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The improved hot weather combat uniform is a variant of the operational camouflage pattern uniform aimed at reducing layers of fabric in order to be lighter in weight, more breathable and quick drying, providing safer flame protection that does not melt or drip. The improved maternity blouse is expected to be available October 2021 and the updated semi-form fitting blouse is expected to be available in January 2022. The improved men’s short-sleeve blue shirt and women’s tuck-in style blouse (long and short-sleeve) are expected to be available at the end of October 2021.
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The improved men’s long-sleeve blue shirt is expected to be available August 2021. It has realigned buttons and a lengthened shirt body for accommodation through all trimesters.
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The back pleat of the previously-designed blouse was replaced with darts for better shape and fit. In addition, the updated maternity blouse will include a redesigned neckline and collar for improved fit and comfort. The women’s tuck-in style blouse and semi-form-fitting blouse improvements include a lengthened shirt body, realigned buttons, a reengineered armhole, and a redesign of the neckline and collar. The men’s shirt improvements include a tapered and lengthened shirt body with a reengineered armhole and shoulder. The improved men’s blue shirt and women’s blouse will utilize a new stain-resistant, wrinkle-resistant and moisture-wicking fabric with a herringbone weave in the current Air Force blue shade. These items will be released for issue and/or purchase as the design and development process is completed. The following uniform item improvements were made considering feedback from the field and multiple uniform fit tests. In total, more than 30 recommendations from the Air Force Uniform Board were approved for implementation to the field. Specific details about the initiatives listed above, as well as additional changes, will be available upon AFI publication. Members may not place hands in their pockets when walking or standing in uniform When walking in uniform, members may not use a cell phone or drink water “We likewise trust they can figure out what it takes and means to maintain standards without specifying exact behavior in every situation.”Įxamples of guidance removed in the future AFI release: “We trust our Airmen, (noncommissioned officers) and commanders with incredible resources and significant responsibilities and we’ll need to do so even more as we prepare for future conflicts,” Kelly said. In some cases, the board recommended removing the restrictive language to entrust commanders and Airmen to understand and adopt proper behavior based on their situation and circumstances. Wing commanders may authorize the local wear of approved OCP morale patches on Fridays or during special eventsįurthermore, the board conducted a review of several policy items that previously mandated specific behavior based on restrictions. Transparent piercing spacers are authorized Hosiery is optional for females with any combination of the dress uniform The size of hair accessories increases from 1 inch to 2 inches for females Cosmetic tattooing on the scalp is authorized for men Male bulk hair standards increase from 2 inches to 2.5 inches Below are examples of a few changes to the updated AFI: Uniform Board changes will be effective upon publication in Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel, which is expected to publish in early October 2021. “During this most recent review we approved several updates fully aligned with our Air Force standards and culture that maintain our focus on warfighting while providing options to meet many of the needs of our Airmen.” Brian Kelly, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. “We remain committed to maintaining an iterative approach with our dress and appearance standards,” said Lt. New dress and appearance updates will soon be released following feedback, testing from Airmen and reviews conducted as a part of the 2020 Air Force Uniform Board.