Wear of the Uniform
Can Airmen wear taps on their heels outside of additional duties? (MTI, Honor Guard)
YES. 1.2.5. Airmen may wear taps on their authorized uniform boots and shoes to preserve the heels as long as the taps do not change the intended appearance of the boots and/or shoes.
Do Airmen need to meet grooming standards IAW 36-2903 when wearing civilian clothing at a USAF function/or within an official capacity?
YES. 2.13.4. All Airmen must meet personal grooming standards while in uniform and when authorized and/or directed to wear civilian clothing in an official capacity in lieu of uniform.
What are some examples of prohibited male hairstyles?
3.1.2. Hair-Male... Prohibited examples (not all- inclusive) are Mohawk, mullet, cornrows, dreadlocks or etched shapes and/or design.
Are Airmen authorized to have tattoos on the inside of their lips?
NO. 3.4.1. Tattoos/Brands/Body Markings. (Unauthorized content/locations). Tattoos/brands/body markings will not be on the hands (except one ring tattoo on one finger on one hand), head, neck (anything visible above the open collar uniform), face, tongue, lips, eyes, and scalp.
Can Airmen wear their uniform when flying first-class?
NO. 1.4.13. Air Force personnel may not wear their military uniforms when using frequent flyer miles to upgrade to business or first class...military personnel should not wear the uniform to avoid the public perception of misuse of government travel resources.
Is an A1C allowed to correct a SMSgt if they notice they are not in compliance with AFI 36-2903?
YES. 2.13.5. All Airmen should inform any Air Force member that is in violation of uniform and appearance standards.
Where on the face must sideburns end?
3.1.2.1. Sideburns. If worn, sideburns will be straight and even width (not flared), and will not extend below the bottom of the orifice of the ear opening. Sideburns will end in a clean-shaven horizontal line.
What happens if an Airman goes and gets an unauthorized tattoo?
3.4.1.1. Members who have or receive unauthorized content tattoos/brands/body markings are required to initiate tattoo/brand/body marking removal/alteration.
Can Airmen wear their OCPs to a bar?
NO. 1.4.12. When off base eating at restaurants where most diners wear business attire or at establishments that operate primarily to serve alcohol, do not wear the ABU, OCP or the Flight Duty Uniform.
Are Airmen in uniform authorized to hold hands with their spouse?
NO. 2.13.6. When in uniform or civilian clothes (in an official capacity), Airmen must not engage in public displays of affection including, but not limited to, holding hands (except when holding a young child’s hand), walking arm-in-arm, embracing, caressing, and kissing.
How far on either side of a female Airman's head can her hair extend, in inches?
3.1.3 If hair is pulled back and secured behind the head, radius will not exceed 6 inches from the point where the hair is gathered (i.e., no more than 6 inches to the left and 6 inches to the right, 12 inches total width; and 6 inches protruding from where hair is gathered) and must allow for proper wear of headgear.
Are male Airmen authorized to get cosmetic tattoos?
3.4.3. Cosmetic tattooing. When not medically directed, cosmetic tattooing is permitted for women if done to apply permanent facial makeup (i.e., eyebrows, eyeliner) and for men if for permanent cosmetics for scalp only (micropigmentation) to create a natural hair appearance. The cosmetic tattooing must have a natural appearance and be conservative, moderate, within reasonable limits, not excessive or extreme, and in good taste.
Can Airmen wear their uniforms to court?
NO. 1.4.8. (When NOT to wear the uniform) While participating in civilian court proceedings when the conviction would bring discredit to the Air Force.
Are Airmen authorized to walk and text, or walk and talk on the cell phone?
YES. 2.13.7.4. While walking in uniform use of personal electronic media devices, including cellular phones, earpieces, speakerphones or text messaging is authorized (see paragraph 7.3.4). Military customs and courtesies take precedence.
How long can a female Airman's ponytail extend?
3.1.3.1. When hair is in a ponytail or equivalent, it must be a single ponytail or equivalent that does not extend below a horizontal line running between the top of each sleeve inseam at the under arm through the shoulder blades.
Are Airmen authorized to wear clear spacers in their nose in place of a piercing?
NO. 7.3.1.1 When not wearing earrings, male and female Airmen are authorized to wear transparent piercing spacer(s) in lower earlobes while in uniform. Transparent spacers are not allowed in ear holes outside of the lower earlobes or any other piercing holes visible in uniform (nose, lip, eyebrow etc). Piercing holes will not be large enough to permit light to shine through.
Can Airmen wear their uniform in an official capacity, while traveling on COMMERCIAL airlines?
YES. 1.3.1. During Travel. When traveling in an official capacity on commercial air, in Continental United States (to include Alaska and Hawaii), the service dress uniform (Class A), blue service uniform (Class B), ABU or OCP uniform may be worn, as appropriate. Wear of the flight duty uniform is not authorized.
Are Airmen authorized to smoke or use tobacco while in uniform?
YES, BUT: 2.13.7.2. Do not smoke or use smokeless products in other than designated smoking areas.
Are male Airmen authorized to wear clear nail polish?
NO. 3.2. Fingernails. Male Airmen are not authorized to wear nail polish.
How many rings can an Airman wear while in uniform?
7.3.1.4. Rings. Airmen may wear a total of no more than three rings; wedding sets count as one ring when worn as a set. Rings will be worn at the base of the finger, and may be worn on the thumb.