The U.S. Air Force has recently updated its dress and appearance guidelines, bringing several changes to Air Force Instruction 36-2903 that directly impact the wear of the Air Force Blues uniform. These revisions, effective as of March 15th, cover a range of accessories and items, ensuring Airmen maintain a sharp and professional appearance while adhering to the latest standards. Understanding these changes is crucial for all Air Force personnel to remain compliant with uniform regulations.
Eyeglasses and Sunglasses: Updated Frame Regulations
One notable update concerns eyeglasses and sunglasses. Previously, frames for eyewear worn with the Air Force Blues uniform were restricted to black, brown, gold, or silver wire. The updated regulation broadens this slightly to include frames of conservative colors such as black, brown, white, dark blue, gray, or transparent material, as well as gold or silver wire. Brand-name glasses are now permissible, provided they feature a small logo on the frames or lenses. These logos should be of conservative colors like black, brown, or matte silver/gold, ensuring they remain discreet and professional. This change provides Airmen with slightly more flexibility in choosing eyewear while maintaining a uniform standard of professionalism.
Electronic Devices: Earpieces, Bluetooth, and Headphones
Regulations surrounding electronic devices while in uniform have also been clarified. Wearing earpieces or any Bluetooth wireless technology is now authorized indoors or outdoors while in uniform for official duties or as permitted by installation commanders, delegated to squadron commanders. However, for personal use with the Air Force Blues uniform, headphones and earphones (like iPods or MP3 players) remain authorized only during travel on public transportation and/or while wearing physical training gear during individual PT in designated areas, unless specifically prohibited by the installation commander. The use of hands-free devices is still permitted when operating a motor vehicle in uniform, contingent on local policies. This update balances operational needs with personal allowances in specific contexts.
Bags and Accessories: Expanding Options for Functionality and Style
Significant changes have been introduced regarding bags and accessories carried with the Air Force Blues uniform, offering more variety in color and style while maintaining professional standards.
Attache Cases, Messenger Bags, Computer Bags, and Lunch Bags
The color restrictions for these bags have been relaxed. Previously limited to black attache cases, Airmen can now carry attache cases, messenger bags, computer bags, and lunch bags in solid black, brown, gray, or dark blue. These bags should be plain, without elaborate designs, though small logos are permitted. When carried, these bags should be held in the left hand or over the left shoulder if using a shoulder strap.
Gym Bags
Gym bag regulations have also been updated, providing more options beyond the previous black or dark blue. Acceptable colors now include solid dark blue, black, olive drab, brown, gray, Air Force sage green, and ABU or OCP patterns with matching stitching. Similar to other bags, gym bags should be without designs unless they are ABU or OCP patterned, and small logos are authorized. Gym bags are to be carried in the left hand, but shoulder straps are allowed on either shoulder, and straps can cross the body as long as they do not interfere with saluting.
Backpacks
Backpack options have expanded significantly. While previously, backpacks were solid black with the Blues uniform, Airmen can now use black, brown, gray, or dark blue backpacks with any uniform combination, including the Air Force Blues. OCP or ABU patterned backpacks are also authorized with their respective uniforms. Olive drab and Air Force sage green backpacks are permitted with the ABU, and tan and coyote brown backpacks can be worn with the OCP. Sling-style backpacks are allowed, worn across the chest or left shoulder, as are two-strap backpacks, worn on the left or both shoulders. Backpacks must remain professional in appearance, without ornamentation, high gloss, designs, or dangling objects. Small gold or silver clasps are acceptable, but chains are not.
Handbags
For handbags, the previous restriction to solid black leather or vinyl has been broadened. Handbags for all uniform combinations, including the Air Force Blues, can now be solid black, brown, gray, or dark-blue leather or vinyl. Bags should be without design and ornamentation, but can have a plain foldover flap and a single silver or gold-colored clasp. Stitching can be black or white or match the handbag color. Notably, handbag dimension limits have been removed, offering more practical flexibility.
Clutch-Style Purses and Wallets
Clutch-style purses and wallets carried with the Air Force Blues uniform can now be solid black, brown, gray, or dark-blue in smooth or scotch-grain leather, patent leather, high-gloss, or manmade material. These should remain without design or ornamentation, and stitching can be black or white. The previous regulation limited these accessories to black with black stitching.
Cold-Weather Accessories: Flexibility in Wear
Cold-weather accessory regulations have been simplified. These accessories can now be worn without authorized outer garments and, with the exception of functional items, are only to be worn outdoors. Previously, cold-weather accessories were required to be worn in conjunction with authorized outer garments. This change allows for more practical wear of items like gloves and scarves in cold conditions.
PT Socks: Expanding Color Options
PT sock regulations have been updated to allow for more color choices beyond just white or black. Mandatory PT socks can now be conservative solid colors including black, white, dark blue, gray, desert sand, tan, Defense Logistics Agency‐issued green, or coyote brown. Small trademark logos are permitted on PT socks, and local commanders may implement standardization policies within their units.
Duty Identifier Patches: Specific Career Field Authorization
Finally, the update addresses duty identifier patches. Select Air Force specialty codes, determined by career field managers and authorized by the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, are now permitted to wear a spice-brown subdued cloth patch. This patch, centered at the top of the Velcro area, can feature a max of five letters identifying the career field (e.g., CBRN, WPNS). For career fields requiring quick identification, such as first responders, a black border on the patch is authorized.
These updates to AFI 36-2903 reflect the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining professional standards while adapting to practical needs and modern styles within the Air Force Blues Uniform Regulations. Airmen are encouraged to review the full instruction at the official AFPC website for complete details and any further clarifications to ensure continued compliance and a consistently sharp appearance.
