ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — The U.S. Air Force has recently updated its uniform regulations, introducing several changes aimed at enhancing both functionality and personal expression within established guidelines. These updates, approved by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., stem from proposals submitted to the Air Force Uniform Board in November 2022 and are officially effective as of April 1st, as detailed in Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2903.
While the Air Force and Space Force maintain separate uniform boards, there is a reciprocal adoption process, meaning changes approved by one service can be adopted by the other. Consequently, some of the modifications from the Air Force’s 102nd Uniform Board have also been incorporated by the U.S. Space Force, as outlined in DAFGM 36-2903. These revisions are a direct result of feedback and suggestions submitted by Airmen and Guardians through the Airmen Innovation Network online platform.
Among the key changes, several pertain to authorized headgear for Air Force personnel, alongside broader updates to uniform accessories and wear policies.
One notable update is the authorization of additional headgear for the Flight Duty Uniform (FDU). Previously, the flight cap was the primary authorized headgear for the FDU. Now, regulations have been expanded to include both the OCP patrol cap and the tactical OCP cap as permissible options. This provides Airmen with greater flexibility and choice in headgear while in flight duty uniform, accommodating various operational environments and personal preferences. This change directly addresses the need for more versatile headgear options within the Air Force, particularly in field and tactical settings.
Further updates include the authorization to wear a cold weather headband. Recognizing the need for protection against cold weather conditions, the updated regulations now permit the wear of a headband as a cold weather accessory. This adds to the existing list of authorized items such as scarves, earmuffs, watch caps, and gloves, providing Airmen with more options to maintain comfort and warmth in cold climates.
In addition to headgear modifications, the uniform board approved several other changes to enhance uniform wear policies:
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Child Development Centers (CDCs): Installation commanders are now authorized to designate CDCs as no-hat, no-salute zones. Furthermore, even in areas not specifically designated, salutes are not required when personnel are carrying children. This adjustment aims to create a more relaxed and child-friendly environment within CDCs.
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Increased Badge Allowance: The number of badges authorized for wear above the USAF tape on the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform has been doubled. Airmen are now permitted to wear up to four badges, increased from the previous limit of two. This allows for greater recognition of achievements and qualifications on the uniform.
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Purse and Handbag Logo Size: Regulations concerning logos on purses and handbags have been updated. A “small logo” is now authorized, with the specification that the logo must not exceed one inch in diameter. For USSF personnel only, when in civilian attire or carrying a backpack by hand in uniform, there are no restrictions on logo size or color.
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Olive Drab Green Backpacks: The authorized color options for backpacks worn with any uniform combination have been expanded to include olive drab green. Previously limited to black, brown, gray, and dark blue, this addition provides a more versatile and operationally aligned color choice.
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Gym Bag Logo Size: The restriction of “small” logos on gym bags has been removed. Airmen are now authorized to have any size logo on their gym bags, providing greater freedom in personalizing their fitness gear.
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Parka Wear by Characteristics: Cold-weather parkas can now be commercially purchased, provided they meet certain characteristics. Parkas must be in the OCP pattern or Coyote Brown and must have name tapes, service tapes, rank, and patches worn in the same authorized configuration as standard issue parkas. This offers more flexibility in acquiring cold weather gear.
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Friday Morale Shirts: Morale shirt regulations have been broadened to allow logos on both the front and back of Friday morale shirts. Logos on the back can be larger in diameter, while front logos (on the left chest) must not exceed five inches in diameter. Regardless of logo size or placement, morale shirts must remain Coyote Brown in color.
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“Heritage-like” Morale Patches on FDU: The updated regulations remove previous restrictions on “heritage-like” morale patches worn on the FDU. This change aligns the FDU with OCPs and the two-piece Flight Duty Uniform, allowing for a wider range of morale patch options, including variations of current or past official organizational emblems.
These uniform updates reflect the Air Force’s commitment to responsiveness to Airmen’s needs and feedback, enhancing both the practicality and personal expression within established uniform standards. The expansion of authorized headgear, particularly the inclusion of the OCP patrol cap and tactical OCP cap for the FDU, along with other accessory and policy updates, represent significant changes aimed at improving the wearability and functionality of Air Force uniforms in diverse operational and daily environments.
