The United States Air Force, or USAF, has strict standards as to how they present themselves. These standards concern proper dress, grooming, and presentation. Many of the regulations are designed to protect the safety of airmen as well as the reputation.
Understanding the guidelines for wearing military uniform can become confusing. This guide offers the basics of how a member of the Air Force is expected to dress, and a look at the rules and regulations that are expected.
For an in-depth look, comprehensive guides are available online (link opens AFI 36-2903 pdf...this is the primary regulation for all things dress and appearance).
If you’ve recently signed up for the Air Force, or are thinking of joining, then don’t worry if you’re struggling to grasp all the rules.
Most of the regulations are self-explanatory, and you’ll quickly learn what you need to know.
What uniforms do the Air Force wear?
The Air Force currently has three uniforms: utility, dress, and training. For utility wear, the Air Force has recently transitioned from Airmen Battle Uniform (ABU) to the Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP. The OCP color pattern is the same as the army OCP color pattern: brown, green, tan, and cream. Coyote brown suede boots are the required footwear.
One piece or two piece flight suits can be worn by any ground crew or aircrew in a non-ejection seat position. Aircrew in an ejection seat position must wear a one piece. The OCP has been mandatory as of April 2021, following a four-year phase out of the ABU.
Dress is the second of the three uniforms. The Air Force dress uniform has 3 functions: formal, semi-formal, and mess dress. The dress uniform consists of a three-buttoned coat with silver colored buttons. The uniform coat is dark blue colored, a shade known as ‘Air Force blue’. It’s worn with a light blue shirt, and a herringbone tie.
In warm weather climates, USAF are permitted to wear a short sleeve shirt without the tie. There are different options available for dress uniform, depending on occasion and climate. Dress uniform includes rank insignia. For command, braiding is also worn, as well as epaulets.
As with the utility dress, the USAF training uniform has also been recently changed, as of April 2021. The new design is intended to rival high-level athletic wear, to make training more comfortable. It consists of a jacket, t shirt, pants, and two sets of shorts.
The shorts come in a longer and shorter style, to adapt for different workouts. The new uniform is quick drying, and designed to be used for a range of sports. It will be mandatory wear by 2026, following a transition period.
There are also ‘distinctive uniforms’, which authorized personnel wear to public events. These include, band, equestrian, and honor guard uniforms. These are similar to the uniforms worn by ‘special ceremonial units’ as identified in the US Army regulations.
How many uniforms do you get in the Air Force?
In basic training, you will be issued with a set of each of dress, utility, and training uniforms. You typically receive three sets of the utility uniform. There is also a uniform stipend given, to cover replacements and repairs.
After six months of service you’re given a Basic Clothing Replacement Allowance, which is issued yearly for two years. After three years of service the Standard Clothing Replacement Allowance is issued. This is given yearly, during your enlistment anniversary month.
It’s the job of the individual airmen to take care of their uniform, and to cover the cost of replacements. There are uniform inspections that an airman is expected to pass.
How much does an Air Force uniform cost?
The standard cost of the Air Force command uniform is $700, with the officer expected to cover the cost (lucky enlisted!). The Standard Clothing Replacement Allowance for the air force is roughly $560 for men and women. This is paid yearly to cover any repairs and replacements.
Military uniforms are expensive, which is why the allowance is given. The cost of replacement can add up quickly. Taking care of the uniform is the best way to avoid pricey repairs and replacements
What color is the USAF uniform?
The dress uniform of the United States Air Force is blue, Shade 1620, also known as ‘Air Force blue’. The buttons of the uniform are silver colored. This is the standard coloring associated with the Air Force uniform and insignia.
Blue is the traditional color of the Air Force uniform. The dress uniform jacket and trousers are dark blue in color, and the shirt is light blue. The pants, shorts, and jacket of the training uniform are blue as well. On blue clothing, the Air Force insignia is generally white or silver. On white clothing, the insignia is blue.
The utility uniform of the Air Force, the Operational Camouflage Pattern, is brown, green, tan, and cream. The color pattern is the same as the Army OCP. This has replaced the former Airmen Battle Uniform.
The traditional blue color derives from the color of the Air Force shield. The USAF uniforms have grown and expanded since they first became an independent service. However, the blue has been standard since 1949. Originally Shade 1643, or ‘Uxbridge blue’, it has since transitioned to Shade 1620, the traditionally associated ‘Air Force blue.’
What watches can you wear in the Air Force?
Watches are permitted to be worn when in Air Force uniform. While many watches market themselves as ‘military’, there are no specific rules around what watch brand you can wear in the Air Force.
Any branding is allowed, but the watch needs to be conservative. A watch should value function over appearance. The watch shouldn’t get in the way when performing routine tasks.
Only one watch can be worn at any time. Solid color black, brown, gold, and silver watches are all allowed. Neon and bright colors are prohibited. The band must not exceed 1-inch width. Diamond covered, and other decorative features, are also prohibited. The watch should be used solely for function, as any decorations can be dangerous.
Air Force personnel are allowed to wear Fitbits and other fitness trackers, assuming they’re small and conservative.
The rules regarding watches are fairly self-explanatory. If the watch seems it may get in the way, draw attention, or otherwise hinder performance, it isn’t allowed.
AFI 36-2903, DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL
7.3.1.3. Watches. Must be conservative and only one can be worn around the wrist while in uniform, PTG, or civilian attire in an official capacity. Conservative examples (not all inclusive) are solid color black, brown, silver or gold. Prohibited examples are diamond-covered, neon, bright colors, and bands that exceed 1-inch width.
Can you wear headphones when in the Air Force uniform?
If walking around in uniform, a member of the Air Force is prohibited from wearing headphones to listen to personal devices.
When in the training uniform or the fitness center, use of headphones is permitted.
The wearing of headphones while in uniform may be authorized by the installation commander. Regulations surrounding headphone use are slowly adapting to the proliferation of headphones.
However, they must not be worn at any times when they may affect performance. For this reason, headphones may be permitted during desk duties and similar situations. The regulations refer less to uniform, and more to functionality.
The rules of wearing headphones have recently been loosened. However, how tightly they are enforced will depend on individual command.
AFI 36-2903, DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL
7.3.4.1. Wear/use of an earpiece, any Bluetooth® wireless technology, or headphones, while in uniform, indoors or outdoors, is authorized for official duties or as determined by installation commanders, delegable no lower than squadron commanders. Exception: Headphones and earphones [iPodsTM, MP3-type players, etc.] are authorized during travel on public transportation (i.e. bus, train or air travel) and/or while wearing the Physical Training Gear (PTG) during individual or personal PT in the fitness center or on designated running areas unless prohibited by the Installation Commander. Use of a hands-free device is authorized while in uniform operating a motor vehicle if local policy permits.
8.1.11. Headphones and earphones (IPods, etc.) are authorized while in the fitness center or on designated running areas unless prohibited by the Installation Commander.
Can you wear a hat in Air Force PT gear?
Hats are not required while in Air Force PT gear, but a hat may be authorized by the installation command. The hat should be either dark blue or black, and a sports cap or baseball cap.
It should have the Air Force insignia or the US Air Force printed/embroidered on the front. This is to be worn outdoors only. It may be authorized for individual or group PT. There is no hat included with the PT uniform.
During cold weather, a hat may be work if it is plain, solid black, dark blue, sage green or coyote brown.
Can you wear bracelets in the Air Force?
Bracelets are allowed in the Air Force, but they must be conservative. A bracelet must be worn on the wrist and present a proper military image. It must be ½ inch wide or smaller. It can be solid gold or silver.
A bracelet cannot be worn if it’s shown to support a cause, group, philosophy, or individual. Traditional metal POW/KIA/MIA bracelets are the exception.
The bracelet must not pose any risk to the wearer or those around them. This is why it needs to be discreet. Any bracelets that might cause problems in day-to-day operations are prohibited.
There are similar standards for other forms of jewelry. For earrings, a woman can wear one set of stud earrings. The earrings must be spherical, fit tightly against the ear, and must not extend below the lobe. Men are prohibited from wearing earrings when in uniform, or in civilian attire for official duties.
A maximum of three rings can be worn across both hands. A wedding set counts as one ring if worn together. No rings can be worn on the thumb.
A necklace can be worn if it’s conservative, and can be hidden under a shirt.