Dress and Appearance

This webpage is a one-stop reference to help answer questions regarding proper wear of approved Air Force uniform items, insignias, awards and decorations, etc. It also provides the latest updates and changes to policy from Air Force senior leadership and the Uniform Board. For local guidance, Airmen are encouraged to consult their immediate chain of command for clarification on standards and policies.

DAFI 36-2903_DAFGM2023-02 (31 March 23)

DECORATIONS AND RIBBONS

Oct. 7, 2019
Air Force on schedule with new uniform issue timeline

When Air Force officials announced last year they were adopting the Army OCP as the official utility uniform, they developed a three-year rollout timeline across the force for the entire changeover. Last week put them on target for issue to new recruits entering BMT.
July 25, 2019
Air Force Uniform Office seeks feedback on maternity uniforms

All Air Force women will receive an email message from the Air Force Survey Office with a unique link inviting them to take the survey. To determine who should take the full survey, the Uniform Office is asking participants to respond to the first survey question.
April 23, 2019
Air Force senior leaders update OCP uniform guidance

The Air Force announced April 23 new rules on Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms that aim to better fit the needs of Airmen and the jobs they do while also holding fast to tradition.
Dec. 27, 2018
Latest OCP guidance approves current subdued patches

Airmen wearing OCP uniforms are authorized to add their former Airmen Battle Uniform subdued patches until the mandatory brown subdued ones go into effect.
Sept. 5, 2018
History office plays key role in OCP emblem-to-patch conversion

Since early recorded history, warring tribes often carried banners or flags marked with emblems to represent factions and motivate their warriors to fight for the cause. It is to this historical tradition that we can trace the evolution of military emblems and patches, said AFMC historian Jack Waid,
Aug. 7, 2018
Around the Air Force: Aug. 7

On this look Around the Air Force, eight officers are selected for a three month program where they’ll learn about Air Force technologies, and Air Force moms who are nursing are authorized to wear a breastfeeding t-shirt. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Koetz.
July 16, 2018
Air Force updates to AFI-36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance

The Air Force announced a series of uniform updates to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, effective July 13, 2018.
April 28, 2017
Air Force holds 100th uniform board meeting

The 100th meeting of the Air Force Uniform Board convened this month to review ideas and recommendations submitted by Airmen in order to improve or change Air Force uniforms, wear policy and grooming standards.
May 18, 2016
AF uniform office designs for entire force; new modifications underway

When an Airman gets dressed for his or her job, he or she dons apparel and equipment that were developed, produced, deployed, sustained, and modified by a group of fewer than 20 people working at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Oct. 5, 2014
New cold-weather uniform being put to the test

Air Force Uniform Office (AFUO) designers and engineers are currently fit testing a new cold weather aviation system (CWAS) for aircrews flying in cold weather environments.