OCP Coat
The OCP coat has two pockets with Velcro flaps on the front. It also has a zipper pocket on the upper portion of each sleeve and a slender vertical pocket on the left forearm to hold writing utensils.
The U.S. Flag patch is mandatory and will be worn centered at the top of the Velcro area on the right sleeve. Organizational unit of assignment patches are mandatory and will be centered in the middle of the Velcro area under the U.S. Flag.
The Higher Headquarters (HHQ) patch is mandatory and will be centered in the middle of the Velcro area on the left sleeve. US Air Force tape, name tape, and rank are mandatory and must be all Velcro or all sewn-on (mixing sewn-on and Velcro tapes or rank is NOT authorized).
OCP Trousers
OCP trousers have eight total pockets; one on each thigh, one near each calf, one near each hip, and two on the rear. The trouser waistband will rest on the waist, and be worn buttoned and with a belt.
Pockets will be secured and items stowed in pockets will not be visible (exception: OCP patrol cap may extend outside when placed in the OCP trouser cargo pocket). The trousers may be tucked into the top of the boots, or bloused using the draw strings at the bottom of the trousers or using blousing straps.
When tucked in or bloused, the trouser must be evenly bloused (gathered in and draped loosely) over the top of the combat boot and must present a bloused appearance.
Undergarments
Males and females must wear undergarments. Males must wear underwear and a T-shirt with the OCPs, and females must wear a bra, underwear and a T-shirt. A Coyote Brown, short or long sleeved t-shirt, without pockets will be worn under the OCP coat.
Exception: Squadron commanders may authorize Airmen to wear a standardized color undershirt on Friday or during special events. Always tuck the T-shirt into the OCP trousers.
Belt
The Tan 499 riggers belt is the only authorized belt to be worn with the OCP.
SPECIAL NOTE: DO NOT CUT the end of the belt while in BMT.
Footwear
Combat Boots
Follow these standards for wearing boots:
- Only the Coyote Brown colored boots are authorized with the OCP
- Tuck in boot laces; excess boot laces may be wrapped around the boot and tucked in. No “bowtie” boot laces
- Must be free of dirt and in good condition
- Only wear boots with the OCPs
- The one exception is you are authorized to wear running shoes during boot phase-in
Socks
You must wear green boot socks with the OCP.
Outer Garments
You are authorized to wear either the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) jackets (fleece, wind, soft shell, wet weather, or extreme cold weather) or Coyote Brown Fleece with the OCP.
The ECWCS jackets are authorized to be worn only when outdoors and must be removed when in an office environment. The Coyote Brown Fleece may be worn indoors or outdoors.
Headgear
OCP Cap
The OCP cap is the mandatory headgear to be worn with OCPs when outdoors. A Velcro or sew-on nametape will be worn centered on the back of the patrol cap. Wear the OCP cap squarely on your head and ensure your hair does not show under the front of the cap.
The only exception to wearing the OCP cap are for AFSCs who are authorized to wear alternate head coverings.
Watch Cap
The watch cap will be commercially designed, plain, solid, Coyote Brown or black, knit or fleece/micro fiber material without logos. Wear the watch cap pulled down snugly on the head; the bottom edge (all) of the cap may be folded to allow proper fit, but not rolled.
The back of the cap should run across the nape of the neck and the front of cap should not be touching eyebrows nor higher than center of forehead; no hair should be protruding from front of the cap. There will be no bunching or sagging of the watch cap material.
The watch cap is worn when approved by the installation commander. In OCPs, this cap must be worn with authorized outer garments (e.g., ECWCS jacket or Coyote Brown fleece). It is not worn in conjunction with any other headgear. Rank insignia is not worn on the watch cap.
Off-Base Wear
The AF views OCPs as work clothing and inappropriate to be worn at certain times when off base. You may wear OCPs off base for short convenience stops (e.g., getting gas, picking up clothes at the dry cleaners or buying milk and bread at the corner store).
You may also wear OCPs when eating at restaurants where people wear comparable civilian attire. Do not wear OCPs off base for extended dining, shopping, socializing, taking part in entertainment or when going to establishments that operate primarily to serve alcohol.
OCP Care Policy
In order to maximize the service life and maintain the permanent press features follow these instructions:
- Wash in warm water, permanent press cycle
- Tumble dry on the permanent press cycle, remove from the dryer immediately and fold flat or hang on a rustproof hanger
- May also hang on a rust proof hanger to drip dry
- DO NOT use starch including liquid starch in the rinse cycle or spray starch or sizing of any kind
- Garment label instructions indicate “light ironing as needed”
- Use low iron setting ONLY when absolutely needed
- Repeated hot pressing or heavy ironing accelerates the overall wear of the fabric
- Alterations that affect the functionality of the uniform are NOT authorized, e.g. sewing down collars or pockets