Uniform wear - getting it right

Published Dec. 1, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Nick J. Daniello
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The winter "inversion" is upon us - as the outside temperatures decrease, the amount of clothing worn increases; and as it gets colder, Airmen are reminded about proper cold weather uniform wear.

There are five basic elements of standards for dress and appearance: neatness, cleanliness, uniformity, military image and, last but not least, safety.

"Safety! American Airmen are the most important asset the Air Force has and we want them to be safe," said Master Sgt. Johnathon Maurer, 92nd Force Support Squadron first sergeant. "Airmen should be prepared and dress appropriately to prevent cold weather injuries such as hypothermia and/or frostbite."

There are many different uniform items Airmen are allowed and encouraged to wear properly. Airmen can wear the lightweight blue jacket, cardigan sweater, sage green fleece jacket, improved rain suit and so on depending on the uniform of the day.

"Every Airman is responsible for helping to ensure our military image is preserved and maintained, from Airman Basic to General," said Maurer. "Every Airman has the responsibility to address uniform infractions, regardless of rank or position. But, courtesy and respect should be at the forefront of the conversation."

Maurer referenced that an Airman may not want to yell across a busy dining facility, "Excuse me, first sergeant, you're not allowed to dye your hair pink!" Instead, politely pull the Shirt aside and inform him or her of the infraction.

"If you treat a person with respect, nine out of ten times they will be appreciative," said Maurer.

Maurer went on to say having pride in one's uniform and personal appearance says a lot about an Airman. That part of our Air Force heritage and honor includes our distinct military image and ability to adhere to a uniform standard.

According to Air Force Instruction 36-2903 Dress and Appearance: "The American public and its elected representative's draw certain conclusions on military effectiveness based on the image Airmen present. The image must instill public confidence and leave no doubt Airmen live by a common standard and respond to military order and discipline."

Here is some information gathered from AFI 36-2903 Dress and Appearance about some cold weather gear items:

Service Uniform

Acrylic Wool Pullover Sweater - Only worn with the service uniform, can be worn under the lightweight blue jacket, the topcoat and the all-weather coat. It is authorized as an indoor or outdoor garment, tie/tab is optional.

Cardigan Sweater (Blue) - Can only be worn with the service uniform. It can be worn under the lightweight blue jacket, the topcoat and the all-weather coat. It can be worn with sleeves cuffed or uncuffed and is authorized as an indoor or outdoor garment. The sweater will be buttoned while outdoors and may be unbuttoned while indoors. When buttoned, the sweater will be completely buttoned.

Cardigan Sweater (White) - Can only be worn with maternity jumper, maternity long sleeve and short sleeve blouses. It can be worn under the lightweight blue jacket, the topcoat and the all-weather coat. It can be worn with sleeves cuffed or uncuffed and is authorized as an indoor or outdoor garment. The sweater will be buttoned while outdoors and may be unbuttoned while indoors. When buttoned, the sweater will be completely buttoned.

Lightweight Blue Jacket (Men's and Women's) - Can only be worn with the service uniform. Can be worn over the pullover and cardigan sweaters. Females may wear the male version of the lightweight blue jacket. The jacket will be waist length with the zipper worn no lower than halfway between the collar and the waistband.

Black Watch Cap - Only worn when wearing authorized outer garments, service dress or physical training uniform. The cap will fit snugly over top of head and the back of the cap should run across the nape of the neck and the front should rest above eyebrows.

Airman Battle Uniform

Improved Rain Suit (IRS) - can only be worn with the Airman Battle, Air Force food services, and flight duty uniforms. Is for outdoor use only. It will have the slip-on rank worn on the rank tab. The zipper will be zipped no lower than mid-point on the rank tab at all times when worn. When worn with the Airman Battle maternity uniform or Air Force food services maternity uniforms the members may wear the jacket unzipped.

Sage Green Fleece - Only worn with the Airman Battle Uniform. It can only be worn over the ABU coat. It is not authorized to be worn solely over a t-shirt, thermal underwear, etc. It will have a velcro ABU print last name tape with dark blue block lettering centered between the zipper and sleeve seam on the wearer's right chest. It will be zipped no lower than the top of the name tape. When not completely zipped the collar will be folded over and resting on the shoulder, chest, and back. It will be worn with the sleeves down, not pushed or rolled up, and will remain in neat and serviceable condition at all times.

Sage Green Watch Cap - Only worn when wearing ABU authorized outer garments or physical training uniform. The cap will fit snugly over top of head and the back of the cap should run across the nape of the neck and the front should rest above eyebrows.