Relaxed Regulations

As different kinds of people continue to join the Air Force, appearance standards change as well. AFI (Air Force Instruction) 36-2903, “Dress and Appearance,” outlines these appearance standards and has gone through many changes and updates. The list below shows some of the most notable changes to the regulation as of December 3, 2021.

Pockets

AFI 36-2903 now authorizes Airmen to stand and walk with hands in their pockets while wearing any uniform. Prior to this update, Airmen in uniform were out of regulation if their hand were in their pockets. Even if it was cold! When Airmen were caught with hands in their pockets, they would often get called out. Definitely a welcome change.

Male Hair

The new update also authorizes male hair to be 2.5 inches in bulk. Any longer may lead to a talking to by supervision so, be careful!

Enjoying a Beverage

There is one more regulation change about walking. Airmen are now able to walk and drink a beverage in uniform. Before, this was another issue Airmen could get called out for. I remember when I went to Basic Military Training and my Military Training Instructor told me if I walked and drank water, I would choke. He said, “I don’t want to have to resuscitate you, Pannell!” Good times. Now, he wouldn’t have to worry about that.