Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, directs the proper wear of uniforms, insignia, awards and decorations.
The AFI describes minimum standards of personal appearance for all AF members and all AF personnel must be familiar with it. Compliance with AF Instructions is mandatory; these standards must be adhered to in order to present the required professional military image.
Failure to observe the prohibitions and mandatory provisions of this instruction is a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Most of the information contained within this chapter applies to AF standards; however, due to the nature of Basic Military Training (BMT), there are times when additional rules apply and they will be listed as such.
Uniform Standards
Uniforms must follow these standards:
- Be neat and clean
- Pressed...Do NOT starch the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP)
- Serviceable...Not frayed, worn out, torn, faded, patched, etc.
- In good condition and properly fit
- Free of strings and stains
- Be zipped, snapped, Velcroed or buttoned appropriately
- May alter to improve fit, but must not change the intended appearance
Installation commanders or their delegated authority will determine what is extreme or faddish.
Individual Responsibilities
All AF members will present themselves in a professional military image:
- Adhere to the standards of neatness, cleanliness, safety and military image
- Procure and properly maintain all mandatory clothing items in serviceable condition at all times
- Review and follow local supplements and procedures
AF members will NOT:
- Stand or walk with hands in the pockets of any uniform combination, other than to insert or remove items
- Walk in uniform while using a radio or hands-free headset unless required to do so in the performance of official duties using a government issued device
- Smoke or use smokeless tobacco, drink or eat while walking in uniform