Patrol Base Tahweela, Iraq-For many years soldiers in the field have had to be close shaved, with no facial hair. But recently soldiers in the file in Iraq have helped fit in with the local culture by sporting a new feature- Mustaches.
Many people have joined the United States Military because of the opportunities available in both training, education and the U.S. Montgomery GI Bill that gives soldiers different paid opportunities and benefits after they leave the Military. It also gives a guaranteed income, and a sense of peace of mind to those serving and doing their patriotic duty overseas, knowing their families are secure and provided for back home.
Patrol Base Tahweela and Forward Operating Base Hammer have created a bit of a stir by the soldiers gradually deciding as a group to sport the ?machismo mustaches,? beginning to fit in with many of the local Iraqi male population.
Soldiers with the Ist Battalion, Company A, 2nd Infantry Regiment and 66th Armor, 3rd Battalion are two of the units that have began to sport the ?combat mustache,? or even full Iraqi style mustaches. They are by and large full facial mustaches that in some situations earn them respect from the local Male Iraqi population.
This has been a fun and new way for soldiers in combat to show their masculinity, and it has been a positive thing for morale and comradeship.