CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Recently, I had the privilege of participating in the Washington Light Infantry Parade in downtown Charleston. After boarding the bus to leave, I noticed an Airman wearing his hat cocked back on his head. As I started to get off the bus to talk with him, another senior NCO stopped him and had the member adjust his hat properly on his head while other individuals did not notice and continued to board.
As the morning went on I observed other Airmen to see if they presented the proper, professional, military image. I would have to say, for the most part, everyone met the standards. After talking with several individuals throughout the day, I decided that everyone needs to be reminded every once in awhile about dress and appearance standards, especially with all the changes that take place.
AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel was recently amended to reflect the current standards. A few of the items that caught my attention are that uniforms will be neat, clean, pressed, buttoned, properly maintained and the trousers bloused over the top edge of the combat boot. Combat boots must be plain with rounded toe or rounded with capped toe, without designs, and socks must be black without design. However, you may wear white socks as long as you wear black socks over them to preclude the white socks from showing.
Individuals may NOT stand or walk with their hands in the pockets of any uniform combination unless it is to insert or remove an item. There is also no smoking or using smokeless tobacco, drinking or eating while walking in uniform.
Another area everyone should be aware of is gym bags and backpacks. Gym bags must be either black or dark blue. While wearing the blue uniform combination backpacks must be solid-color black. If wearing battle dress uniform it should be solid-color black, olive drab, or woodland camouflage.
Everyone should be familiar with these standards and if you still have questions concerning dress and appearance, take the initiative to look at the AFI.
It is amazing how much things change throughout time and how easy it is for an individual to remain in the past without moving forward because they have not taken the time to read updated instructions.
Airmen at all levels should be able to address one another when they do not present the proper military image. If you should encounter someone who is not within standards, do not walk past them; you should talk with them in regards to their military image.
Everyone knows that your image or perception speaks for itself so look at your military image. You may find, to your surprise, you are doing something that is against our military standards.