Download or read book Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel written by Secretary of the Air Force and published by . This book was released on 2011-07-18 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 1.1.1. The Air Force philosophy is that the uniform will be plain, distinctive, and standardized. This standardization includes a minimum and maximum number of authorized badges, insignia, and devices. 1.1.2. Pride in one's personal appearance and wearing the uniform, greatly enhances the esprit de corps essential to an effective military force. Therefore, it is most important for all Airmen to maintain a high standard of dress and personal appearance. The five elements of this standard are neatness, cleanliness, safety, uniformity, and military image. The first four are absolute, objective criteria needed for the efficiency and well-being of the Air Force. The fifth, military image is subjective, but necessary. Appearance in uniform is an important part of military image. Judgment on what is the proper image differs in and out of the military. The American public and its elected representatives draw certain conclusions on military effectiveness based on the image Airmen present. The image must instill public confidence and leave no doubt that Airmen live by a common standard and respond to military order and discipline. The image of a disciplined and committed Airman is incompatible with the extreme, the unusual, and the fad. Every Airman has a responsibility to maintain an -acceptable military image, as well as the right, within limits, to express individuality through his or her appearance. 1.1.3. A very important part of the military image an Airman projects and the impression they create is how he/she wears their uniform. As with other personal appearance standards, the Air Force emphasizes a -neat, clean, professional image. Member's have a responsibility to keep their uniform clean, pressed (excluding the Airman Battle Uniform) and in good repair. Also, members are responsible for knowing the authorized uniform combinations and the correct placement of ribbons, insignia, badges and other uniform items. 1.1.4. Commanders do not have the authority to waive grooming and appearance standards except as identified in Chapter 3, paragraph 3.1.2.3 of this instruction.