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Commander's Direct Line: Motorcycle wear clarification

  • Published
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The following is a question to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Commander submitted by a member of Team Fairchild or the local community:

Question:
There is some confusion base wide on what "being out of uniform" is. In the past, to get out of uniform, all one had to do is remove all affiliated markings, i.e. remove patches or cover and blouse. Is this still true?

The reason I ask is because many motorcyclists wear outer jackets to meet personal protective equipment and visibility requirements and leave their hats and blouses at work (rather than shoving them into saddlebags/backpacks or having them under their riding gear). Therefore, they are essentially in civilian attire. However, a few folks do not see it that way and assume "camouflage" pants as still showing affiliation with the U.S. Air Force.

There are plenty of rules and regulations on how to dress in uniform. So, I come to my dilemma, what is Fairchild's (if not U.S. Air Force's or Department of Defense's) definition of being "out of uniform?" And, what can we (motorcyclists) do if approached by someone who wants to regulate what we can wear when we are not in uniform?

I know the easiest thing to do is not get into that predicament by fully dressing in/out, but a definite answer would be a closure. Your time and input to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Thank you for raising your concern regarding the wear of uniforms while riding motorcycles. According to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Table 2-6; military members in uniform must present a proper military image at all times. Item 17 of that table states safety items (PPE) will be worn while riding or operating two wheeled vehicles. It does not specifically address the wear of partial uniform items when not operating the motor vehicle.

The AFI further states "the omission of a specific item or appearance standard does not automatically permit its wear". So in the spirit and intent of the AFI, it is my interpretation that once PPE is no longer required for wear, i.e., immediately after getting off of the motorcycle, motorcycle riders should redress into their uniforms, i.e., blouse and hat, and present a proper military image until wear of the uniform is no longer required.

AFI 36-2903 is currently being re-written at the Air Staff, and this particular concern has been forwarded to the office of primary responsibility for inclusion in the next version. Thanks again for raising this issue.