10 AFI 36-2903 reminders for the 'super' Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Sifting through your closet for work is never a problem while serving in the U.S. Air Force, but complying with proper dress and appearance regulations is something every Airman should be aware of.

The "guide to looking good" falls under Air Force Instruction 36-2903 and undergoes changes quite frequently. Below are 10 reminders to ensure Airman are looking their best in the Airman battle uniform and dress blues.

1.  "Sick hairstyles"


AFI 36.2903, 3.1.1: Hair-male and female. Will be clean, well-groomed, present a professional appearance, allow proper wear of headgear, helmet or chemical mask and conform to safety requirements.

2. "Bloused!"


5.1.4. Trousers. Tucking the ABU trouser into the boot is optional. Whether 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.

3. "OMG, Shoes!"


7.1.6.2. Athletic style shoes. Athletic style shoes are mandatory. There are no restrictions on the color of the athletic shoes.

4. "Are you 'mustache-ing' us a question?"


3.1.2.2. Mustaches. Male Airmen may have mustaches; however they will be conservative (moderate, being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme) and will not extend downward beyond the lip line of the upper lip or extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from both corners of the mouth.

5. "You can't 'tie' us down!"


Females: 4.14.4. Tie Tab. An inverted-V tie tab will be worn with the long-sleeved blouse but is optional with the short-sleeved blouse in all maternity class B uniform combinations. The tie tab will be blue polyester herringbone with self-fastening tails.

Males: 4.12.3. Tie. A tie will be worn with the long-sleeved shirt, but is optional with the short-sleeved shirt. The tie will be either a blue polyester or silk, herringbone twill. The tip of the tie must cover a portion of the belt buckle, but cannot extend below the bottom of the belt buckle. A tie tack or clasp may be worn with the tie. If worn, the tie tack or clasp will be the "wing and star" design, Air Force symbol, or rank insignia. The tie tack or clasp will be centered between the bottom edge of the knot and bottom tip of the tie.

6. "Don't believe me just watch!"


6.3.1.3. Watches. Must be conservative and only one can be worn around the wrist while in uniform, PTU, 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.

7. "It's getting hot in here..."


5.1.1. ABU Coat (Shirt).Commanders may authorize sleeves to be rolled up on the ABU coat; however, the cuffs will remain visible and the sleeve will rest at, or within 1 inch of, the forearm when the arm is bent at a 90-degree angle. Regardless as to whether the sleeves are rolled up or unrolled, the cuffs will remain visible at all times.

8. "'Nailed' it!"


3.2. Fingernails. Male Airmen are not authorized to wear nail polish. If worn by females, nail polish will be a single color that does not distinctly contrast with the female Airman's complexion, detract from the uniform, or be extreme colors. Some examples of extreme colors included, but are not limited to, purple, gold, blue, black, bright (fire engine) red and florescent colors. Do not apply designs to nails or apply two-tone or multi-tone colors; however, white-tip French manicures are authorized. Fingernails must not exceed ¼ inch in length beyond the tip of the finger and must be clean and well-groomed. Fingernails must not interfere with the performance of assigned duties. Fingernails must not hinder proper fit of prescribed safety equipment or uniform items.

9. "I wear my sunglasses..."


6.3.2.1. Eyeglasses and sunglasses may have conservative ornamentation on non-prescription sunglasses or eyeglasses, frames may be black or brown material or gold or silver wire. Brand name glasses may be worn with small logo on frames or lenses. Logo must be same color as frames or lenses. Conservative wrap-around sunglasses may be worn. Conservative, clear, slightly tinted or photosensitive lenses are authorized. Faddish styles and mirrored lenses are prohibited. Sunglasses (to include darkened photosensitive lenses) are not authorized in formation. Exception: Sunglasses are not authorized in formation, unless for medical reasons, e.g., PRK/lasik surgery and when authorized by a commander or commandant on the advice of a medical official.

10.  "A new type of technology"


6.3.3. Electronic Devices. Handheld electronic devices that are not worn on the belt/waistband/or clipped to a purse can be any color. Holster and other storage devices used to attach handheld electronic devices to the uniform or purse will be plain black, silver, dark blue, or gray.

For more information on dress and appearance standards, click here.