CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
As Airmen in the United States Air Force, we are all professionals and we should look the part 24/7 while wearing the uniform.
Nothing impresses me more than to see a group of sharp, well-groomed Airmen walking around the installation. They are a positive representative of our great Air Force and we should be proud to serve beside them. However, there have been many changes to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, dress and personal appearance of Air Force personnel, and some things we just need to be reminded about.
With many changes to the AFI, I felt it necessary to take some time to highlight a few things I've noticed. We, as members of the Air Force, should take a look at the AFI to refresh our memories of what we should look like while wearing our uniforms.
Our uniforms should be clean, neat, pressed and present a professional military image. This isn't hard to accomplish with a little attention to detail. Wash or dry clean your uniforms to give that fresh, crisp appearance. Take the time to polish your boots and low quarters, and add some edge dressing to the soles.
Let's talk a little about some personal grooming areas that we all are responsible for. Believe it or not, there is a hair length minimum for females. The minimum length is 1 inch, not to exceed 3 inches in bulk. Conservative hair pins, bands and clips should match hair color. Hair color should be natural and conservative for both males and females. Males who have a medical shaving waiver will ensure their beards do not exceed ¼ inch and maintain a copy of the shaving waiver on their person at all times.
Ladies, purses or handbags should be plain black with silver or gold clasps without ornamentation. They can be leather or vinyl. No colored stitching is authorized.
Also, only one set of small spherical gold, silver, diamond, or pearl earrings are authorized to be worn in lower hole on earlobe if you have multiple ear piercings.
Do the right thing and police yourselves and your subordinates. Proper fitting of uniforms is a major issue also. If you know you have put on a few pounds or even lost a few, it's time to invest in some new uniforms. If the uniform is too big or too small, it takes away from how you are perceived and can be a distraction. Enlisted Airmen receive an annual clothing allowance just for the upkeep of uniforms, so by all means, use it for its intended purpose.
Now that we have an official physical fitness uniform, there are a few things to note. Hats and sweatbands are authorized with the PT uniform, but headscarves or bandanas are not. For more information, see AFI 36-2903.
I have just hit on a few important issues that are easily fixed. I suggest we all take a look at AFI 36-2903 and comply. As supervisors, we need to be positive role models and correct our subordinates on the spot.
Let's wear our uniforms proudly and correctly at all times, especially when you think no one is looking. We are the greatest Air Force in the world. Let's look the part!