Air Force Officer Service Dress Uniform

Center silver metallic name tag on wearer's right side, between the sleeve seam and the lapel.  Bottom of name tag will be parallel with bottom of ribbons 

Ribbons are mandatory on the Air Force Service Dress Uniform.  All ribbons and devices must be worn

Center ribbons resting on (but not over) edge of welt pocket between the left and right edges

Officers:  Place U.S. insignia (without circles) halfway up the lapel seam, resting on but not over it.  Bottom of insignia is horizontal with the ground.  Circles will not be worn around the U.S. insignias 

Center regular size grade insignia 5/8 inch from end of epaulet.  Generals wear 1 inch stars on all uniforms. 3/4 inch  stars are optional if unable to wear the 1 inch star (a connecting bar is not authorized)

Necktie is mandatory.  Tie tack or tie clasp (Air Force symbol, grade insignia or wing and star) is optional.  If worn, center between bottom edge of knot and bottom tip of tie

Air Force Enlisted Service Dress Uniform

Center silver metallic name tag on wearer's right side, between the sleeve seam and the lapel.  Bottom of name tag will be parallel with bottom of ribbons 

Ribbons are mandatory Air Force Service Dress Uniform.  All ribbons and devices must be worn

Center ribbons resting on (but not over) edge of welt pocket between the left and right edges

Place U.S. insignia (with circles) halfway up the lapel seam, resting on but not over it.  Bottom of insignia is horizontal with the ground. 

Center 4 inch sleeve chevron halfway between shoulder seam and elbow been at 90-degree angle

Necktie is mandatory.  Tie tack or tie clasp (Air Force symbol, grade insignia or wing and star) is optional.  If worn, center between bottom edge of knot and bottom tip of tie

Two new Air Force Service Dress uniform prototypes were introduced by the Dept of the Air Force in 2006.  The first was called the "Billy Mitchell Heritage Coat" because in resembled the U.S. Army Air Corps Officer Uniform prior to 1935.  The second resembled The WW II U.S. Army Air Forces Uniform and was called the "Hap Arnold Heritage Coat".  In 2009 the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Norton Schwartz, directed that any uniform change be placed on hold.


Resources for Airmen

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Air_Force_Mens_Service_Dress.jpg

http://www.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/afi36-2903.pdf

http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/dress/index.asp 

Airmen-helping-Airmen~MilitaryUniformExchange.com

Air Force ABU Regulations 

Airmen-helping-Airmen~MilitaryUniformExchange.com

(FAQ and information from the Air Force Personnel Center Dress and Appearance website on ABU requlations)
                                             

The top button of the Air Force ABU coat will not be fastened; however, all other buttons will be secured at all times

ABU coat consist of rank insignia, digitized tiger stripe printed Air Force service and name tag tape and solid colored occupational badge(s)

OFFICERS:  wear either subdued solid colored cloth or subdued metal pin-on grade insignia 

ENLISTED:  4-inch sleeve chevron

ABU cloth badges will be worn

If authorized, subdued chaplain, aeronautical and space badges are mandatory and will always be worn in the highest position

Subdued Security Forces, Fire Protection, and Office of Special Investigations duty shields are authorized for wear on the left pocket of the ABU

No other patches are authorized on the ABU (this includes the Command Insignia)

The bottom of the ABU coat will rest at the hips

Pockets will be secured and items stowed in pockets will not be visible except pens stowed in the pen pocket

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 

The ABU coat may be removed in immediate work area as determined appropriate by local leadership

When ABU coat is removed, t-shirt will be worn 

A desert sand t-shirt will be worn under the ABU coat and tucked into the trousers

Tucking the ABU trousers into the boots is optional.  When tucked in or bloused, the trouser must be evenly bloused (gathered in and draped over loosely) over the combat boot and must present a bloused appearance

A tan one piece nylon web belt will be worn with ABU trousers

ABU Boots will be suede, either sage green or tan

Excess boot lace will wrap around the top of the boot and tucked in

Individuals may sew down pockets but no local policy will be established to make it mandatory

Q: Can we wear the green ABU boot with all Air Force utility uniforms? If so, when can we wear them and when can we wear the ABU?

A: Yes, you can wear the green ABU boot with all Air Force utility uniforms now. This includes the ABU, BDU, DCU, OD green flight suits and desert tan flight suits. The official authority, via 8106 message, is out and a copy is located below in the "Important Documents" section. Current approved "Safe-to-Fly" model is Belleville 690. A temperate (cold weather) "Safe-to-Fly" boot, Belleville Model 670, is in development with an early 2008 projected availability. Additional models of the sage Green "Safe-to-Fly" boots are in development.

Q:  Why does it appear that there are shade differences with some sets of ABUs?

A:  Some ABUs issued or purchased through AAFES, do appear to have some shade variances, but they are all within the shade tolerance specifications set by the Air Force. This is a normal development process that happens when a new uniform with a new textile is used. We anticipate that this will work itself out as the vendors formalize the process and produce more uniforms. The different shades variances are authorized.

Q: When is the mandatory wear date for the ABU?

A:  The mandatory wear date for the ABU 1 Nov 2011.

Q: Will we wear patches on the ABU?

A:  No patches or unit emblems will be worn on the ABU. However, mandatory badges such as aeronautical and chaplain as well as mandatory duty shields for force protection and fire protection are required. No other duty badges will be authorized or worn. Occupational badges are optional.

Q: Will we still be able to wear baseball hats?

A:  Organizational baseball hats are not authorized with the ABU. The one current exception is that RED HORSE squadrons may continue to wear organizational caps. Only the ABU print hat and currently authorized berets will still be allowed.

Q: Can I wear sister services badges on the ABU?

A:  The US Army parachute Riggers badge is now currently allowed on all authorized uniform combinations. Furthermore, The U.S. Army Black Air Assault badge is authorized on the BDU.

Q: Will other Air Force-issued items change to match the pattern and/or color of the ABU?

A:  Yes, some items such as hat, socks and T-shirts will be introduced concurrently with the ABU.

Q: Why wasn't Velcro® used for the attachments to the ABU?

A:  The research and development branch of the Air Force Clothing Office at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, looked into using Velcro®, since it appears to be easier and less expensive for our Airmen. However, research indicates otherwise and the majority of Airmen in the test did not want Velcro®.

Q: Can I mix and match patterns with my ABUs, such as wear any of my overgarments with the ABU until I get a new ABU jacket?

A:  Mix and match patterns with the ABU are authorized if certain criteria are met. Reference the COLD-WEATHER OUTERGARMENTS WITH THE AIRMAN BATTLE UNIFORM (ABU) Message (Jan 08). The expected life expectancy of the typical ABU is only 12 months. That doesn't seem very durable for a uniform that is designed to be used in combat environments.

Q: Will the enlisted clothing allowance be updated annually to allow Airmen to purchase four sets every year?

A:  The life expectancy is based on the current BDU for the enlisted clothing allowance. Tests indicate that, with proper care and laundering, there will be a much longer life than one year. Once there is sufficient data to support that, the life expectancy will be adjusted.

Q: Does the ABU require dry cleaning or pressing?

A:  The ABU is literally a wash and wear item. In fact, starching and hot pressing of ABUs is prohibited. Also, one should not dry clean the ABU. Dry cleaning, starching and hot pressing will deteriorate the fiber in the uniform and shorten the wear life.

Q: What are the wash and care requirements for the ABU?

A:  In order to maximize service life and maintain optimum performance, ABUs should be washed in warm water with detergent containing no bleach. Tumble dry at low heat. The use of starch, sizing and any process that involves dry-cleaning or steam press will adversely affect the treatments and durability of the uniform and is not authorized.

Q: How could starch damage the uniform?

A:  Starching uniforms makes the uniform material more brittle and subsequently reduces the wear life, thus it is prohibited. The permanent press and near Infrared features of the uniform will be damaged by starching, commercial pressing and additives in the washing process. The permanent press feature will allow Airmen to look sharp and wear the ABU without incurring the costs of commercial dry cleaning or pressing.

Q: Why did you borrow the pattern from the Army and Marines?

A:  The Air Force created its own pattern with the inspiration from the Vietnam-era tiger stripe. The Air Force did use colors based on the Army's new ACU with the addition of slate blue.

Q: Why doesn't the Air Force just adopt the Army's ACU? Isn't it wasteful for the Air Force to develop, produce and distribute a new uniform in today's constrained fiscal environment?

A:  The goal for the ABU was to develop a distinctive Air Force uniform that is better fitting and easier and less expensive to maintain. These goals were developed in response to input from Airmen across the force. The Air Force Clothing Office created a matrix of all the suggestions and complaints sent to the Air Force Uniform Board for several years. The current BDU received the most complaints and suggestions. Because the BDU is an Army owned uniform, the Air Force could not make changes to it. When the Army decided it would discontinue the current BDU and DCU, it did not have any designs to share with the Air Force either. This provided a unique opportunity for the Air Force to take input from Airmen and develop a uniform that can meet the specific needs of the Air Force while retaining the flexibility to adapt to changes as they occur over time.

Q: Who is the contractor making the ABU?

A:  The Defense Supply Center of Philadelphia is procuring uniforms through its normal supply chain. AAFES will then purchase their stock of the uniforms from DSCP. The length of the trousers on the new ABU appears to be about 12 inches too long.

Q: Was this a manufacturing error or is there another reason?

A:  The trouser length was set after extensive fit and wear testing to allow blousing for someone whose legs were long, but their lower torso length was short. In the past, this person would have to buy a "long" trouser to get the needed length in the leg, but the trouser crotch would hang uncomfortably low on them.

Q: Is the commanders insignia authorized with the ABU?

A:  No, currently the commanders insignia is not authorized.

Q: The September 2007 wear message states that the only authorized hat with the ABU is the ABU patrol cap, except in the AOR where boonies/floppy hats are authorized. Are there any exceptions?

A:  Yes, the majority of "distinctive uniform" authorizations such as berets currently in AFI 36-2903 , Table 3.1 - 3.7 will transfer to the ABU. Check with your unit if you are not sure. Any changes to these policies will be posted on the Web site and communicated through the impacted organizations. Exceptions to policy must be coordinated through MAJCOM/A1s to AF/A1 for consideration.

Q: Can my unit or I purchase uniforms from venders other than the AAFES Military Clothing Sales Store?

A:  Units may not use appropriated funds of any kind, to include credit card, micro-purchase, Form 9s, etc., to purchase uniforms from non-certified commercial sources. There are presently no certified vendors. This is driven primarily by contracting regulations, which require all clothing and textiles purchased with government funds be manufactured entirely in the United States. Individuals can spend their personal funds anywhere they want, the same restriction does not apply to individual purchases of uniforms; however, if personal funds are used, the individual is at risk that item will not meet uniform requirements. Uniforms purchased through outside sources cannot be returned to AAFES for any reason.

Q: Can I wear the solid green cold weather parka with the white fur collar with the ABU?

A:  Yes, it is authorized for wear with the ABU, in colder climates where it is issued. What color socks and boots can I wear with the BDU, ABU and flight suit?

• BDUs with black boots wear black socks
• BDUs with green boots wear either green or black socks
• ABUs with green boots wear green socks
• ABUs with tan boots wear black, tan or green socks
• Flight suit with black boots wear black socks
• Flight suit with green boots wear green or black socks

The Navy Uniform Board (NU is the responsibility of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower, Personnel Training and Education) (N1). 

The mission of the Navy Uniform Board is to consider any matter related to Navy uniforms in which a perceived problem exists or in which a possible improvement can be made. The Uniform Board will be guided by the uniform goals and policy established by the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO).

NUB members are: Chief of Naval Personnel (N1), Board President; Superintendant U.S. Naval Academy; Commander, Navy Education and Training Command; Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command; Commander, Naval Supply System Command; Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Policy Division (N13); Director, Diversity and Women’s Policy Division (N134); Director, Resource Management Division (N10); and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.  Fleet Representatives (Non-voting members) include U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Fleet Master Chief; Manpower Personnel Training & Education, Fleet Master Chief; (O5/E9) female Representatives from PACFLT/LANTFLT O4/O5 (Alternate annually); and PACFLT/LANTFLT E8/E9 (Alternate annually).   Uniform Matters Office personnel offer permanent Navy Uniform Board Support. 

Sailors can make Navy Uniform Change Recommendations throught their chain of command to the Uniform Board.  Recommendations are to be submitted in letter format with subject line REQUEST FOR UNIFORM BOARD POLICY CHANGE.  Recommendations should reflect Navy-wide application with an eye towards standardization and uniform policy reduction.  Uniform change proposals are to be endorsed via cover letter by each endorsing echelon. 

NAVPERS 15665i covers a variety of detailed topics of importance to all sailors including: Enforcement of Navy Uniform Regulations, proper wear of Navy uniforms, Special circumstances for uniform wear as well as Shipbaord uniform restrictions.

Sailors will also find information concerning Navy Clothing Replacement Allowances,  including Clothing Replacement Allowance and information about Command replacement of destroyed uniform items.

Sailors can find more detailed information about NAVPERS 15665i ,United States Navy Uniform Regulations, on the Persnet website. 
 

LeadingMarines.com - A leadership resource for Marines!

United States Marine Corps Hair Regulations and grooming standards are contained in MCO P1020.34G W/CH 1-5 (FINAL).  Marine Corps uniform standards of grooming do not allow eccentric
or faddish styles of hair, facial hair, make-up/nail polish, jewelry, or eyeglasses.


Marine Corps Times Photo

Hair will be neat and closely trimmed. The hair may be clipped at the edges of the side and back and will be evenly graduated all the way around the head (blended or faded and not edged as an outline)from zero length at the hairline in the lower portion of the head to the upper portion of the head. Hair will not be over 3 inches in length fully extended (an extended hair, not the style, determines proper length) on the upper portion of the head. The bulk of the hair shall not exceed approximately two inches. Bulk is defined as the distance that the mass of hair protrudes from the scalp when styled.   

The back and sides of the head below the hairline may be shaved to remove body hair.  

Sideburns will not extend below the top of the orifice of the ear, as indicated by the line A-A' in figures 1-1 and 1-2. Sideburns will not be styled to taper, flare or come to a point. The length of an individual hair of the sideburn will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended.   

No male Marine will be required to have his entire hair length clipped to the scalp except while he is undergoing recruit training or when such action is prescribed by a medical officer. This does not prohibit a male Marine from having his hair clipped (or shaved) to the scalp if he so desires.  

(b) Hair Style. 

Head hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of uniform headgear. Hair, which protrudes from beneath properly worn headgear in an unsightly manner, is considered excessive, regardless of length. Male hair styles will conform to the natural shape of the head without eccentric directional flow, twists or spiking. One (cut, clipped or shaved) natural, narrow, fore and aft off centered part(placed no further than the outer corner of the eye and will not extend down the back of the head) is authorized. The following hair style types are considered eccentric and are not authorized (this list is not all inclusive): 

(1) hair styling which include single patches of hair on the top of the head(not consistent with natural hair loss);
(2) hair styled to run as a strip down the center of the scalp (i.e. “Mohawk” fashion); (3) hair styled to leave an unusually large open (bald) area on the top of the head (not consistent with natural hair loss); and
(4) hair styles which include the etching of letters, signs or figures, not considered natural in appearance.

Braiding of the hair is not authorized for male Marines. When used, hair gel/mousse should provide a conservative, natural appearance. (See figures1-1 through 1-2) 

(c) Hair Color. 

If applied, dyes, tints, bleaches and frostings, which result in natural colors, are authorized. The hair color must complement the person's complexion tone. Color changes that detract from a professional image are prohibited.  

(d) Facial/Chest Hair. The face will be clean-shaven, except that a mustache may be worn. When worn, the mustache will be neatly trimmed and must be contained within the lines of B-B', C-C', D-D' and the margin area of the upper lip, as shown in figures 1-1 and 1-2. The individual length of a mustache hair fully extended must not exceed 1/2 inch. Except for a mustache, eyebrows, and eyelashes, hair may be grown on the face only when a medical officer has determined that shaving is temporarily harmful to the individual's health. In these cases, the current edition of MCO 6310.1 applies.5 3. No male Marine will be required to have his chest hair clipped. Chest hair should not protrude in an unsightly manner above the collar of the visible undershirt when worn, or long sleeve khaki shirt. Excessive plucking or removal of eyebrows is not authorized, except for medical reasons.

Female Grooming Regulations.

Women will be well groomed at all times and will abide by the following:

(1) Hair Regulations. The requirement for hair regulations is to maintain uniformity within a military population. Women's hairstyles require non-eccentric and non-faddish styles, maintaining a conservative, professional appearance. For the purpose of these regulations, women’s hairstyles will be organized into three basic categories; short length, medium length and long hair.  

(a) Hair Length.

Short Hair Length. Short hair is defined as hair length that extends no more than 1 inch from the scalp (excluding bangs). Hair may be no shorter than 1/4 inch from the scalp, but may be evenly graduated to within 2 inches of the hair line. Bangs, if worn, may not fall into the line of sight, may not interfere with the wear of all headgear, and when worn with headgear must lie neatly against the head. The width of the bangs may extend to the hairline at the temple.

Medium Hair Length. Medium hair is defined as hair that does not extend beyond the collar’s lower edge (in all uniforms), and extends more than 1 inch from the scalp. Medium hair may fall naturally in uniform

and is not required to be secured. When worn loose, graduated hair styles are acceptable, but the length, from the front to the back, may not exceed one inch difference in length, from the front to the back (see Figure 1-3).The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed above are relevant. No portion of the bulk of the hair as measured from the scalp will exceed approximately 2 inches (see Figure 1-3). 

Long Hair. Long hair is defined as hair that extends beyond the collar’s lower edge. Long hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, except that bangs may be worn. The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed above are relevant. No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp, will exceed approximately 2 inches (except a bun, which may extend a maximum of 3 inches from the scalp) and no wider than the width of the head.

Hairstyles. Faddish and exaggerated styles to include shaved portions of the scalp other than the neckline, designs cut in the hair, unsecured ponytails (except during physical training), and unbalanced or lopsided hairstyles are prohibited. Hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of all uniform headgear. All headgear will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. When headgear is worn, hair should not protrude at distinct angles from under the edges. Hairstyles, which do not allow the headgear to be worn in this manner, are prohibited. Examples of hairstyles considered to be faddish or exaggerated and thus not authorized for wear in uniform are (this list is not all-inclusive); locks and twists (not including French rolls/twists), hair sculpting (eccentric directional flow, twists, texture or spiking), buns or braids with loose hair extending at the end, multiple braids that do not start at the top of the head, hair styles with severe angles, and loose unsecured hair (not to include bangs) when medium/long hair is worn up. 

Braids. Medium and long hair may be braided. Multiple braiding (defined as more than two braids) is authorized. When worn, multiple braids shall be of uniform dimension, small in diameter (approx. 1/4inch), show no more than 1/8 of an inch of scalp between the braids and must be tightly interwoven to present a neat, professional, well groomed appearance. Foreign material (i.e., beads, decorative items) shall not be braided into the hair. Braids must continue to the end of the hair in one direction, in a straight line, and can be worn loose per medium hair length guidelines or secured to the head in the same manner as described for medium or long length hair styles. Ends shall be secured only with inconspicuous rubber bands. If multiple braids are worn they must encompass the whole head. 

Hair Extensions. Hair extensions are authorized for medium and long hair only. Extensions must have the same general appearance as the individual's natural hair. 

Wigs. Wigs, if worn in uniform, must look natural and conform to the above regulations. 

Physical Training (PT). Medium/short length hair may be worn down for organized PT, except when considered a safety hazard. Long hair must be secured. Pony tails are authorized. When hair-securing devices are worn (i.e. barrettes, small pony tail holders…), they must be consistent with the hair color. Examples of hair accessories not authorized for securing hair for PT are; scrunchies, bows, ribbons, alligator clips… 

Boots and Utilities (“boots and utes”). When wearing boots and utes in a PT environment, hair should be secured using the PT guidelines identified above. When boots and utes are worn in a non-PT related environment, hair must be secured per the regulations detailed in the hairstyle regulations provided in paragraph 1004.5.c.1.a-b. MARADMIN 504/07 

Hair Accessories. Except in PT situations,inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins, if required, are authorized. Hairnets will not be worn unless authorized for a specific type of duty. Barrettes, combs, rubber bands, etc. are authorized, if concealed by the hair. 

Hair Color. If applied, dyes, tints, bleaches and frostings, which result in natural colors, are authorized. The hair color must complement the person's complexion tone. Color changes that detract from a professional image are prohibited.

Body Hair. No female Marine will be required to remove body hair except where leg hair protrudes beyond the appropriate hosiery per subparagraph 3027.5, or causes a visibly uneven texture under said hosiery. 

Marines should refer to MCO P1020.34G  for more information on Marine Corps Hair Regulations and personal appearance.