The Military Uniform and Appearance Standards

1
The Military Uniform and Appearance Standards
2
Motivation

• From the ancient Greeks to the Armed Forces
  today, the military uniform has represented a
  long and honorable tradition of devotion to ones
  country.

3
What does the military uniform symbolize?

• A public symbol of the nations defense forces
• A long and honorable tradition of devoted service
  to country
• Should be worn proudly and properly
• Key elements for wearing uniform neatness,
  cleanliness, safety, military image

4
What is the history of the uniform?

• Uniform combines Latin words unus and forma to
  mean one form.
• Ancient Romans wore togas, a type of uniform.
• Toga candidaworn by candidates for public office
• Toga palmataceremonial toga
• Toga praetextaworn by emperors
• Toga sordidaworn by lower classes, mourners, and
  people accused of crimes

5
What is the history of the uniform? (contd)

• The origin of the military uniform goes back to
  an early date in Western civilization.
• Athenian and Spartan soldiers in Greece dressed
  according to position in military formations.
• Heavy infantryman
• Light-foot soldier

6
What is the history of the uniform? (contd)

• A national army with a standard uniform appeared
  in England during the Great Rebellion
  (16421646).
• Red with colored facings to distinguish regiments
• Adaptations of civilian dress
• Units identified by colors and standards
• Distinctive, colorful uniforms for troops serving
  under wealthy people
• From this start, the military uniform evolved.

7
How do you wear the Air Force uniform properly?

• The AFJROTC uniform is the same, with certain
  exceptions, as that worn by active duty Air Force
  personnel.
• It is important to honor the uniform and to wear
  it properly.

8
How do you wear the Air Force uniform properly?

• Cadets may not wear the uniform
• While hitchhiking, in demonstrations, for crowd
  control, during political events
• Cadets may wear the uniform
• While acting as ushers, parking lot attendants,
  runners, or at discretion of SASI

9
How do you wear the Air Force uniform properly?
(contd)

• Parts of the Hatch Act bar military personnel
  from engaging in any form of public political
  activity while in uniform.
• These activities include
• Attending rallies and political speeches and
  passing out fliers
• Publicly supporting a political candidate, party,
  or political issue

10
How do you wear the Air Force uniform properly?
(contd)

• However, members of the military
• Are encouraged to vote
• May place political bumper stickers or signs on
  own vehicles or private property
• Can participate in political events if not in
  uniform and if not identifying selves as military
  members

11
How do you wear the Air Force uniform properly?
(contd)

• Military personnel in uniform also cannot
  participate in events where it might be implied
  that the Air Force supports a particular cause.
• Public speeches, rallies, interviews, picket
  lines, and marches
• Activities that might imply Air Force endorsement
  of a commercial interest
• Private employment

12
How do you wear the Air Force uniform properly?
(contd)

• Most Air Force Junior ROTC units have published
  information on the cadet uniform and how to wear
  it.
• These are usually based on three publications
  (see AFJROTC Cyber-Campus Web site)
• AFI 36-2903 Dress and Personal Appearance of Air
  Force Personnel
• AFJROTCI 36-2001 Air Force Junior ROTC
  Operations
• AFJROTC Uniform and Awards Guide

13
What are the AFJROTC uniform standards? (contd)

• Service uniform for both males and females
• Form-fitting, properly fitting coat
• Proper sleeve length
• Proper coat length
• Properly fitted trousers or slacks

14
What are the AFJROTC uniform standards? (contd)

• Uniform dos
• Do wear the standard Air Force uniform properly.
• Do wear the uniform on the day established by the
  SASI (usually at least one day each week).
• Do wear the uniform
• At other times specified by the SASI
• When you fly on military aircraft
• When participating in color guard or drill team

15
What are the AFJROTC uniform standards? (contd)

• Do keep shoes polished and shined.
• Do wear shoes appropriate for the activity.
• Do keep badges and other metallic devices clean
  and free of scratches and corrosion.

16
What are the AFJROTC uniform standards? (contd)

• Do keep ribbons clean and replace them when they
  become worn, frayed, or faded.
• If your unit is in a military high school, do
  wear the distinctive uniform required by the
  institution for special occasions or ceremonies.

17
What are the AFJROTC uniform standards (contd)

• Uniform donts
• Dont wear the Air Force commissioned officer
  sleeve braid or officer silver thread on flight
  caps.
• Dont wear the uniform with other clothing.
• Dont lend your uniform to someone not a member
  of AFJROTC program.

18
What are the AFJROTC uniform standards? (contd)

• Dont allow articles such as wallets, pencils,
  pens, and combs to be visible.
• Dont wear earphones or headphones while in
  uniform, unless required by duty.
• Dont carry pagers or cell phones unless required
  for duty.

19
What are special team uniforms?

• Special teams are
• Color guards
• Honor guards
• Saber teams
• Drill teams
• Special teams may wear additional uniform items
  or wear a distinctive, yet conservative, uniform
  of military style.

20
What are special team uniforms?

• Except for color cords, these items or uniforms
  are worn only when performing duty as a member of
  a specialized group.
• Greater latitude is permitted in design of open
  competition drill team uniforms.

21
What are the guidelines for cadet appearance and
grooming?

• Standards for wearing the uniform consist of four
  elements.
• Neatness
• Cleanliness
• Safety
• Military image

22
ENLISTED
PAY GRADE TITLE ABBREVIATION INSIGNIA
E-1 AIRMAN BASIC AB NO Insignia
E-2 AIRMAN Amn 1 Stripe
E-3 AIRMAN FIRST CLASS A1C 2 Stripes
E-4 SENIOR AIRMAN SrA 3 Stripes
E-5 STAFF SERGEANT SSgt 4 Stripes
E-6 TECHNICAL SERGEANT TSgt 5 Stripes
E-7 MASTER SERGEANT MSgt 6 Stripes
E-8 SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT SMSgt 7 Stripes
E-9 CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT CMSgt 8 Stripes
CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AF CMSAF
23
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)
24
GRADES AND RANKS ACTIVE DUTY AIR FORCE
OFFICER
PAY TITLE ABBREV. INSIGNIA
O-1 SECOND LIEUTENANT 2Lt. or 2nd Lt. 1 GOLD BAR
O-2 FIRST LIEUTENANT 1Lt. or 1st Lt. 1 SILVER BAR
O-3 CAPTAIN Capt. 2 SILVER BARS
O-4 MAJOR Maj. 1 GOLD LEAF
O-5 LIEUTENTANT COLONEL Lt. Col. 1 SILVER LEAF
O-6 COLONEL Col. 1 SILVER EAGLE
O-7 BRIGADIER GENERAL Brig. Gen or BG 1 SILVER STAR
O-8 MAJOR GENERAL Maj. Gen or MG 2 SILVER STARS
O-9 LIEUTENANT GENERAL Lt. Gen or LG 3 SILVER STARS
O-10 GENERAL Gen 4 SILVER STARS
25
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)
26
What are the guidelines for cadet appearance and
grooming? (contd)

• Jewelry standards
• Cadets in uniform may wear
• A wristwatch
• Rings, but no more than three at one time
• A neat, conservative wrist bracelet no wider than
  one inch
• Female cadets may wear conservative earrings.
• Male cadets may not wear earrings.

27
What are the guidelines for cadet appearance and
grooming? (contd)

• Eyeglasses or sunglasses
• Must have conservative frames and lenses
• Must not be faddish or have mirrored lenses
• Cannot be worn around neck while in uniform

28
What are the guidelines for cadet appearance and
grooming? (contd)

• Tattoos or brands cannot be obscene or advocate
  discrimination.
• Excessive tattoos or brands will not be exposed
  or visible while in uniform.
• No objects may be displayed through nose, tongue,
  or any exposed body part.

29
What are the guidelines for cadet appearance and
grooming? (contd)

• Specific female cadet guidelines
• Hair
• No longer than bottom of collar edge at back of
  neck
• Conservative style
• Should look professional and allow headgear to be
  worn properly
• Must not be too full or high on head
• Plain (if any) pins, combs, barrettes, etc.

30
What are the guidelines for cadet appearance and
grooming? (contd)

• Length of skirt may not vary beyond top and
  bottom of kneecap.
• Skirt should fit smoothly, should hang naturally,
  and must not be excessively tight.
• Hosiery must be worn with the skirt.

31
What are the guidelines for cadet appearance and
grooming? (contd)

• Specific male cadet guidelines Hair
• Must be clean, neat, and trimmed
• Must not contain large amounts of grooming aids
  that remain visible in hair
• Should not touch ears or eyebrows

32
What are the guidelines for cadet appearance and
grooming? (contd)

• Specific male cadet guidelines Hair
• Should not touch collar, except for closely cut
  or shaved hair on back of neck
• Should not exceed 1¼ inches in bulk regardless of
  length

33
What are the guidelines for cadet appearance and
grooming? (contd)

• Must not protrude below the front band of
  headgear
• Must have tapered appearance on sides and back
• Must not have bulk or length that interferes with
  wearing headgear properly
• May not have foreign items attached
• May have sideburns if they are straight, are of
  even width, and end in a clean, horizontal line
• Must not have extreme or faddish styles or colors

34
What are the insignia of grade?

• Active duty insignia of grade
• An insignia is a badge or mark of office or
  honor.
• The Air Force grade insignia system is broken
  down into two categories
• Officer grades
• Enlisted grades
• Enlisted grades are subdivided into two
  categories
• Noncommissioned Officers (NCO)
• Airman grades

35
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)
36
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• Proper methods of address when speaking to
  officers
• Lieutenant for a Second Lieutenant and a First
  Lieutenant
• Colonel for either a Lieutenant Colonel or a
  Colonel
• General for all generals
• Use full titles for official correspondence.

37
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs)
• Airmen serving in the grade of staff sergeant
  through chief master sergeant

38
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• Proper methods of address when speaking to NCOs
• Chief for a Chief Master Sergeant
• Sergeant for all other sergeants
• Use full titles in official correspondence.

39
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• Five Noncommissioned Officer grade insignias
• Inverted and curved chevron
• Blue background of chevrons
• Silver stripes with silver star in center
• BDU insignia dark blue stripes on green
  background with dark blue star
• First sergeants diamond device above star on
  chevrons

40
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• First sergeants may hold the rank of Master
  Sergeant (MSgt), Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt),
  or Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt).
• These top senior NCOs hold a position of trust
  and responsibility as the link between the
  commander and the unit personnel.

41
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• Responsibilities of first sergeants
• Ensuring that enlisted personnel know their
  commander's policies
• Representing the interests of enlisted personnel
  to the commander
• Promoting enlisted personnels welfare, morale,
  and health
• Maintaining discipline and standards of conduct
• Providing guidance on leadership, military
  justice, and customs and courtesies

42
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
  (CMSAF)
• Holds highest position of any enlisted personnel
• Acts as personal advisor to Air Force Chief of
  Staff and Secretary of the Air Force
• Provides information about welfare,
  effectiveness, and progress of enlisted force

43
CMSAF

• 8 Stripes with wreath around the bottom and sides
  of the star and the Great Seal of the United
  States with two stars in the upper left field.
• On October 24, 1966, AF Chief of Staff General
  John P. McConnell announced the position of Chief
  Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

44
CMSAF

• Position was added to create prestige to the NCO
  Corps.
• Only one Chief Master Sergeant in the entire Air
  Force can be the CMSAF.
• The first CMSAF was Chief Paul W. Airey

45
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• The four Airman grades
• Airman Basic (AB)
• Airman (Amn)
• Airman First Class (A1C)
• Senior Airman (SrA)
• For enlisted grades, the pay grade is always one
  more than the number of stripes.

46
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• Air Force Junior ROTC insignia of grade
• For officer grades, active duty grade insignia
  are very different from cadet grade insignia.
• For enlisted grades, there are only slight
  differences between active duty insignia and
  Junior ROTC insignia.

47
GRADES AND RANKS AFJROTC
TITLE Abbrev. INSIGNIA
CADET AIRMAN BASIC c/AB NO INSIGNIA
CADET AIRMAN c/Amn 1 Stripe w/Torch
CADET AIRMAN FIRST CLASS c/A1C 2 Stripes w/Torch
CADET SENIOR AIRMAN c/SrA 3 Stripes w/Torch
CADET STAFF SERGEANT c/SSgt 4 Stripes w/Torch
CADET TECHNICAL SERGEANT c/TSgt 5 Stripes w/Torch
CADET MASTER SERGEANT c/MSgt 6 Stripes w/Torch
CADET SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT c/SMSgt 7 Stripes w/Torch
CADET CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT c/CMSgt 8 Stripes w/Torch

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GRADES AND RANKS AFJROTC
TITLE ABBREV INSIGNIA
CADET SECOND LIEUTENANT c/2Lt. 1 THIN INVERTED STRIPE
CADET FIRST LIEUTENTANT c/1Lt. 2 THIN INVERTED STRIPES
CADET CAPTAIN c/Capt. 3 THIN INVERTED STRIPES
CADET MAJOR c/Maj. 1 THICK INVERTED STRIPE
CADET LIEUTENANT COLONEL c/Lt. Col. 1 THICK 1 THIN INVERTED STRIPE
CADET COLONEL c/Col. 1 THICK 2 THIN INVERTED STRIPES


.

49
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)
50
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• Cadet enlisted grade insignia
• Cadet Airmanpointed chevron of 1 stripe, with
  torch in the middle
• Cadet Airman First Classpointed chevron of 2
  stripes, with torch in the middle
• Cadet Senior Airmanpointed chevron of 3 stripes,
  with torch in the middle
• Cadet Staff Sergeantpointed chevron of 4
  stripes, with torch in the middle

51
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• Cadet Technical Sergeantpointed chevron of 5
  stripes, with torch in the middle
• Cadet Master Sergeantpointed chevron of 6
  stripes, with one stripe inverted above the torch
  in the middle
• Cadet Senior Master Sergeantpointed chevron of 7
  stripes, with two stripes inverted above the
  torch in the middle
• Cadet Chief Master Sergeantpointed chevron of 8
  stripes, with three stripes inverted above the
  torch in the middle

52
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)

• Cadets, like active duty personnel, may also wear
  other insignia (badges).
• There are also ribbons authorized for wear on the
  Air Force Junior ROTC uniform, as they are
  awarded.

53
What are the insignia of grade? (contd)
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