of “Movember,” an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. It is a portmanteau of the Australian-English diminutive word for moustache, “mo”, and “November”.

In modern military organizations, grooming regulations are enforced to ensure uniformity, professionalism, and discipline among troops. These regulations often outline specific guidelines for facial hair, including restrictions on moustache style, length, and width. By maintaining a standardized appearance, military institutions aim to project a cohesive image and facilitate identification on the battlefield. Some men who have moustaches can pull the look off, like Brigadier General Robin Olds. Some men simply cannot.

Despite the uniformity principle, soldiers occasionally choose to deviate from grooming regulations, especially when it comes to sporting moustaches. This act of nonconformity may arise from a desire to express individuality, challenge authority, or simply exercise personal preference. Soldiers, like anyone else, have their unique identities and may seek to differentiate themselves within the confines of military discipline. Throughout history, there have been instances where soldiers have deliberately flaunted grooming regulations, particularly in relation to moustaches. Such acts of defiance can be seen as a form of quiet protest or assertion of personal identity. Famous examples include the handlebar moustaches worn by British soldiers during World War I and the rebellious moustaches of the American soldiers during the Vietnam War era.

At one time the toothbrush style moustache was popular. Oliver Hardy, Hitler, General de Gaulle and George Orwell wore it. The great comedian Charlie Chaplin made fun of Hitler in his movie The Great Dictator. That style of moustache will likely never come back into style. The decision to disobey grooming regulations, including those regarding moustaches, can also be influenced by psychological factors. Soldiers often form strong bonds and a sense of camaraderie within their units, and breaking regulations together can strengthen this shared identity. Such acts can also serve as a way to boost morale, foster cohesion, and alleviate the stress and rigidity of military life. It is essential to strike a balance between preserving tradition and allowing for individual expression within the military. While adhering to grooming regulations fosters discipline and uniformity, acknowledging and accommodating the soldiers’ need for self-expression can contribute to a more engaged and motivated force. This could involve revisiting and revising existing regulations to reflect changing societal norms without compromising the overall ethos of the military.  Recently, the US military has lightened up on facial hair in their policies.