Dress and Appearance I

As a service member you're in the public eye every day. Your appearance identifies you as a member of the Department of the Air Force, the armed forces, and as an American — and gives every person who sees you their first impression of how you carry yourself professionally. This section walks through the standards: personal grooming for males and females, the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform, the Physical Training Gear (PTG), accessories that may be worn with the uniform, and the body modification standards that govern tattoos, piercings, and similar.

This section is not all-inclusive — for anything not covered here, reference DAFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of United States Air Force and United States Space Force Personnel.

Overview

Objective: Given an Air Force uniform, wear the uniform with no more than three discrepancies.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the standards of appearance in accordance with DAFI 36-2903.
• Identify the basic facts about personal grooming for males.
• Identify the basic facts about personal grooming for females.
• Demonstrate the proper wear of the OCP uniform and the care for the uniform.
• Demonstrate the proper wear of the Physical Training Gear (PTG).
• Recognize the accessories that may be included to present a proper military image.
• Identify the basic facts about body and physical appearance modification standards.

Foundational Competencies

• Decision Making — Makes well-informed, timely decisions; uses sound judgment to weigh constraints, risks, and rewards.
• Precision — A concern for order, quality, and accuracy.
• Results Focused — A concern for working well or for competing against a standard of excellence.

Summary

• Standards of Appearance
• Personal Grooming Standards for Males
• Personal Grooming Standards for Females
• Operational Camouflage Pattern Uniform
• Physical Training Gear
• Accessories
• Body and Physical Appearance Modification Standards

Standards of Appearance

DAFI 36-2903 directs the proper wear of uniforms, insignia, awards, and decorations. The DAFI describes the minimum standards of personal appearance for all U.S. Air Force members, and every member must be familiar with it.

Compliance with DAFIs is mandatory. Failure to observe the prohibitions and mandatory provisions is a violation of Article 92 of the UCMJ.

Most of this section applies to USAF standards, but BMT-specific rules are noted where applicable.

Uniform standards

Uniforms must be:

• Neat and clean
• Pressed — but don't starch the OCP uniform; light ironing is allowed
• Serviceable — not frayed, worn out, torn, faded, or patched
• In good condition and properly fit
• Free of strings and stains
• Zipped, snapped, Velcroed, or buttoned appropriately

Alterations are allowed to improve fit, but they must not change the intended appearance.

Commander's discretion may be used to determine whether an individual's personal grooming is within standards.

Individual responsibilities

All members will present themselves in a professional military image:

• Adhere to the standards of neatness, cleanliness, safety, uniformity, and military image.
• Procure and maintain all mandatory clothing items in serviceable condition at all times.
• Review and follow local supplements and procedures.

The USAF trusts members to adhere to the minimum standards in DAFI 36-2903.

Personal Grooming Standards for Males

Hair

Males may have one front-to-back, straight-line part (cut, clipped, or shaved) on either side of the head, above the temple. The part will not exceed 4 inches in length or ¼ inch in width, and won't be slanted or curved.

Hair will be:

• Clean, well-groomed, and neat
• A natural-looking color for human beings (blonde, brunette, natural red, black, or grey)
• A tapered appearance on sides and back, with or without headgear (the cut conforms to the shape of the head, curving inward to the natural termination point — no eccentric directional flow, twists, or spiking)
• Block cut with tapered appearance, cleanly shaven heads, military high-and-tight, or flat top haircuts are authorized.

Hair will NOT:

• Contain excessive amounts of grooming aids
• Touch the eyebrows or be visible at the front of properly worn headgear
• Have unnatural color, highlights, or frosting (e.g., burgundy, purple, orange, fluorescent, or neon)
• Be worn in an extreme style (Mohawk, mullet, coils, braids, twists, hair extensions, dreadlocks, etched shapes / designs)
• Violate safety requirements
• Exceed 2.5 inches in bulk, regardless of length
• Exceed ¼ inch at the natural termination point
• Touch the ears (only closely cut or shaved hair on the back of the neck may touch the collar)
• Contain or have any visible foreign items attached to it

Beards

Beards are not worn except when approved for religious accommodations or health reasons on the advice of a medical official.

If approved by the commander:

• Religious accommodation beards — will not exceed 2 inches
• Beards for health reasons — will not exceed ¼ inch

Mustaches

• Must be neatly trimmed
• Will not be worn during BMT unless authorized by a shaving waiver
• Will not extend below the lip line of the upper lip or go beyond a ¼-inch vertical line drawn upward from both corners of the mouth

Sideburns

• Neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as the haircut
• Straight and of even width (not flared), ending in a clean-shaven horizontal line
• Will not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening

Cosmetics

Males will not wear cosmetics.

Personal Grooming Standards for Females

Hair

Hair will be:

• Clean, well-groomed, and neat. The front may touch the eyebrows (including bangs) and be visible in front of properly worn authorized headgear, but not cover the eyes.
• A natural-looking color for human beings (brown, blonde, brunette, natural red, black, or grey).
• Styled to present a professional appearance.
• Hair accessories (fabric scrunchies, hairpins, combs, clips, headbands, elastic bands, barrettes) must match the hair color if worn — black accessories are authorized regardless of hair color.
• Pinned-up hair is styled in a manner that prevents loose ends from extending upward (no "rooster tail" effect).
• Buns — all loose ends tucked in and secured. Width ≤ 12 inches; bulk ≤ 6 inches.
• Single ponytail allowed, must not exceed bulk and length standards.
• Locs, braids, twists, micro-braids, French / Dutch braids, and cornrows allowed if they meet the standards. If adding hair, it must be a natural-looking color similar to the individual's and conservative. Headgear must fit properly.
• No minimum length requirement.
• During BMT, hair is cut only by a professional.

Hair will NOT:

• Contain excessive amounts of grooming aids.
• Have unnatural color (burgundy, purple, orange, fluorescent, neon).
• Ombre (gradual lightening or darkening along the lengths of the hair) or black hair with blonde highlights, or blonde hair with black, are unnatural in appearance and not authorized.
• Violate safety requirements.
• Have a ponytail or braid that extends below a horizontal line running between the top of each sleeve inseam at the under arm through the shoulder blades, or has bulk exceeding the width of the head, or 4 inches from the scalp.
• Include hair ornaments (ribbons, beads, jeweled pins).
• Prevent proper wear of headgear, helmet, or chemical mask.
• Have synthetic hair if it interferes with safety or mission.
• Be styled in mohawks, mullets, or etched designs.
• Contain or have any visible foreign items attached.
• Have headbands or fabric scrunchies wider than 2 inches.
• Have locs, braids, twists, etc., that exceed bulk and length standards.

Cosmetics

• Conservatively styled.
• Cosmetic tattooing (eyebrows, eye liner) is permitted with a natural appearance — conservative, moderate, in good taste.
• Eyelash extensions must be natural eyelash color and must not exceed 14 mm in total length.
• Will not hinder wear of protected eyewear or any type of headgear.
• Will not be excessive or extreme.

Fingernails, nail polish, and lipstick

• A single color that doesn't detract from the uniform.
• French manicure is allowed.
• Lipstick in a conservative shade.

NOT allowed:

• Length exceeding ¼ inch past the tip of the finger.
• Anything that interferes with the performance of assigned duties.
• Designs / decorations, two-tone or multi-tone colors (excluding French manicure).

Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Uniform

OCP Coat

The OCP coat has:

• Two front pockets with Velcro flaps
• A zipper pocket on the upper portion of each sleeve
• A slender vertical pocket on the left forearm for writing utensils

Mandatory patches and tapes (positioned via Velcro or sewn-on):

• U.S. Flag patch — centered at the top of the Velcro area on the right sleeve
• Organizational unit of assignment patch — centered in the middle of the Velcro area, under the U.S. flag
• Higher Headquarters (HQ) patch — centered on the Velcro area on the left sleeve
• U.S. Air Force tape, name tape, and rank — must be all Velcro or all sewn-on. Mixing Velcro and sewn-on is not authorized.

OCP Trousers

The OCP trousers have eight pockets total: one on each thigh, one near each calf, one near each hip, and two on the rear.

• The waistband rests on the waist, buttoned, with a belt.
• Pockets must be secured. Items stowed in pockets are not visible — exception: the OCP patrol cap may extend outside when placed in the OCP trouser cargo pocket.
• Trousers may be tucked into the top of the boots or bloused using blousing straps or the draw strings.
• When tucked or bloused, the trouser legs must be evenly bloused (gathered in and draped loosely over the top of the combat boot) with a bloused appearance.

Undergarments

• Males: underwear and a T-shirt with the OCP uniform.
• Females: bra, underwear, and a T-shirt.
• T-shirt is coyote brown, short- or long-sleeved, without pockets, worn under the OCP coat.
• Squadron CCs may authorize 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 with the OCP uniform.

BMT note: Do not cut the end of the belt while in BMT.

Footwear — Combat Boots

• Coyote brown colored boots are the only authorized color with OCP.
• During BMT, boots are laced in accordance with the first clothing issue lesson, and boot laces are tucked in. Excess laces may be wrapped around the boot and tucked. No bowtie laces.
• Must be free of dirt and in good condition.
• Only wear boots with the OCP uniform. The one exception: running shoes are authorized during boot phase-in while in BMT only.

Socks

You must wear authorized boot socks with the OCP uniform.

Outer Garments

Authorized outer garments with OCP:

• Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) jackets — fleece, wind, soft shell, wet weather, or extreme cold weather
  • Outdoors only. Must be removed in an office environment.
• Coyote brown Fleece — may be worn indoors or outdoors.

Headgear

OCP Patrol Cap is the mandatory headgear with the OCP uniform when outdoors.

• A Velcro or sewn-on name tape is centered on the back.
• Worn squarely on the head.
• Hair does not show under the front of the cap.
• The only exception is for AFSCs authorized to wear alternate head coverings.

Watch Cap — commercially designed, plain, solid coyote brown or black, knit or fleece / micro-fiber, without logos.

• Pulled down snugly on the head.
• The bottom edge may be folded for proper fit, but not rolled.
• The back runs across the nape of the neck; the front does not touch the eyebrows or rise higher than the center of the forehead. No hair protruding from the front.
• No bunching or sagging.
• Worn when approved by the installation commander. May be worn with OCP or PTG, not in conjunction with any other headgear.
• Rank insignia is not worn on the watch cap.

Off-base wear

The Air Force views the OCP as work clothing — inappropriate at certain times when off base.

OK to wear OCP off base for:

• Short convenience stops (gas, dry cleaners, picking up groceries)
• Eating at restaurants where civilian attire is comparable

Don't wear OCP off base for:

• Extended dining
• Shopping
• Socializing
• Entertainment venues
• Establishments that operate primarily to serve alcohol

OCP Uniform Care Policy

To maximize service life and maintain the permanent press features:

• 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 rustproof hanger to drip dry.
• Do not use starch. Do not hot-press the OCP. Light ironing is authorized (low setting, only when absolutely needed).
• Repeated hot pressing or heavy ironing accelerates fabric wear.
• Alterations that affect functionality (e.g., sewing down collars or pockets) are not authorized.

Physical Training Gear (PTG)

PTG wear is mandatory during physical fitness assessments and organized PT events as designated by the commander.

Standards when participating in PT:

• During BMT, running shoes are laced in accordance with the first clothing issue lesson.
• Athletic-style shoes are mandatory, no color restrictions.
• Socks may be solid black, white, navy blue, gray, desert sand, tan, DLA-issued green, or coyote brown — small trademark logos OK.
• PTG jacket: zipped at least halfway between the waistband and collar; sleeves end within 1 inch of the wrist.
• PTG running pants: waistband at or within 2 inches of the natural waistline; both pant legs extend below the ankles and zip to within 1 inch of the bottom.
• PTG shorts: waistband at or within 2 inches of the natural waistline.
  • Solid black, white, or dark blue form-fitting sportswear (Spandex, Lycra, elastic) — short, mid, or full length — may be worn and visible under both the PTG and optional PTG running shorts. Small trademark logos OK.
• PTG shirt can be untucked or tucked. If untucked, it must extend to the bottom of the side pocket on the shorts and pants but not cover the shorts' reflective material. Don't remove or cut sleeves.
  • Solid black, white, or light gray form-fitting undershirts (Spandex, Lycra, elastic), including mock necks, may be visible under the short-sleeved PTG shirt — and at the neck only for the long sleeve PTG shirt and PTG sweatshirt. Small trademark logos OK. Undershirt must be tucked in.

Cold weather accessories with PTG

• May be worn without an outer garment.
• Outdoors only.
• Watch cap: plain, solid black, dark blue, dark green, dark brown, or coyote brown, no logos.
• Gloves: black or dark blue, small logos OK (≤ 1 sq in).
• Scarf: black or dark blue, all wool or cotton simplex, with or without napped surface, less than 10 inches wide.
• Earmuffs: solid black or dark blue, any material, may wrap around the top or rear of the head.
• Black balaclava authorized with PTG outdoors. Tuck excess neck material into the PTG shirt. Any material.

Other rules during PT

• Personal grooming and appearance standards apply during PT. The only exception: long female hair will be secured but may have loose ends.
• Customs and courtesies for the flag during reveille and retreat apply. Saluting due to rank recognition is NOT required in PTG.
• Undergarments must be appropriate and worn with all PTG combinations.
• Installation CCs may authorize an optional solid black, white, or dark blue baseball / sport cap with the AF symbol or "U.S. Air Force" printed / embroidered on the front during organized and individual PT.
• Individual PTG items may be worn with conservative civilian attire during personal PT or off duty.

Accessories

To present the proper military image, accessories must be conservative (plain, not drawing attention) and must not present a safety hazard.

Watches

• Conservative.
• Only one wristwatch is authorized while in uniform.

Bracelets

• Conservative; no wider than ½ inch; gold or silver, no inappropriate pictures or writing.
• Only one, worn on the wrist.
• Traditional metal POW / MIA / KIA bracelets in colors other than silver, bronze, or gold are authorized.
• Medical alert bracelets must be conservative and moderate.
• Bracelets espousing support for a cause, philosophy, individual, or group are NOT authorized.
• Ankle bracelets are not authorized.

Rings

• Maximum of three rings on both hands combined. Wedding sets count as one ring.
• Worn only at the base of the finger.
• Thumb rings are authorized.

Necklaces

• Concealed under the collar or undershirt. Not visible.

Religious necklaces

• If worn as an act of devotion, must be conservative and concealed under the collar or undershirt (except during religious services).
• May have to be removed during training events that pose safety concerns.

Religious head coverings

• The installation CC and Chaplain may approve plain, dark blue or black head coverings.

Earrings

Females:

• ≤ 6 mm diameter, round or square white diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver.
• Worn as a set with any uniform combination.
• Pierced or clip-type.
• If you have multiple holes, only one set is worn on the lower earlobe.
• Earrings must match, fit tightly, and not extend below the earlobe (exception: connecting bands on clip earrings).

Males:

• Not authorized to wear earrings while in uniform or in civilian attire for official duty.
• Authorized to wear earrings in civilian attire while off duty, on or off a military installation.

Handheld electronic devices

• Devices may be any color.
• If worn on belt / waistband or clipped to a purse, plain black, silver, dark blue, or gray.
• Holsters and storage devices on the uniform / purse: same colors.
• One device may be attached to a belt or waistband (either side), clipped to a purse, or carried in the left hand.
• Earpiece, Bluetooth, and headphones while in uniform — authorized for official duties or as determined by installation commanders (delegable to squadron CCs). Exception: headphones and earphones are authorized during travel and while wearing PTG during individual or personal PT in the fitness center or designated running areas, unless prohibited.
• Walking in uniform with personal electronic devices (earpieces, speaker phones, text messaging) is authorized.
• Military customs and courtesies always take precedence.

Pens and pencils

• When wearing OCP, conceal pens and pencils in the specially designed pockets.

Eyeglasses and sunglasses

• Conservative ornamentation on frames and lenses.
• Frames: black, brown, white, navy blue, gray, transparent material, or gold or silver wire.
• Brand-name glasses with small logos on frames or lenses are OK; the logo may contrast with the frame color.
• Conservative wrap-around sunglasses may be worn.
• Conservative, clear, slightly tinted, mirrored, or photosensitive lenses.
• No sunglasses in any formation except for medical reasons authorized by the CC.
• Not worn around the neck, on top or back of the head, or hanging from the uniform.
• Worn in the manner for which they were made.

Contact lenses

• Natural-looking shape and design.
• Clear in color — must not change the natural eye color.

Umbrella

• Plain black, carried in the left hand.

Handbags

• Solid black, brown, gray, or dark blue leather or vinyl, no design or ornamentation.
• With or without plain fold-over flap, with or without a single silver or gold-colored clasp.
• Stitching: black, white, or the same color as the handbag.
• Up to two adjustable shoulder straps allowed (with or without buckles).

Clutch-style purses

• Solid black, brown, gray, or dark blue smooth or scotch-grain leather, patent leather, high-gloss, or manmade material — no ornamentation.
• Stitching: black, white, or the same color.
• Size: 5 × 9 inches minimum, 6½ × 11 inches maximum.
• Concealed closure; may have a wrist strap.

Attaché case, gym bag, backpack

Lanyards

• For access passes, ID badges, and CACs.
• Plain, solid black or dark blue; small, conservative silver link chains; or clear plastic.
• See DAFI 36-2903 for further guidance.

Body and Physical Appearance Modification Standards

While in BMT, you are NOT authorized to get a tattoo, brand, or body alteration, modification, or piercing.

Body piercing

In civilian attire, on official duty, or off duty on a military installation, USAF members are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, eyebrows, lips, or any exposed body part (including any visible through the uniform).

Exception: Female airmen may pierce and wear earrings as described above.

Dental ornamentation

Teeth — natural, capped, or veneered — will not be ornamented with designs, jewels, or initials. Yellow / white gold or platinum caps for ornamentation (not for dental or medical necessity) are prohibited.

• Waivers are not required for permanent caps applied as a result of dental or medical necessity.
• Members with documented permanent caps applied for ornamentation before 13 June 2011 are grandfathered. No other dental ornamentation is grandfathered.

Body alteration or modification

Body alteration and modification (e.g., tongue splitting, skin gouging) is prohibited if intentional and resulting in a visible, physical effect that detracts from a professional military image.

Tattoos and brands

Per DAFI 36-2903:

• A tattoo is a picture, design, or marking on the skin or other body areas, made by indelible dye or any other method — including pictures or markings only detectable under certain conditions (UV / invisible ink). Tattooing for cosmetic purposes to correct a medical condition, illness, or injury is authorized for both men and women when directed by licensed medical personnel.
• A brand is a picture, design, or marking burned into the skin or other body areas.

Unauthorized content

Tattoos and brands anywhere on the body are prohibited if they:

• Are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination.
• Are prejudicial to good order and discipline or tend to bring discredit to the USAF.
• Are commonly associated with gangs, extremists, or supremacist organizations.

Members with non-compliant tattoos or brands must initiate removal at their own expense upon notification by their commander. Failure to remove or alter unauthorized tattoos in a timely manner may lead to disciplinary action or involuntary separation under Article 92 of the UCMJ.

Inappropriate military image

• No size or area limitations for authorized tattoos on the chest, back, arms, and legs.
• No tattoos, brands, or markings on the head, face, tongue, lips, or scalp.
• Neck tattoo exception: placed only behind a vertical line at the opening of the ear orifice (around the back to the same point on the other ear, including behind the ear). Maximum 1 inch in size.
• Ring tattoos: limited to one single-band on one finger on each hand, no more than ⅜ inch wide, below the knuckle and above the ring finger joint.

Members failing to comply may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary separation.

Summary

The information in this section isn't all-inclusive — consult DAFI 36-2903 when in doubt. You play a major role in how others view the armed forces and America. Apply Excellence In All We Do and wear the uniform proudly. Your appearance speaks volumes.