First sergeants clarify uniform wear guidelines

Published Jan. 21, 2011
By Senior Master Sgt. Nick Grba
Team Tinker First Sergeants

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- While we wait for the revised Air Force Instruction 36-2903 to be released, Team Tinker's First Sergeants would like to remind Airmen of the following uniform directives to alleviate any potential confusion concerning the proper wear of the Air Force uniform.

Airman Battledress Uniform

· Authorized cold weather under garments: green improved rain suit liner; green sleep shirt; white, cream or sand colored thermals or turtleneck

· Authorized outer garments: APECS; sage green fleece with name, rank and service tapes; improved rain suit; and blue all weather coat

· As of Oct. 1, 2010, the sage green fleece must have name, rank and service designator tapes affixed when worn as an outer garment. It may be worn as a liner for the APECS without name, rank and service designator tapes. The fleece must remain zipped no lower than halfway between the name tape and the collar. The collar must be folded over and resting on the shoulder, chest and back when the zipper is not completely zipped.

· As of Oct. 1, 2010, the black fleece is no longer authorized for wear with ABU's.

· The green fleece or black knit watch cap is approved for wear with the APECS, improved rain suit, cold weather parka, sage green fleece and the PT uniform. With the exception of the PT uniform, it may not be worn unless an outer garment is also worn.

· Other authorized cold weather items: black or sage green leather, suede or knit gloves; black scarves (must be tucked in collar); and black earmuffs.

Physical Training Uniform

· Both short and full length black or dark blue spandex (tops and bottoms) may be worn under the PTU.

· White socks must be worn with the PTU. They may have a small trademark logo.

· "Five-toed" athletic shoes are authorized for wear. Socks must be worn.

· Women's hair must be secure, but loose ends are authorized. Hair may extend below the collar of the PTU.

· PTU jacket will be zipped at least halfway between the waistband and collar. Sleeves will end within one inch of the wrist.

· PTU pants -- both pant legs will extend below the ankles and will be zipped to within one inch of the bottom.

· Short/long sleeve shirt will be tucked into the shorts/pants at all times. Sleeves may not be removed, cut or pushed up.

· PTU sweatshirt will extend no lower than six inches below the natural waistline. As with the PTU shirts, sleeves may not be removed, cut or pushed up.

· Cold weather PTU accessories (gloves, watch caps, scarves and earmuffs) may be worn outdoors only.

· Knit watch cap will be plain (with no logos), solid black, dark blue or sage green.

· Gloves will be plain (with no logos), solid black or dark blue.

· Scarves and earmuffs will be solid black or dark blue.

· Bandanas and other similar head coverings are not authorized unless due to a medical waiver condition.

· The green fleece jacket is not authorized for wear with the PTU.

· PTU jacket may be worn with PTU shorts.

· Do not mix and match the current PTU running suit jacket and running suit pants with the Improved Physical Training Uniform jacket and pants.

· Proper military customs and courtesies honoring the flag during reveille and retreat apply (coming to full attention and rendering the proper hand salute when outdoors). Saluting due to rank recognition is not required when wearing the PTU.

· Installation commanders may authorize wear of a solid black or dark blue baseball/sport cap with the Air Force symbol or U.S. AIR FORCE printed/embroidered on the front during organized or individual PT. If authorized, caps may be worn outdoors only.

For more information refer to the AFPC Uniform Information web page at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/dress/policy.asp.