The Department of the Air Force is proactively seeking fresh perspectives to refine dress and appearance standards, launching a new crowdsourcing initiative on September 3rd. This campaign invites Airmen and civilians to contribute their innovative ideas through the Air Force Ideation Platform, IdeaScale, aiming to ensure the Old Air Force Uniform and related policies reflect the evolving needs and values of its personnel.
Lisa Truesdale, the Air Force military force policy deputy director, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and innovation in this process. “If we want an environment in which Airmen feel valued, we need to create transformative opportunities to foster a culture of innovation and then listen to their ideas,” Truesdale stated. She also highlighted the connection between uniform pride and unit cohesion, noting, “Additionally, wearing the uniform and having pride in your personal appearance enhances esprit de corps.” This initiative acknowledges that even traditions associated with the old air force uniform can be improved through collaborative input.
Ideas submitted through IdeaScale will undergo review by Air Force subject matter experts before potentially being presented to the Air Force Uniform Board. This board will then formulate recommendations for the Air Force Chief of Staff. Ideas endorsed at this level will be integrated into AFI 36-2903, the guiding document for Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, effectively updating aspects of the old air force uniform regulations. Submitters will receive feedback on their proposals, ensuring transparency and engagement in the update process.
Truesdale reiterated the commitment to inclusivity, stating, “We want our dress and appearance guidance to be inclusive. We are committed to considering the views of all members. Individuals contribute their highest levels of creativity when they are cared for and feel a sense of belonging.” This campaign directly addresses various aspects of dress and appearance, categorized for focused submissions:
- GROOMING AND APPEARANCE STANDARDS: Covering areas like hairstyles, beards, and shaving protocols, potentially modernizing perceptions around the old air force uniform grooming standards.
- DRESS UNIFORMS: Encompassing Service Dress, Mess Dress, and associated accessories, allowing for a review of formal elements of the old air force uniform.
- UTILITY UNIFORM: Focusing on the Operational Camouflage Pattern Uniform and related accessories, ensuring practicality and relevance in the contemporary context, moving beyond older utility uniform designs.
- ACCESSORIES: Considering items such as jewelry, bags, and electronic devices, aiming to update guidelines for personal items worn with the uniform.
- OUTER GARMENTS: Reviewing sweaters, jackets, and fleeces for functionality and style, potentially impacting the layering options with the old air force uniform.
- PHYSICAL TRAINING GEAR: Addressing shorts, shirts, and other PT attire, ensuring comfort and performance in physical training contexts.
- FLIGHT DUTY UNIFORMS: Examining Two-Piece Flight Duty Uniforms and associated accessories, critical for specialized roles within the Air Force.
- BADGES AND SPECIALTY INSIGNIA: Focusing on organizational badges and patches, allowing for updates to how achievements and affiliations are displayed on the uniform.
- MATERNITY UNIFORMS: Addressing Service Dress and Utility uniforms for expectant mothers, ensuring inclusivity and comfort during service.
Airmen and civilians interested in contributing to the evolution of Air Force dress and appearance standards are encouraged to visit https://usaf.ideascalegov.com. New users can register using their Common Access Card and navigate to the “Dress and Appearance” tile on the homepage to submit their ideas and help shape the future of the Air Force uniform, moving it forward from its old air force uniform precedents. Ideas previously submitted to the Airmen Powered by Innovation campaign have been transitioned to this new platform, consolidating efforts to modernize Air Force dress and appearance policies.
