An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Commentaries : Display
NEWS | June 15, 2010

Diamond Tips: Personal grooming standards

By Master Sgt. Shannon Wells 437th Aerial Port Squadron additional duty first sergeant

We all generally like to keep some degree of individuality, but for those of us in the Air Force, there is basic guidance for hair that must be followed.

Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Table 1.5, Line 1, states "hair, overall standard (men and women) will be clean, well-groomed and neat." That's a pretty broad and basic statement, but reading over the lines which follow will guide you a little further into "the forest."

To avoid the lengthy synopsis, if your hair looks like you just auditioned for "American Idol," it probably won't fly in the Air Force. So, the next time you're at a barbershop or beauty salon, you should think twice before choosing the latest fad hairstyle.

Please read and heed AFI 36-2903, Table 1.5, and avoid an unpleasant run-in with someone who already has.