A basic trainee receives his first military hair cut during his initial days at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)
By: FEDweek StaffMale airmen can now wear their hair at 2.5 inches – an increase of a half inch – under the latest guidelines issued by the Air Force Uniform Board. Female airmen now can use 2-inch hair accessories – up from one inch.
The board also issued a host of other changes:
• Men can now have cosmetic tattooing on their scalp.
• Women have the option of wearing hosiery with any combination of their dress uniform.
• Transparent piercing spacers are now allowed.
• Wing commanders have the authority to allow the wearing of “approved OCP [operational camouflage pattern] morale patches” on Fridays or during special events.
The guidance contained several items that address standards and behavior. For example, talking on cell phones is barred while walking and in uniform. Also, airmen in uniform cannot put their hands in their pockets while either walking or standing.
Additionally, the guidelines include several improvements to existing uniforms:
• The OCP men’s blue shirt and women’s blouse are being made out of a new stain- and wrinkle-resistant fabric that wicks moisture. The new men’s long-sleeve shirt should be available sometime this month. The women’s long-sleeve and short-sleeve tuck-in blouse should be available by October. A new maternity blouse is designed to fit better in the neckline and collar.
• The new hot-weather combat uniform will be lighter in weight, breathable, quick-drying and offer greater flame protection. It should be available by October.
• The Generation III Level 7 Cold Weather Parka will be available for purchase from AAFES stores sometime this winter. Previously, the parkas were distributed at northern-tier bases and cold-weather locations.
• The pocket design of men’s blue trousers has been adjusted for comfort and fit. The waistband of women’s blue slacks has been redesigned as well. The slacks should be available by next May.
• Women will have the option of wearing mess dress slacks or the current mess dress skirts. The slacks are similar to those worn by men, but tapered to fit female bodies. They should be available by next August.
• Physical training gear is being modernized with updated fit, materials and fabric. It should be available by next October.
• The updates apply to Space Force guardians as well, except in cases where existing specific guidance indicates otherwise. The Space Force uniform board is meeting now to develop a comprehensive policy. It should be finalized by the end of this year.
