Top 10

#1 Hands in uniform pockets The number one observed violation on our installation is the unauthorized practice of hands in uniform pockets. AFI 36-2903 1.3.2.1 says members will not stand or walk with hands in pockets of any uniform combination, other than to insert or remove items. There are other options available to uniformed members to keep hands warm. Black leather, knitted, tricot, suede or a combination of leather, knitted, tricot and suede gloves or mittens are authorized to wear while wearing most uniform combinations. When wearing ABUs or BDUs, gloves can be worn without wearing other outer garments. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

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#2 Improper actions while in uniform It is understandable that members are required to multitask to complete the many requirements throughout the duty day. However, some actions, as harmless as they may seem, are violations of AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel. In section 1.3, Individual Responsibilities, it states that members will not smoke, use smokeless tobacco, drink or eat while walking in uniform. Not only do these actions present a negative military image, they are violations of governing AFIs. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

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#3 Improper cell phone use or wear AFI 31-218, Para. 4-2 line 3 states personal or government-owned vehicle operators on a Defense Department installation will not use cell phones unless the vehicle is safely parked or unless the operator is using a hands-free device. AFI 36-2903 1.3.2.2 covers the use of cell phones while in uniform. It states members will not walk in uniform while using a cell phone unless required in the performance of official duties and using a government-issued device. Table 2.6 Line 10 says cell phones must be solid or covered in black, silver, dark blue or gray and must be conservative. Cell phones should be clipped to the left side of the waistband or purse or carried in the left hand. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

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#4 Personal grooming standards AFI 36-2903 Table 1.5, Lines 3, 8 and 10 state • Men’s sideburns will be neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as the haircut and will not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening or be flared • Fingernails will not exceed ¼-inch beyond the tip of the finger, will not have shades of nail polish that distinctly contrast with the complexion or detract from the uniform, or that are extreme in design • Women’s hair will not extend below any side of an invisible line drawn parallel to the ground at the bottom edge of the shirt collar regardless of length and will not prevent proper wear of headgear, including helmet or chemical mask. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

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#5 Improper uniform wear Many uniform violations are noted daily and need to be corrected. Below is the proper guidance to correct uniform violations: • Uniforms will be buttoned, AFI 36-2903 1.3.1.3 • The flight duty uniform will have sleeves rolled down to the wrist at all times. The front zipper of the FDU will be closed to approximately three inches from the neckline, AFI 36-2903 3.2.2 • Blouse trousers over combat boots or tuck trousers into boots to give a bloused effect. Bloused is defined as: to gather in and drape loosely; cannot be folded or have a tapered look, AFI 36-2903, Table 2.2, Line 2 • ABUs with green boots require green socks. ABUs with tan boots require black, tan or green socks. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

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#6 Common custom and courtesy failures Common acts of courtesy among all Air Force personnel aid in maintaining discipline and smooth conduct of affairs in the military establishment. When common courtesy falters, discipline ceases to function and accomplishing the mission is endangered. Some commonly ignored courtesies are: • Don’t keep others waiting, be on time • Support and promote leaders’ decisions • Give the senior person the position of honor when walking, riding or sitting; the junior person should take the position to the senior’s left • When saluting, the junior ranking member salutes first and holds salute until senior member returns and drops their salute • Junior ranking members should rise and stand at attention when senior ranking person enters or departs a room. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

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#7 Inappropriate tattoos Excessive tattoos or brands will not be exposed or visible (includes visible through the uniform) while in uniform. An excessive tattoo or brand is defined as exceeding one quarter of the exposed body part and those above the collarbone and readily visible when wearing an open collar uniform. The display of excessive tattoos detracts from maintaining an appropriate professional image while in uniform. Members not meeting the acceptable image should be required to maintain complete coverage or removal of the tattoo. Members who choose not to comply with the standard may be subject to the same punishment as not removing an unauthorized tattoo. For more information, see AFI 36-2903 Table 2.5, Line 2. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

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#8 Unauthorized sunglasses (style and wear) Sunglasses are allowed to have conservative ornamentation on the frames and lenses. Frames may be black or brown material or gold or silver wire. Brand name glasses may be worn with a small logo on the frames or lenses. The logo must be the same color as the frames or lenses. Conservative wrap-around sunglasses may be worn. Sunglasses must have conservative lenses and frames (faddish styles and mirrored lenses are prohibited). Sunglasses cannot be worn in formation. Sunglasses cannot be worn around the neck, on the top or back of the head, or hanging exposed on the uniform. Sunglasses will be worn in the manner for which they were made. For more information, see AFI 36-2903 Table 2.6, Line 7. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

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#9 Unauthorized gym bags and backpacks Color and carry options: Bags are to be carried in the left hand, on the left shoulder, or both shoulders so as to not interfere with rendering a proper salute. Attachés must be black. Gym bags can be black or dark blue. Only solid-color black backpacks may be worn with blue uniform combinations. Solid-color black, olive drab, or woodland camouflage are the only colors authorized with the BDU. Solid-color black, olive drab, Air Force sage green, or ABU pattern are authorized when wearing ABUs. Backpacks can be worn using one or both shoulder straps. For more information, go to AFI 36-2903, Table 2.6, Line 12 and ABU wear policy message (Sept. 7, 2007). (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

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#10 Pressing/starching ABUs One of the major benefits of the Airman Battle Uniform is the fact that it is literally a wash-and-wear item. In the ABU wear policy message it states that starching and hot pressing ABUs is prohibited. Any process that involves dry cleaning or steam processing will adversely affect the treatments and durability of the uniform and is not authorized. The permanent press and near infrared features of this uniform will be damaged by starching and commercial pressing. The permanent press feature will allow Airmen to look sharp and wear the ABU without incurring the costs of commercial dry cleaning or pressing. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)

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Luke Top 10 violations

Published April 23, 2009

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Luke Air Force Base chief master sergeants and unit first sergeants have been keeping an eye out all over base for dress and appearance, and customs and courtesies violations. They discovered 10 top opportunities for improvement.