Should we start calling it a lower lip strap?

Can someone please explain to me why I keep seeing members of the military, police and marching bands with chin straps cinched way too short? What good is a chip strap if it's under your nose? And if it is so incredibly uncomfortable to have a strap under your chin, why in the world would you want it too short? Although I've never had to wear such a piece of head gear myself, I think that adjusting the strap too long, so it is just dangling and loose, would be more comfortable. Is it a fashion statement? Any ideas?