Avoiding uniform violations key to looking sharp

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  In the midst of an Air Force-wide transformation from the battle dress uniform to the new Airmen battle uniform, some Airmen are falling victim to not properly wearing the uniform in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-2903.

The most common wardrobe violations include Airmen wearing the squadron baseball caps with their ABUs, wearing the incorrect color T-shirt or socks with their ABUs and having their specialty badges incorrectly sewn onto their ABU jacket, said Master Sgt. Bill Baker, 62nd Force Support Squadron first sergeant.

"There is some ignorance out there when it comes to the rules, but others just get into a rush and mix and match their uniform incorrectly," Sergeant Baker said. "As for the badges, Airmen need to check to see if they are properly sewn on before leaving the alteration shop."

The tan undershirt and green socks are permitted with ABUs, while a black undershirt and black socks go with the BDUs, according to the AFI. While any detergent can be used to launder the new ABU, fabric softeners or bleach should be avoided. The uniform should be tumble dried at the low heat setting, too.

Airmen not putting on their hats when they go outside is another common violation, said Chief Master Sgt. Russell Kuck, 62nd AW command chief master sergeant.

"The bottom line is you wear a hat when you're outside -- there's no undercover rule anymore," Chief Kuck said. "Those same rules apply in base housing."

Other violations commonly occurring on base include Airmen removing their hat and jacket when washing their cars and wearing squadron morale Tshirts underneath their jacket, which are unveiled usually during events such as bowling, he said.

"It's fine to wear a morale T-shirt (if it's the correct color) as long as Airmen don't take off their jacket," Chief Kuck said.

Airmen should also avoid sticking their hands in their pockets, wearing a unit-issued cell phone on the right side of the flight suit instead of the left and rolling their sleeves up incorrectly, Sergeant Baker said.

As the weather warms up, Airmen should also read up on their unit's rules when it comes to taking off the jacket within the office, he said.

When it comes to enforcing the uniform rules, Chief Kuck said Airmen should use the wingman concept to keep each other looking sharp.

When there is a violation, Airmen should let each other know.

"It's all about approach" when it comes to alerting someone of their violation, he said. "Using tact is the key."