Final Manual PDF

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By: Jessica Lyn Falk with pictures from Detachment 835 and Sam Chambliss
Table of Contents
iii

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Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... v
Ch. 1: The Purpose and Wear of the Air Force Uniform ................................................................ 3
Ch. 2: Civilian Uniform .................................................................................................................. 7
Ch. 3: Blues Uniform .................................................................................................................... 15
Ch. 4: Airman Battle Uniform ...................................................................................................... 31
Index ............................................................................................................................................. 39

Introduction
v
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The Air Force uniform is a symbol to people that this man or woman has given service
time to protect their rights and freedoms. When people think of the Air Force they automatically
think of flying and launching missiles and cyberspace battles. What they often do not think about
is the basic disciplines that go into becoming an Airman. One of the two basic disciplines is the
Air Force uniform. This manual is specifically aimed at Air Force Reserve Officers Training
Corps cadets, who are the students at the college that take part in the ROTC program. This
manual covers the civilian, blues, and airman battle uniforms that are all a part of a cadets
ROTC career. In these pages there are pictures of the uniform pieces, how to put them together,
tips and tricks, and descriptions that go along with them.

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Ch. 1
3
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1.1 The Purpose of the Air Force Uniform: There are many reasons that there is a
standard uniform for the Air Force. One purpose is to instill a sense of camaraderie
between our military members. The uniform shows a kind of equality and teamwork,
making the trust between our military members that is essential easier to find.
Another purpose of the uniform is to show respect for all those men and women who
have given their lives to give us freedom. We wear the ranks and respect the ranks for
those who have lead us in the past, and those great leaders that will lead us in the
future. The uniform instills also a sense of pride, a sense of purpose in the mission
that we have been entrusted, and carries us through to the end. We wear the uniform
to show that we are all one team, that we respect our past and present, and that we
will protect the nation with everything we have until our very last breath.

1.2 When to Wear the Uniform: The uniform is worn during regular duty days during
regular business hours. For Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets,
however, we are only required to wear the uniform during class times, during any
official Air Force ROTC meetings, and on the cadets leadership laboratory day from
9 am to 5 pm (leadership laboratory is normally on Thursdays but some cadets have
to attend the Friday alternate leadership laboratory). The uniform is also appropriate
for any Air Force or ROTC related event such as fundraisers. The uniform may also
be worn to formal dinners. Uniforms may also be worn for quick runs out for example
to the store, but are not for general wandering about.

1.3 When Not to Wear the Uniform: The uniform is not allowed to be worn during any
event that could shine a bad light on the Air Force or the President. This includes
extremist and gang related events, as well as any politically centered events that the
media could use as the military siding with a certain view.

1.4 Miscellaneous Information: Do not by any means mix any uniform pieces with other
uniforms or with civilian wear. Do not do anything or take or post any pictures in
uniform that could shine a negative light on the Air Force or the President. Public
displays of affection are not permitted unless a member is leaving for a deployment.

2=/3:(# C? .=( 2"+"8"/0 40"-&#5
Ch. 2
7
2=B C? 2"+"8"/0 40"-&#5
2.1 When to Wear the Civilian Uniform: The civilian uniform consists of a white
button up shirt, khaki pants, a black belt, black socks, and black dress shoes. This
uniform is worn when the blues uniform is unavailable to the cadet. This is the first
uniform that cadets wear to class and leadership laboratory.
2.2 Uniform Pieces and How to Wear Them
2.2.1 Shirt: The white button up shirt can be short or long sleeved, but has to have
buttons all the way down the shirt. That means no polo shirts. The white shirt can
also not have any stitched logos on them. No odd colored buttons. The shirt must
be ironed with a small amount of starch to keep the shirt looking professional.
This shirt must be tucked into the pants, so if the shirt is too short to tuck then it is
not appropriate. Pockets on the shirt are fine as long as they are tasteful. For
ladies, no blouses that have so few buttons that cleavage is showing. When worn,
the shirt will be tucked into the pants straight down, no tails hanging out.

2.2.2 Pants: Pants will be a light to a medium shade of khaki. The pants will have
no abnormal decorations including rhinestones and colored embroidery. No cargo
pants. Pants will have standard front and back pockets or less. Pants must have
belt loops.

Figure 1 to the right is an example of
an acceptable example of a white
button up shirt.
Figure 2 to the right is an example
of acceptable khaki pants.
Air Force ROTC Uniform Manual
8

2.2.3 Belt: Belt must be plain and black. Belt must not be less than one inch and
buckle must be standard, meaning no excessive, fancy buckles. No adornments on
the belt itself including bedazzling.
Stitching must be black.

2.2.4 Socks: Socks must be black and at least ankle length. Socks will not dip into
the shoe because they
must be visible. No white or oddly colored
socks.

2.2.5 Shoes: Shoes must be black and dressy. This means no tennis shoes. The
shoes must be closed top shoes, which means no dressy flats for girls. If the shoes
tie, laces must be tucked in. No adornments including bedazzling.

2.3 Hair and Accessory Regulations
2.3.1 Male Hair: Male hair will not be more than 1 ! inches in bulk and will have
a tapered appearance with the shape of the head. Hair must not touch the top of
the collar or the ears. Hair must not interfere with proper wearing of headgear,
and must not have any faddish elements including twists or spiking. Men are not
Figure 3 to the right is an
acceptable belt.
of an acceptable pair of socks.
of an acceptable pair of uniform
shoes.

Ch. 2
9
allowed hair extensions. Must be professional looking, even, and of a natural hair
color. Hair may not touch the tops of the eyebrows.
2.3.2 Female Hair: Hair must be pinned up in a professional bun that will not
extend below the bottom of the collar. Loose ends must be tucked and secured
with hair spray or accessories that match hair color. A headband of the same hair
color may be worn if it is conservative.
2.3.3 Jewelry: Necklaces must be religious or sentimental and small, and must be
conservative. The necklace must be hidden under the white V-neck under the blue
shirt. Women may wear one pair of earring that are spherical and conservative.
They may be black, pearl, white, silver, crystal, diamond, or gold. Men may not
wear earrings. Three rings may be worn, but only at most two on one had and
must be conservative. A thin, conservative bracelet may be worn as well as a
conservative watch.
2.3.4 Tattoos: Tattoos on the skin may not cover 25% of the exposed body part
and may not have any obscene material in them. This includes gang associations,
extremist organizations, or organizations that encourage racism, etc. Tattoos may
not be visible in any uniform combination excluding exercise uniforms. If a tattoo
does not fit within these regulations and the cadet is contracted, the cadet must be
pursuing tattoo removal.
2.3.5 Cosmetics: Men are not allowed to wear cosmetics in uniform. Women may
wear cosmetics as long as the cosmetics are in good taste and conservative.
Extreme colors are not allowed such as purple lipstick, and cosmetics will not be
worn during field conditions.
2.3.6 Fingernails: Males are not allowed to wear nail polish. Females may wear a
conservative color that does not detract from the uniform. Extreme colors such as
bright red are not allowed. Nails must be matching and one, solid color, or white
tipped manicure style. Fingernails may not extend ! of an inch beyond the finger
and must not make assigned duties difficult.

10
2.4 Helpful Tips and Tricks
2.4.1 Shirt Stays: Shirt stays come in two different styles: stirrup and straight. The
easiest type is the straight shirt stays because they are easier to detach and attach
and do not pull on the arch of your foot. The top attaches to the front where the
stitches come down in the front and are aligned to the back. They then cross
across the sides of your legs and clip to the top of the black socks. The stirrup
type attaches to the shirt the same way, but instead of clipping to your socks they
go under your foot and into your shoe.

2.4.2 Military Tuck: The military tuck is an alternative to buying shirt stays. The
easiest way to do this is to first make sure your shirt is tucked in completely and
your gig line is aligned correctly. Then grip the fronts of your shirt and pull it
back until it bunches in the back and tuck it down into the back of your pants.
2.4.3 Undershirt: Undershirts are not required for the civilian uniform, but an
undershirt can help avoid long term stains on your white shirt and can look more
professional. The undershirt must be white and a V-neck is recommended, but a
white tank top is acceptable.

example of straight shirt
stays.
of an acceptable undershirt
Ch. 2
11
2.5 Putting it all Together:
2.5.1 Start by putting on your undershirt if you so desire. Male hair should be cut
already, but women should put hair up at this point and may put on makeup if
they want. Put on any jewelry desired.
2.5.2 Put on the button up white shirt and button it completely up excluding the
top button. Attach shirt stays if desired.
2.5.3 Next put your black socks on. Slip into your khaki pants and tuck your white
shirt into the pants. Put the black belt on and put your shoes on.

The pictures above show a step-by-step guide to putting
the civilian uniform on. The first picture starting on the
left shows the undershirt and socks on (spandex optional)
with hair and makeup (women only, optional) already
finished, and any optional jewelry on. The second picture
shows the white button up on. If shirt stays are desired for
this uniform, put them on now. The third step shows
putting on the khaki pants and the belt, tucking in the shirt
at this point. The last step is simply putting the shoes on.

13
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Ch. 3
15
2=B D? E87(* 40"-&#5
3.1 When to Wear the Blues Uniform: The blues uniform is the main uniform worn by
freshmen and sophomores. When a cadet gets issued their blues uniform, they must wear
the blues uniform for every class period and leadership lab unless otherwise specified by
superiors. The short sleeve and long sleeve are interchangeable except the long sleeve
requires the tie or tie tab, but most cadets wear the short sleeve. The windbreaker may be
worn with either of these uniforms. The service dress, however, is at the discretion of the
cadre. Service dress is usually worn during special events like formal dinners and awards
ceremonies.
3.2 Short Sleeve Blues:
3.2.1 Shirt: The shirt is a regulation blue button up shirt. Male shirts have front
pockets and female shirts do not have front pockets. All buttons will be buttoned
except the top one. Shirt must be ironed and lightly starched. Military creases are
not allowed; the only creases should be on the sleeves. Make sure that the collar is
crisp. Shirt must be tucked in.

3.2.2 Pants: Pants are blue and will be trim-fitted, which means no bagging at the
rear and no bunching around the waist. The front of the pants will have a crease
and will touch the top of the shoe with a slight break in the crease. The back will
Figure 8 on the right is a
picture of the female short
sleeve shirt.
picture of the male short
sleeve shirt.
16
be 7/8 inches longer than the front and the color will match the color of the
service jacket.

3.2.3 Undershirt: The undershirt must be a white, short-sleeved V-neck. The
collar and sleeves must not be visible when the blue short-sleeved shirt is over it.
May be of any make or material as long as it is plain white. This V-neck keeps the
blues shirt from getting sweat damaged. See figure 7.
3.2.4 Socks: The socks will be black, calf high socks. No insignia or colors other
than black may be showing. See figure 4.
3.2.5 Shoes: The shoes will be black oxford, lace up, leather dress shoes with a
plain round toe and a sole not exceeding " an inch in thickness or 1 inch in
height. There will be no ornamentation and the leather must be smooth and
shined. The laces must be tucked in when worn. See figure 5.
3.2.6 Nametag: The nametag will be a blue plastic with the last name engraved in
white in all capital letters, centered on the blue. The nametag is centered over the
wearers right breast pocket for men and for women it is aligned with the second
button and parallel to the ground.

3.2.7 Ribbons/Ropes: Ribbons will be ordered from least important to most
important with the highest ribbon on the top and closest to the wearers heart.
Ribbons may be worn on the blues shirts and service jackets. All ribbons or no
ribbons will be worn. Ribbons for males will be centered and flush over the left
breast pocket. For females, the bottom of the ribbon rack will be centered on the
second button and parallel to the ground. Ropes may be worn on all blues shirts
and service jacket. For the blues shirts the rope may be attached to the button on
the epaulet. On the service jacket, the rope must be flush to the bottom of the
epaulet.
Figure 10 on the
right is an example
of the uniform pants
Figure 11 on the right is an
example of the nametag for the
blues.
Ch. 3
17

3.2.8 Ranks: The ranks will have a black cloth base with white stitching to show
the cadets rank. For freshman and sophomores, the diagonal lines must be worn
to form a V shape if the lines extended behind the wearers head. For juniors and
seniors, the white stitching must be based on the far end of the shoulder.

3.2.9 Hat: The hat for the blues uniform is an Air Force regulation flight cap. This
cap will have a silver lining along the top of the hat. The male flight cap will
remain closed on the top and the female cap opens on the top. Male caps are
straight and female caps are slightly curved for hair. The front of the cap will be
an inch above the eyebrows and will be straight on the wearers head. When not
worn, the hat may be placed under the belt, between the second and third belt
loops on the wearers left. The side with the diagonal silver strand will be against
the wearers leg and will not fold over the belt.

3.2.10 Belt: The belt will be blue, cotton web or elastic, solid or woven. The belt
will have a silver tip and a silver buckle. The belt buckle will have a small dent on
one side that will line up with the pants and the shirt. No blue section of the belt
will be visible between the silver tip on the belt and the buckle.
Figure 12 on the right is an example
of a ribbon rack.
pair of cloth ranks worn
on the blues uniform.
Figures 15 and 16
are examples of a
female flight cap.
Figure 13 on the right is an example
of a regulation rope.
Figures 15 and 16
on the right are
pictures of a female
flight cap.
18

3.3 Long Sleeve Blues:
pockets and the female shirts do not have front pockets. All buttons will be
buttoned on the long sleeve shirt with the tie or tie tab on. Shirt must be ironed
and lightly starched. Military creases are not allowed; the only creases should be
on the sleeves. Make sure that the collar is crisp. The button on the bottom of the
sleeves must be buttoned to fit the wrist of the wearer. Shirt must be tucked in.

service jacket. See figure 10.
example of a uniform belt.
Figure 20 on the right is a picture of
a male long sleeve shirt
Figure 21 on the right is a picture of
the female long sleeve shirt.
Ch. 3
19
3.3.6 Nametag: The nametag will be a blue plastic with the last name engraved in
white in all capital letters, centered on the blue. The nametag is centered over the
wearers right breast pocket for men and for women it is aligned with the second
button and parallel to the ground. See figure 11.
Ribbons may be worn on the blues shirts and service jackets. All ribbons or no
ribbons will be worn. Ribbons for males will be centered and flush over the left
breast pocket. For females, the bottom of the ribbon rack will be centered on the
second button and parallel to the ground. Ropes may be worn on all blues shirts
and service jacket. For the blues shirts the rope may be attached to the button on
the epaulet. On the service jacket, the rope must be flush to the bottom of the
epaulet. See figures 12 and 13.
3.3.8 Ranks: The ranks will have a black cloth base with white stitching to show
the cadets rank. For freshman and sophomores, the diagonal lines must be worn
to form a V shape if the lines extended behind the wearers head. For juniors and
seniors, the white stitching must be based on the far end of the shoulder. See
figure 14.
3.3.9 Hat: The hat for the blues uniform is an Air Force regulation flight cap. This
cap will have a silver lining along the top of the hat. The male flight cap will
the wearers leg and will not fold over the belt. See figures 15-18.
will be visible between the silver tip on the belt and the buckle. See figure 19.
20
3.3.11 Tie Tab/Tie: The tie will be worn by males only and will be blue polyester
or silk. The tip of the tie must hang over a portion of the belt buckle but may not
hang down below the belt buckle. The tie tab is for women, and is an inverted- V
tie tab. The tie tab is the same material as the tie and has Velcro to attach it in the
back. The tie tab goes under the collar.

picture of a male uniform tie.

picture of the female tie tab.
Ch. 3
21
3.4 Service Dress:
3.4.1 Jacket: The jacket is similar to a blazer, and is a blend between polyester
and wool. The jacket has three Air Force buttons down the front. There will be
epaulets on the shoulders. The bottom of the jacket will extend 3-3 " inches
below the top of the thigh, and the sleeves must cover the wrist when standing
straight. The jacket must also have two U.S. pins on the front, touching the seam,
centered, and parallel to the ground.

Ribbons may be worn on the blues shirts and service jackets. Ribbons for both
male and female will be flush and centered over the pocket on the wearers left
side. Ropes may be worn on all blues shirts and service jacket. For the blues shirts
the rope may be attached to the button on the epaulet. On the service jacket, the
rope must be flush to the bottom of the epaulet. See figures 12 and 13.
3.4.3 Ranks: The ranks on the service jacket will be worn the same way as the
ranks are worn on the short and long sleeve shirts, but they will be put on the
epaulets of the service jacket. See 3.3.8 for more information. See figure 14.
pockets and female shirts do not have front pockets. All buttons will be buttoned
except the top one. Shirt must be ironed and lightly starched. Military creases are
not allowed; the only creases should be on the sleeves. Make sure that the collar is
crisp. The shirt must be tucked in. During inspection times, the long sleeve must
be worn for service dress. At other times whether the short or long sleeve is worn
under the service jacket is up to the wearer, but the tie or tie tab must be worn on
the shirt either way. See figures 8, 9, 20, and 21.
3.4.5 Nametag: The nametag for the service jacket is a silver rectangle with the
last name engraved in blue lettering. This nametag is authorized for cadets who
example of a finished service
jacket. Notice the pocket under
the ribbons that is used for all
the aligning.
22
have completed field training. This nametag will be parallel to the ground and
must be aligned with the bottom of the ribbons that are on the other side of the
jacket. As well as this nametag, the blue nametag must also be worn on the blue
shirt under the jacket. See section 3.3.6 for further details. See figure 11.
service jacket. See figure 10.
will be visible between the silver tip on the belt and the buckle. See figure 19.
3.4.11 Hat: The hat for the blues uniform is an Air Force regulation flight cap.
This cap will have a silver lining along the top of the hat. The male flight cap will
the wearers leg and will not fold over the belt. The hat may also be placed inside
the jacket in one of the pockets. See figure 15-18
3.4.12 Tie Tab/Tie: The tie will be worn by males only and will be blue polyester
or silk. The tip of the tie must hang over a portion of the belt buckle but may not
hang down below the belt buckle. The tie tab is for women, and is an inverted- V
tie tab. The tie tab is the same material as the tie and has Velcro to attach it in the
back. The tie tab goes under the collar. See figures 22 and 23.

Ch. 3
23
3.5 Hair and Accessory Regulations:
wear earrings. Three rings may be worn, but only at most two on one hand and
conservative watch.
3.6 Helpful Tips and Tricks:
3.6.1 Windbreaker Jacket: The windbreaker is used when it is cold outside but it
is not appropriate to wear the service jacket or it is not required. The windbreaker
is appropriate for over the long or short sleeve shirts. The ranks on the
windbreaker go on the shoulders with the points facing in.
24

3.6.2 Shirt Stays: Shirt stays come in two different styles: stirrup and straight. The
easiest type is the straight shirt stays because they are easier to detach and attach
and do not pull on the arch of your foot. The top attaches to the front where the
stitches come down in the front and are aligned to the back. They then cross
across the sides of your legs and clip to the top of the black socks. The stirrup
type attaches to the shirt the same way, but instead of clipping to your socks they
go under your foot and into your shoe. See figure 6.
3.6.3 Military Tuck: The military tuck is an alternative to buying shirt stays. The
easiest way to do this is to first make sure your shirt is tucked in completely and
your gig line is aligned correctly. Then grip the fronts of your shirt and pull it
back until it bunches in the back and tuck it down into the back of your pants.
3.6.4 Cardboard: Placing pieces of cardboard behind your ribbons keeps them
standing up and stay aligned better. Just make sure that discolorations like brand
names do not show through the blues shirt.
3.6.5 Index Cards: A single index card works to keep your nametag up in the
same way that cardboard keeps the ribbons up and aligned. Index cards folded in
thirds also does well in keeping the shoulder ranks straight and professional.
3.6.6 Ruler/Magazine: For the ladies, simply putting the nametag onto your shirt
and aligning it does not work because of the curves women possess. The best way
to be sure of alignment is to take a ruler or a magazine and hold it straight with
the bottom of the second button, and then align the nametag and ribbons if
applicable.
3.6.7 Laces: Laces must be tucked when in uniform. The easiest way to tuck the
laces and keep them from coming out of the shoe is finding a comfortable tie that
makes it easy for you to slip your foot in the shoe without untying it, tucking the
knot into the shoe, and then slipping your foot into the shoe. The knot gets stuck
in the shoe and will not slip out.

example of a windbreaker
jacket.
Ch. 3
25
3.7.1 Short Sleeve Blues: Start by putting on the undershirt and black socks. Hair
and any makeup should be done already, and shirt stays attached if desired. Put
the nametag on and ranks. Slip the pants on and tuck the shirt in. Put the belt on,
careful not to miss any belt loops, and check the gig line. The gig line is a line
between the shirt, the pants, and the crease in the belt buckle. Tuck the laces into
your shoe and slip on the shoes. Put hat in belt if inside and put on if outside.

Above is a step by step picture guide to putting
on the short sleeve uniform. The first picture
shows the undershirt and socks on, then the
short sleeve blues shirt over it with the shirt
stays attached as well as ranks and nametag
on. The second step shows the pants and belt
on, and the third step shows the shoes and
flight cap on.
26
3.7.2 Long Sleeve Blues: Start by putting on the undershirt and black socks. Hair
and any makeup should be done already, and shirt stays attached if desired. Put
the nametag on, ranks, and tie/tie tab. Slip the pants on and tuck the shirt in. Put
the belt on, careful not to miss any belt loops, and check the gig line. The gig line
is a line between the shirt, the pants, and the crease in the belt buckle. Tuck the
laces into your shoe and slip on the shoes. Put hat in belt if inside and put on if
outside.

Above is a step by step picture guide to
putting on the long sleeve uniform. The
first picture shows the undershirt and
socks on, then the long sleeve blues
shirt over it with the shirt stays attached
as well as ranks, tie tab, and nametag
on. The second step shows the pants and
belt on, and the third step shows the
shoes and flight cap on.
Ch. 3
27
3.7.3 Service Dress: Start by putting on the undershirt and black socks. Hair and
any makeup should be done already, and shirt stays attached if desired. Put the
nametag on and tie/tie tab. Slip the pants on and tuck the shirt in. Put the belt on,
careful not to miss any belt loops, and check the gig line. The gig line is a line
between the shirt, the pants, and the crease in the belt buckle. Tuck the laces into
your shoe and slip on the shoes. Put hat in belt if inside and put on if outside. Put
ranks, ribbons, and ropes onto the service jacket and put the jacket on over the
shirt.

The service dress is put on the same way as the
long and short sleeve blues with the exception
of putting the service jacket on over the blues
shirt. Female service dress is above on the right
and the male service dress is above on the left.
28

Male short sleeve uniform on the
right versus the female short sleeve
uniform on the left.
The full male long sleeve blues
uniform is on the right and the full
female long sleeve blues is on the left.
The male in his windbreaker jacket is
on the right and the female in her
windbreaker is on the left.

29
2=/3:(# F? .=( !"#5/0 E/::8( 40"-&#5
Ch. 4
31
2=B F? !"#5/0 E/::8( 40"-&#5
4.1 When to Wear the Airman Battle Uniform: The Airman Battle Uniform (ABUs)
are worn mainly by junior and senior year cadets, but may be worn by freshman cadets
for recruiting and by sophomores for recruiting, class, and for special events specifically
for field training preparation.
4.2 Uniform Pieces and How to Wear Them
4.2.1 Jacket: The ABU jacket is a digitized tiger stripe that is 50% nylon and 50%
cotton. The bottom of the jacket will rest at hip height, and sleeves must reach
wrists comfortably. Sleeves may be rolled at the discretion of the commander, but
only junior and senior cadets are allowed to roll their sleeves at all. All buttons
with the exception of the very top button on the jacket must be buttoned and the
jacket must be on at all times unless authorized by the commander. All pockets
must be buttoned closed with no strings hanging off.

4.2.2 Undershirt: Undershirt must be a desert tan color. It must be a T-shirt and
have sleeves and a collar. This will be worn under the jacket and tucked into the
pants.

Figure 26 to the right is an example of
the Airman Battle Uniform jacket.
example of an acceptable
undershirt.
32
4.2.3 Belt: The belt will be a 1 # inches thick, desert sand, one piece rigger style
belt. Belt may extend past buckle when worn, but must be looped through every
belt loop. Do not let the belt dangle.

4.2.4 Pants: Trousers must be the same material as the jacket. They must fit
comfortably on the Airmans waist (not hips, waist). All buttons must be buttoned
on the trousers, and the pants must be long enough to be tucked into the ABU
boots. Blousing the boots is also an option, but the pants must have a draped
appearance over the boot when worn.

4.2.5 Socks: Socks must be sage green and extend up the calf close to the knee.

4.2.6 Boots: Boots will be sage green combat boots. Laces will be tucked into the
boot when worn, and pants must be draped over the boot.

example of the proper belt for
the ABUs.
example of the ABU trousers.
Figure 30 on the right is
an example of acceptable
socks for the ABUs.
example of acceptable ABU
boots.
Ch. 4
33

4.2.7 Hat: Headgear will be the same material as the jacket and trousers. Headgear
must fit the Airmans head comfortably, but the bill must be half an inch above
the eyebrows. Hat will not be smashed against head, the back of the hat will be in
the middle of the back of the Airmans head and the top of the hat will be as
straight as possible for a professional appearance.

4.2.8 Nametapes: Nametape on the Airmans right side will have their last name
and nametape on the Airmans left side will say U.S. AIR FORCE. The
nametapes will sit above the chest pockets and be the same length as the top of
these pockets. Nametapes will be stitched into the jacket with no strings dangling
off. See figure 26 for jacket with nametapes.
4.2.9 Ranks: Ranks will be worn on the collar, with the chevrons facing in for
freshman and sophomores or the corners grounded on the stitching with the lines
pointing up for junior and senior ranks.

4.3 Hair and Accessories/Grooming Standards: Overall, cadets must have a
professional, clean appearance.
example of the proper ABU
hat.
Figure 33 is an example of
the ranks for the ABUs.
34
wear earrings. Three rings may be worn, but only at most two on one had and
conservative watch.
4.4 Tips and Tricks:
4.4.1 Blousing: Blousing straps are very useful to keep the pants tucked into the
boots instead of worrying about them constantly. If done loosely, the pants will
still have a draped appearance.

example of blousing straps
for boots.
Ch. 4
35

4.4.2 Rolling the Sleeves: For future reference, here is a step by step mini guide to
rolling the sleeves properly. This will probably be useful at field training.

4.4.3 Sizing Uniforms: Be careful with sizing. A lot of online sites that sell
ABUs have sizing charts that should be listened to. When wearing the pants
make sure that youre wearing the pants on your waistline which is right under
your belly button, not on your hips. You will look like you are sagging if you
wear your pants on your hips and will be criticized for it.
4.4.4 Belt: The belt must not dangle, but most cadets do not want to cut their
belts. One thing that you can do if your belt ends up dangling is folding the belt
back and tucking it into the previous belt loop like such.
4.4.5 Headgear: Take two fingers and place them in between your eyebrows. The
hat should rest on the top finger. This works with all Air Force headgear unless
specified by the commander like with special berets.
4.4.6 Boot Laces: The easiest way to keep your laces in your boots is to tie the
boots off to the side and tuck the knot into the side of the boot.

Above is a picture guide to rolling the ABU
sleeves. The first picture on the far left shows the
sleeve fully extended. The second picture shows
the sleeve flipped inside out and the cuff moved all
the way to the seams at the top of the sleeve. Next
roll the inside out sleeve up twice then flip the cuff
to the outside of the sleeve as shown. Your rolled
sleeve should look like the picture to the far right.
36
4.5.1 The first step is to make sure fingernails are clean and within regulations
and that all jewelry is within regulation. (Men make sure your hair is within
regulation as well). Double check that there are no stray threads hanging off the
uniform pieces.
4.5.2 The next step is to put on the undershirt and the sage green socks. Tuck any
necklaces under the shirt. At this point women are recommended to put hair up if
necessary and put on any desired makeup.
4.5.3 Next put on the pants and run the belt through the belt loops. Blouse the
bottom of the pants if you chose to blouse your pants.
4.5.4 Slip your feet and the bottom of the pants into the ABU boots. Tie off to the
side and tuck the laces into the boot. Make sure that the pants have a draped
appearance over the boot.
4.5.5 Roll the sleeves if you have permission for warm days. Put the jacket on and
button the sleeves if kept long, and button the jacket all the way up excluding the
first button.

Above is a step by step picture guide to putting on the ABUs. The
last two pictures are the sleeves rolled and unrolled. The first picture
on the far left shows the undershirt and socks on (spandex optional)
with hair done and any makeup/jewelry on for ladies. The second
picture shows the trousers on and the belt on with the belt centered.
The third picture shows the trousers bloused and in the boots with the
laces tucked. Then put the jacket on with the ranks and nametapes on
already. Then put the hat on.
Ch. 4
37
.#&798(*=&&:"01
Problems Solutions
Where can I get the uniform supplies? For the most part, the uniform items should be issued
to you at your respective detachments. If the
detachment does not have them, there are a lot of
military stores online such as
http://www.militaryuniformsupply.com/ as well as
surplus stores.
What if I gain weight or lose weight? Get fitted for a new uniform. This may involve pants
and shirt or just the pants. Your detachment should
have a way to get the correct size pants.
Where can I find more information
about Air Force uniforms?
Air Force Manual 36-2903. Found online at
http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-
130509-049.pdf.
What short of physical activities can I
do in uniform?
The blues uniform is restricted to commanders
discretion or fast walking. ABUs may do any
physical exercise that is appropriate.
What is the easiest way to do female
hair when it is long?
The most common way hair is done for females is to
tie up your hair in a ponytail, braid it, tie up the end,
then wind the braid around the base of the ponytail,
pinning the hair into the base. Lots of hair spray is
very helpful.
Are we allowed to wear sunglasses in
uniform?
Plain, black, non-reflective sunglasses or prescription
sunglasses are allowed but no sunglasses in uniform.
When its cold may I wear anything
additional?
Leather black gloves are allowed in uniform and
plain black earmuffs are allowed, but no extra
jackets, etc.

Index

;0<(G
Adornments, 8
Buttons, 7, 15, 18, 20, 21, 31, 32
Cadets, v, 7, 15, 21, 31, 33, 35
Civilian, v, 7, 10
Conservative, 9, 23, 33, 34
Female, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22
Hat, 17, 19, 22, 33
Index card, 24
Insignia, 16, 19, 22
Inspection, 21
Instills, 3
Ironed, 7, 15, 18, 21
Khaki, 7, 11
Leadership laboratory, 7
Male, 17, 19, 21, 22
Males, 16, 19, 20, 22
Nametag, 16, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27
Professional, 7, 9, 10, 23, 24, 33
Ranks, 3, 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 33
Ribbons, 16, 19, 21
Sleeves, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 31, 35,
36
Starched, 15, 18, 21
Tattoo, 9, 23, 34
Uniform, v, 3, 7, 9, 10, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23,
24, 34, 35

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