MPF releases tips on appearance standards

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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, applies to all active-duty Air Force members, members of the United States Air Force Reserve and members of the Air National Guard. It directs the wear of uniforms, insignias, awards and decorations. It describes minimum standards of personal appearance of Air Force members.

In the coming months, the Military Personnel Flight's Customer Service Section, through their mascot Sergeant Dewey Looksharp, will give you "Did you know ..." tidbits on wear of the Air Force uniform. We hope to be a great service to you, and if you have any questions in regards to wear of the Air Force uniform, please send your questions to 3mss/custsvc@elmendorf.af.mil. We will pick the best questions and answer them the following week.

This week, Sergeant Looksharp is going to provide tips on body/physical appearance modification standards. 

To present the proper military image, body alteration or modification will be prohibited, if it is intentional and results in a visible, physical effect that detracts from a professional military image. See Note 1. Failure to observe these mandatory provisions and prohibitions by active duty Air Force members, USAFR members on active duty or inactive duty for training and ANG members in Federal service is a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Tattoos/brands (Unauthorized content) anywhere on the body that are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform. Tattoos/brands that are prejudicial to good order and discipline or that are of a nature that tends to bring discredit upon the Air Force are prohibited in and out of uniform. Tattoos that are commonly associated with gang affiliations are prohibited both in and out of uniform. Unauthorized (content): Members who receive tattoos/brands not meeting the standards after the implementation of this policy are required to initiate tattoos/brands removal at their own expense upon notification by their commander. Initial Accessions must disclose any tattoos and must complete removal of inappropriate tattoos prior to being accepted in the Air Force. Members failing to remove or alter unauthorized tattoos in a timely manner may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary separation. See Notes 2, 3, 4 and 5. Failure to observe these mandatory provisions and prohibitions by active duty Air Force members, USAFR members on active duty or inactive duty for training and ANG members in Federal service is a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

To present the proper military image Tattoos/brands (Inappropriate-military image) will not be exposed or visible (includes visible through the uniform) while in uniform. Excessive is defined as any tattoo/brands that exceed 1/4 of the exposed body part and those above the collarbone and readily visible when wearing an open collar uniform. Members should not be allowed to display excessive tattoos that would detract from an appropriate professional image while in uniform. Commanders should use these guidelines in determining appropriate military image and acceptability of tattoos displayed by members in uniform. Air Force members with tattoos not meeting an acceptable military image should be required to (a) maintain complete coverage of the tattoos using current uniform items (e.g. long-sleeved shirt/blouse, pants/slacks, dark hosiery, PT running suit, etc.) or (b) remove tattoo(s). Depending on the circumstances, commanders may seek Air Force medical support for voluntary tattoo removal. PTDY is not authorized in this situation and is at member's expense. Members failing to remove, cover, or alter excessive tattoos or who choose not to comply with acceptable military standards may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary separation. See Notes 2, 4, 5 and 6. Failure to observe these mandatory provisions and prohibitions by active duty Air Force members, USAFR members on active duty or inactive duty for training and ANG members in Federal service is a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Body piercings in uniform: Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, eye brows, lips or any exposed body part (includes visible through the uniform). Exception: Women are authorized to wear earrings.

Civilian Attire: (1) Official Duty: Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the nose, tongue eye brows, lips or any exposed body part (or any exposed body part (includes visible through clothing). (2) Off Duty on a military installation: Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the nose, tongue eye brows, lips or any exposed body part (includes visible through clothing). Piercing of earlobes by women is allowed, but should not be extreme or excessive.

Notes:
1. Members who intentionally alter or modify any part of their bodies in order to achieve a visible, physical effect that disfigures, deforms or otherwise detracts from a professional military image may be subject to disciplinary action or involuntary separation, as determined appropriate by the member's commander. Examples of prohibited conduct include (but are not limited to) tongue splitting or forking, tooth filing and acquiring visible, disfiguring skin implants. 

2. Installation or higher commanders may impose more restrictive standards for tattoos and body ornaments, on or off duty, in those locations where Air Force-wide standards may not be adequate to address cultural sensitivities (e.g., overseas) or mission requirements (e.g.; basic training environments). 

3. Members who receive tattoos/brands not meeting the standards are required to initiate tattoos/brands removal at their own expense (may not use Air Force Medical Centers for removal) upon notification by their Commander. Members not complying with these requirements will be subject to disciplinary action for failure to comply with Air Force Standards and may be involuntarily separated. 

4. There may be situations where the commander can restrict the wear of non-visible body ornaments. Those situations would include any body ornamentation that interferes with the performance of the member's military duties. The factors to be evaluated in making this determination include, but are not limited to: impairs the safe and effective operation of weapons, military equipment or machinery; poses a health or safety hazard to the wearer or others; or interferes with the proper wear of special or protective clothing or equipment (Example: helmets, flack jackets, flight suits, camouflaged uniforms, gas masks, wet suits and crash rescue equipment.) 

5. Tattoo/branding policy went into effect March 15, 1998. 

6. Members who receive tattoos/brands not meeting the standards after the implementation of this policy are required to initiate tattoos/brands removal at their own expense upon notification by their commander. Members not complying with these requirements will be subject to disciplinary action for failure to comply with Air Force Standards and may be involuntarily separated.