Mustache March

[3] Aside from being a triple ace, Robin Olds was known for the extravagantly waxed, and decidedly non-regulation handlebar mustache he sported in Vietnam.

Olds started the mustache after the 1967 success of Operation Bolo, and let it grow beyond regulation length, because "It became the middle finger I couldn't raise in the PR photographs.

The mustache became my silent last word in the verbal battles...with higher headquarters on rules, targets, and fighting the war.

"[4] For his part, Olds was not upset with the order, recalling: The incident with the mustache is given credit as the impetus for a new Air Force tradition, "Mustache March", in which aircrew, aircraft maintainers, space operators, cyber operators and other Airmen worldwide show solidarity by a symbolic, albeit good-natured "protest" for one month, against Air Force facial hair regulations.

In 2014, Retired Navy Commander Sara Zak criticized Mustache March for failing to show "proper respect to all airmen" and having "perpetuated an environment conducive to sexual harassment".