Stay warm and out of trouble

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  With chilly winter weather at most U.S. Air Force bases, it is important for Airmen to remain warm. As professional Airmen, it is important to wear the necessary gear while adhering to Air Force Instruction 36-2903: Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel.

"The wear of uniform reflects how seriously an Airman takes Air Force standards," said Master Sgt. Angela Stout, 436th Comptroller Squadron supervisor and first sergeant. "It tells me how much they care about their mission and their work."

So to keep supervisors and first sergeants off your case, follow these tips:
Authorized undergarments for the Airman Battle Uniform and Battle Dress Uniform include the desert sand colored turtle neck, a green or brown-colored sleep shirt and white, cream or desert sand-colored thermal underwear.

While outside in cold weather conditions, Airmen may wear the All-Purpose Environmental Clothing System (APECS) Parka over their ABU's or BDU's. While wearing the parka, Airmen are permitted to wear black leather, green leather, suede or knit gloves, a black or green knit cap, black scarves not exceeding 10 inches in width and commercially designed black earmuffs.

The parka is to be zipped up at all times, and the hood should be stowed if not being used. Parka sleeves must be rolled down and the correct slip-on rank must be worn. Airmen are allowed to wear their sage green fleece jacket as a liner underneath their parka.

The sage green jacket is authorized to wear outside ABU's while outside during cold weather conditions. The jacket must display the proper name and service tapes, and subdued rank patch. Accessories, such as gloves and scarves, are optional. Airmen may wear a watch cap or cover with the fleece jacket. Sleeves must be rolled down at all times.

The cold weather parka may be worn outside any uniform combination in accordance with local installation instructions. Rank does not have to be displayed on the cold weather parka. Cold weather accessories, such as gloves, may be worn.

While wearing the all-weather coat or lightweight blue jacket, Airmen may wear accessories such as gloves, black watch caps and scarves. Earmuffs are authorized for wear with the service dress uniform, however they are not authorized with the all-weather coat or lightweight blue jacket.

Blue cardigans and sweaters may be worn inside and outside with cold weather accessories. While indoors, Airmen may wear the cardigan completely unbuttoned. Pregnant women may wear the cardigan unbuttoned at all times.

Airmen may wear their outer garments with civilian attire as long as all Air Force accessories, such as rank, name tapes and patches are removed. If the lightweight blue jacket has the Air Force symbol sewn on, it may not be worn with civilian clothes.

For the most up to date information regarding uniform policy, check the Air Force Portal's uniform information link.