Enforcement of uniform standards is everyone's responsibility

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chyenne A. Adams
  • Public Affairs
Air Force District of Washington --  Editor's Note: Although the following news story pertains to AFDW personnel, guidelines from its officials do relate to the proper wear of the miliary uniform by Airmen at all wings and bases, especially at the 459th Air Refueling Wing with its close proximity to the nation's capital.

Air Force District of Washington officials have made it clear from the get-go that they intend for the organization, and the Airmen assigned, to stand out in the National Capital Region as the best-of-the-best. In that vein, basic uniform violations are not something easily tolerated around AFDW facilities.

"This isn't about pet peeves," said Chief Master Sgt. Pat Battenberg, AFDW command chief master sergeant. "This is about doing what we should be doing, every single day. This is about doing what we all learned in basic military training."

Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, covers commanders and individuals' responsibilities concerning member's personal grooming standards and wear of the uniform. Page one, chapter one, of the AFI covers some of the most common violations by Air Force members - stating that members will not stand or walk with hands in pockets of any uniform combination, other than to insert or remove items; will not walk in uniform while using cell phones, radios, or hands-free headsets unless required in the performance of official duties using a government issued device; will not smoke or use smokeless tobaccos, drink, or eat while walking in uniform.

It also states that every servicemember is responsible for presenting a professional military image by procuring and maintaining all mandatory clothing items; reviewing and following local supplements and procedures; and keeping uniforms neat, clean, pressed, buttoned, and properly maintained.

"[The AFDW commander] and I have opportunities to travel around the NCR quite a bit, and it's very noticeable around Andrews Air Force Base, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, the Pentagon and other facilities, when people just disregard the simple things we've all been taught," said the command chief. "When you see Airmen walking around with their hands in their pockets, or thinking they can stand with their hand in their pocket because they're on a smoke break, or not bothering to wear correct uniform combinations - it's very disappointing."

Chief Battenberg wants to remind AFDW Airmen of some common regulations, such as polishing shoes. "Leather is more comfortable than chlorofram shoes, but also takes more elbow grease to maintain. Either shoe needs to be properly maintained."

The chief also said he sees too many Airmen talking on cellphones that do not meet conservative guidelines, about things that aren't official business, and minimizing their situational awareness while doing so - putting themselves and those around them in bad positions. "Talking and walking on a cellphone can sometimes be just as dangerous as talking or texting on a cellphone and driving. It's just not necessary."

Many Airmen have also been spotted wearing the fleece cap without an outer garment on. By regulation, the cold-weather knit or fleece cap can only be worn if a proper uniform jacket is worn, such as the fleece or APECS Gore-Tex ABU jacket.

"There's also nothing better than a clean, crisp blues shirt," said Chief Battenberg. "But once it gets faded and unserviceable, there's nothing worse. Airmen should be periodically checking all their uniforms and use their uniform allowance to replace those items that are no longer presenting the proper professional image."

All servicemembers also received a bump in their uniform clothing allowance in fiscal year 2005 to cover the cost of acquiring physical training gear. Another increased allowance came in FY 2007 when that gear because a 'uniform' and individuals became responsible for having, at minimum, three t-shirts, three shorts, one pair of pants and one jacket. Since then, an increased rate has been sustained for maintenance and replacement.

Many changes have come out over the last few years to the PTU - including the addition of an optional long-sleeve t-shirt and the new sweatshirt. While females may have long hair free, it must be safely restrained in a manner suiting a physical workout. Spandex shorts are authorized in blue and black, but spandex shirts are not authorized. White socks of any length, and conservative athletic shoes are the only footwear authorized.

"Individual exercise should be a part of life for every Airman nowadays, and AFDW is moving towards more organized PT sessions to ensure our folks have the opportunity for motivating group sessions also," said Chief Battenberg. "Individuals participating in these organized PT sessions will wear the same uniform combination."

"It seems some Airmen still believe the PT jackets and pants are optional," said the command chief, "But those Airmen will soon have the opportunity to demonstrate they have purchased the entire uniform when AFDW conducts a mandatory PT formation with a commander's directed uniform combination."

It is every Airman, NCO, senior NCO and officers' obligation to check each other, according to the chief. Whether it's a crease or a haircut, we should all be policing each other on basic standards.

"Enforcement of these standards is a daily responsibility," said Chief Battenberg. "With an upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection, we should be able to show the inspectors our sharp, professional, uniformed work force - Airmen who have their act together. Airmen who use proper customs and courtesies, have situational awareness and salute vehicles, who walk tall and take pride in their appearance. I can guarantee you that if they see folks who aren't meeting the most basic of standards, the assumption is going to be that you're not doing any of the other things you're supposed to be doing."

In addition to referencing the AFI, there's also a 'cheat sheet' for Airmen to verify what ribbons they're authorized for wear, accessible via the Air Force Portal webpage under Virtual MPF. The Air Force Personnel Center also has an Air Force Dress and Appearance Policy web page at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/dress/uniforms.asp. This webpage includes interactive slideshows to show Airmen how to appropriately wear every Air Force uniform combination. There's also a policy page that includes updates to uniform policies and regulations that have been approved by Air Force Manpower, Personnel and Services and the Air Force Uniform Board. This page, along with AFI 36-2903, serves as every Airman's source for routine inquiries.

Anything not covered by an instruction needs to be properly channeled up the Airman's chain of command.

In addition to verbal and written counseling by supervisors, unit commander's have the additional authority to place members identified as not presenting a professional military appearance - regardless of overall fitness composite score - in the Fitness Improvement Program, in accordance with AFI 36-2905.