Strive to maintain Air Force standards

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jason Devereaux
  • Warren career assistance adviser
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  Maintaining high standards is what makes the Air Force professional. No matter how small a standard may seem, it's important to the unit's integrity that it be followed. 

If we choose not to follow or correct even the smallest violation of standards, we open ourselves to a flood of violations, not only small standards but standards that could get someone seriously hurt if not followed. 

You might be saying to yourself, "How can my actions of not correcting an Airman for wearing blue mirrored sunglasses lead to a breakdown in the mission?" Well, in this instance, they might be wearing blue mirrored sunglasses, but in another instance, they might be taking shortcuts while fixing critical parts on a weapon system. 

Now you might think I'm over exaggerating, but if I was over exaggerating, we wouldn't have courts martial. We have to stop it before it becomes a trend. It is our duty as Airmen to ensure we are all maintaining high standards and correcting those who choose to violate them. 

Another area where one may find a short coming in standards is allowing subordinates to use first names for everyone. By allowing this, supervisors take away the authority they and others have earned. This can lead to a breakdown in the chain of command and lack of respect for authority. 

We owe it to our heritage and the basic enlisted force structure that we maintain proper customs and courtesies and call each other by the rank they have earned. 

Some current violations are with the physical training uniform, so I have listed the rules from the Air Force instruction so you can ensure you are within regulations.

1. The PT shirt may be tucked in or out. One may wear a short- or long-sleeve style shirt. 

2. Shorts will be worn with the T-shirt. The lining in the PT shorts may be removed; however, do not modify the other PT items such as sleeve removal. Spandex shorts and legging (navy blue or black) may be worn under PT shorts. Full length leggings may be worn during cold weather periods. 

3. The PT jacket will be worn with a T-shirt. The jacket may also be worn as needed. The jacket, when worn, may be zipped or unzipped. The jacket hood will be stored and zipped when not worn. 

4. PT pants will be worn with a T-shirt. The pants do not have to be zipped. 

5. Socks will be white, any length and may have small conservative
trademark logos. 

6. Undergarments are mandatory with all PT gear combinations. 

7. All hats and knitted winter caps are authorized. Maintain a professional military image, with no offensive wording, graphics or photos on any item worn with the PT uniforms. Bandanas and other similar headscarves or headgear are not authorized unless due to a medical waiver condition. 

8. Additional civilian clothing items may be added to the PT, but color consistency should be reasonably compatible to support a professional appearance. 

9. Air Force hair standards do not apply while working out in PT gear. 

10. Tattoos or other body art and jewelry standards apply (refer to AFI 36-2903, Table 2.5.). 

11. Saluting is not required (Col. Mike Morgan, 90th Space Wing commander, is writing a policy letter that will reflect that the 90th SW will pay proper respects and salute the flag during reveille and retreat). 

12. Requirements for the wear of a reflective belt will be at the discretion of the installation commander. 

13. Jewelry wear will follow normal uniform wear rules; keep safety in mind. 

14. Headphones and earphones are authorized while in a gym area or designated running track unless prohibited by the installation commander. 

15. Any athletic shoe is authorized. 

16. Other issues evolving in a combat theater regarding PT uniforms will be decided by the theater commander. 

17. Safety and additional items such as ski wraps and sweatbands (black, blue, white), reflective belts, personal hydration systems, fanny packs, armbands, gloves, etc., are all authorized while performing individual PT. 

18. There is no mandated maternity PT while participating in formations, unit activities, similar official events, and when mission and safety dictates. 

19. Local commanders may dictate the wear of the PT gear while performing organized PT. 

20. The PT gear can be worn in any combination desired. 

21. When participating in organized PT, any combination of the PT gear (shorts, T-shirt, pants and jacket) will be worn as a set and not mixed with civilian clothes. 

22. For accessions, professional military education and academic training environments, PT gear wear is authorized as outlined above. Commanders (or equivalent) will determine which PT events are "organized." In these environments, students and staff may wear unit-specific PT gear to meet necessary training requirements.

Remember, neither headphones nor sunglasses are allowed while wearing the PT uniform and conducting organized PT in formation. If not in formation, sunglasses are permitted. Headphones are only permitted while not in formation and on a designated running track. 

Wearing sunglasses is an issue that comes up all the time so take a look at your sunglasses to ensure they are within standards. The following is from the Air Force instruction: Conservative ornamentation on frames and lenses. Authorize conservative ornamentation on non-prescription sunglasses or eyeglasses, frames may be black or brown material or gold or silver wire. Brand name glasses may be worn with small logo; on the frames or lenses. Logos must be the same color as the frames or lenses. Conservative wrap-around sunglasses may be worn only conservative lenses and frames are allowed, Faddish styles and mirrored lenses are prohibited. Sunglasses are not allowed to be worn around the neck or on the top or back of the head, or exposed hanging on the uniform. Eyeglasses and sunglasses will be worn in the manner for which they were made. 

Maintaining high standards goes a long way in accomplishing the mission, and correcting those who violate the standards helps to maintain a cohesive force.
AFI 36-2903, AFI 36-2909 and AFI 36-2618 are just a few Air Force instruction's that, if followed, will keep you well within the high standards that we as Airman should strive to maintain. I ask that you take a moment to refresh yourself on these three Air Force instructions and ensure you and your subordinates are maintaining the highest standards. It will not only ensure we look professional but that we act professional.