The Military Uniform and
Appearance Standards
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1
1
Motivation
• From the ancient
Greeks to the Armed
Forces today, the
military uniform has
represented a long
and honorable
tradition of devotion
to one’s country.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
2
Lesson Overview
• What does the military uniform symbolize?
• What is the history of the uniform?
• How do you wear the Air Force uniform
properly?
• What are the AFJROTC uniform standards?
• What are special team uniforms?
• What are the guidelines for cadet appearance
and grooming?
• What are the insignia of grade?
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
3
Quick Write
List the first three
things you think of
when you see a
person in uniform.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
4
What does the military
uniform symbolize?
• A public symbol of the nation’s defense
forces
• A long and honorable tradition of devoted
service to country
• Should be worn proudly and properly
• Key elements for wearing uniform: neatness,
cleanliness, safety, military image
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
5
What is the history of the
uniform?
• Uniform combines Latin words unus and
forma to mean “one form.”
• Ancient Romans wore togas, a type of
uniform.
• Toga candida—worn by candidates for public office
• Toga palmata—ceremonial toga
• Toga praetexta—worn by emperors
• Toga sordida—worn by lower classes, mourners,
and people accused of crimes
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
6
What is the history of the
uniform? (cont’d)
• The origin of the military uniform goes back to
an early date in Western civilization.
• Athenian and Spartan soldiers in Greece dressed
according to position in military formations.
• Heavy infantryman
• Light-foot soldier
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
7
What is the history of the
uniform? (cont’d)
• A national army with a standard uniform appeared
in England during the Great Rebellion (1642–1646).
• Red with colored facings to distinguish
regiments
• Adaptations of civilian dress
• Units identified by colors and standards
• Distinctive, colorful uniforms for troops serving
under wealthy people
• From this start, the military uniform evolved.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
8
How do you wear the Air
Force uniform properly?
• The AFJROTC uniform is the same, with
certain exceptions, as that worn by
active duty Air Force personnel.
• It is important to honor the uniform and
to wear it properly.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
9
How do you wear the Air Force
uniform properly?
• Cadets may not wear the uniform
• While hitchhiking, in demonstrations, for
crowd control, during political events
• Cadets may wear the uniform
• While acting as ushers, parking lot
attendants, runners, or at discretion of SASI
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
10
How do you wear the Air
Force uniform properly?
(cont’d)
• Parts of the Hatch Act bar military personnel from
engaging in any form of public political activity while
in uniform.
• These activities include
• Attending rallies and political speeches and passing out
fliers
• Publicly supporting a political candidate, party, or
political issue
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
11
How do you wear the Air
Force uniform properly?
(cont’d)
• However, members of the military
• Are encouraged to vote
• May place political bumper stickers or signs
on own vehicles or private property
• Can participate in political events if not in
uniform and if not identifying selves as
military members
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
12
How do you wear the Air
Force uniform properly?
(cont’d)
• Military personnel in uniform also cannot
participate in events where it might be implied
that the Air Force supports a particular cause.
• Public speeches, rallies, interviews, picket lines, and
marches
• Activities that might imply Air Force endorsement
of a commercial interest
• Private employment
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
13
How do you wear the Air Force
uniform properly? (cont’d)
•
•
Most Air Force Junior ROTC units have published
information on the cadet uniform and how to wear
it.
These are usually based on three publications
(see AFJROTC Cyber-Campus Web site):
•
AFI 36-2903: Dress and Personal Appearance of Air
Force Personnel
•
AFJROTCI 36-2001: Air Force Junior ROTC Operations
•
AFJROTC Uniform and Awards Guide
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
14
What are the AFJROTC
uniform standards?
• Service uniform for males
• Dark blue service coat and trousers
• Light blue, long-sleeved shirt
• Dark blue tie
• Service uniform for females
• Dark blue service coat with slacks or skirt
• Light blue blouse
• Tie tab
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
15
What are the AFJROTC
uniform standards? (cont’d)
• Service uniform for both males and
females
• Form-fitting, properly fitting coat
• Proper sleeve length
• Proper coat length
• Properly fitted trousers or slacks
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
16
What are the AFJROTC
uniform standards? (cont’d)
• Uniform do’s
• Do wear the standard Air Force uniform properly.
• Do wear the uniform on the day established by the
SASI (usually at least one day each week).
• Do wear the uniform
• At other times specified by the SASI
• When you fly on military aircraft
• When participating in color guard or drill team
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
17
What are the AFJROTC
uniform standards? (cont’d)
• Do keep shoes polished and shined.
• Do wear shoes appropriate for the activity.
• Do keep badges and other metallic devices
clean and free of scratches and corrosion.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
18
What are the AFJROTC uniform
standards? (cont’d)
• Do keep ribbons clean and replace them
when they become worn, frayed, or faded.
• If your unit is in a military high school, do
wear the distinctive uniform required by the
institution for special occasions or
ceremonies.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
19
What are the AFJROTC
uniform standards (cont’d)
• Uniform don’ts
• Don’t wear the Air Force commissioned
officer sleeve braid or officer silver thread on
flight caps.
• Don’t wear the uniform with other clothing.
• Don’t lend your uniform to someone not a
member of AFJROTC program.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
20
What are the AFJROTC uniform
standards? (cont’d)
• Don’t allow articles such as wallets, pencils,
pens, and combs to be visible.
• Don’t wear earphones or headphones while
in uniform, unless required by duty.
• Don’t carry pagers or cell phones unless
required for duty.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
21
What are special team
uniforms?
• Special teams are
• Color guards
• Honor guards
• Saber teams
• Drill teams
• Special teams may wear additional
uniform items or wear a distinctive, yet
conservative, uniform of military style.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
22
What are special team
uniforms?
• Except for color cords, these items or
uniforms are worn only when
performing duty as a member of a
specialized group.
• Greater latitude is permitted in design of
open competition drill team uniforms.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
23
What are the guidelines for
cadet appearance and
grooming?
• Standards for wearing the uniform
consist of four elements.
• Neatness
• Cleanliness
• Safety
• Military image
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
24
What are the guidelines for
cadet appearance and
grooming? (cont’d)
• Jewelry standards
• Cadets in uniform may wear
• A wristwatch
• Rings, but no more than three at one time
• A neat, conservative wrist bracelet no wider than
one inch
• Female cadets may wear conservative earrings.
• Male cadets may not wear earrings.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
25
What are the guidelines for
cadet appearance and
grooming? (cont’d)
• Eyeglasses or sunglasses
• Must have conservative frames and lenses
• Must not be faddish or have mirrored lenses
• Cannot be worn around neck while in
uniform
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
26
What are the guidelines for
cadet appearance and
grooming? (cont’d)
• Tattoos or brands cannot be obscene or
advocate discrimination.
• Excessive tattoos or brands will not be
exposed or visible while in uniform.
• No objects may be displayed through
nose, tongue, or any exposed body part.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
27
What are the guidelines for
cadet appearance and
grooming? (cont’d)
• Specific female cadet guidelines
• Hair
• No longer than bottom of collar edge at back of
neck
• Conservative style
• Should look professional and allow headgear to
be worn properly
• Must not be too full or high on head
• Plain (if any) pins, combs, barrettes, etc.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
28
What are the guidelines for
cadet appearance and
grooming? (cont’d)
• Length of skirt may not vary beyond top and
bottom of kneecap.
• Skirt should fit smoothly, should hang
naturally, and must not be excessively tight.
• Hosiery must be worn with the skirt.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
29
What are the guidelines for
cadet appearance and
grooming? (cont’d)
• Specific male cadet guidelines: Hair
• Must be clean, neat, and trimmed
• Must not contain large amounts of grooming
aids that remain visible in hair
• Should not touch ears or eyebrows
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
30
What are the guidelines for
cadet appearance and
grooming? (cont’d)
• Specific male cadet guidelines: Hair
• Should not touch collar, except for closely cut or
shaved hair on back of neck
• Should not exceed 1¼ inches in bulk regardless of
length
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
31
What are the guidelines for
cadet appearance and
grooming? (cont’d)
• Must not protrude below the front band of headgear
• Must have tapered appearance on sides and back
• Must not have bulk or length that interferes with
wearing headgear properly
• May not have foreign items attached
• May have sideburns if they are straight, are of even
width, and end in a clean, horizontal line
• Must not have extreme or faddish styles or colors
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
32
What are the insignia of
grade?
• Active duty insignia of grade
• An insignia is a badge or mark of office or honor.
• The Air Force grade insignia system is broken
down into two categories:
• Officer grades
• Enlisted grades
• Enlisted grades are subdivided into two categories:
• Noncommissioned Officers (NCO)
• Airman grades
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
33
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
34
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
35
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
36
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
• Proper methods of address when speaking to
officers
• “Lieutenant” for a Second Lieutenant and a First
Lieutenant
• “Colonel” for either a Lieutenant Colonel or a
Colonel
• “General” for all generals
• Use full titles for official correspondence.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
37
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
•
Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs)
• Airmen serving in the grade of staff
sergeant through chief master sergeant
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
38
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
• Proper methods of address when speaking to
NCOs
• “Chief” for a Chief Master Sergeant
• “Sergeant” for all other sergeants
• Use full titles in official correspondence.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
39
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
•
Five Noncommissioned Officer grade insignias
• Inverted and curved chevron
• Blue background of chevrons
• Silver stripes with silver star in center
• BDU insignia: dark blue stripes on green
background with dark blue star
• First sergeants: diamond device above star on
chevrons
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
40
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
•
•
First sergeants may hold the rank of
Master Sergeant (MSgt), Senior Master
Sergeant (SMSgt), or Chief Master
Sergeant (CMSgt).
These top senior NCOs hold a position
of trust and responsibility as the link
between the commander and the unit
personnel.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
41
What are the insignia of grade?
(cont’d)
• Responsibilities of first sergeants
• Ensuring that enlisted personnel know their
commander's policies
• Representing the interests of enlisted personnel to
the commander
• Promoting enlisted personnel’s welfare, morale, and
health
• Maintaining discipline and standards of conduct
• Providing guidance on leadership, military justice,
and customs and courtesies
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
42
What are the insignia of grade?
(cont’d)
•
The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
(CMSAF)
• Holds highest position of any enlisted personnel
• Acts as personal advisor to Air Force Chief of
Staff and Secretary of the Air Force
• Provides information about welfare,
effectiveness, and progress of enlisted force
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
43
What are the insignia of grade?
(cont’d)
•
The four Airman grades
• Airman Basic (AB)
• Airman (Amn)
• Airman First Class (A1C)
• Senior Airman (SrA)
• For enlisted grades, the pay grade is always
one more than the number of stripes.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
44
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
• Air Force Junior ROTC insignia of grade
• For officer grades, active duty grade insignia
are very different from cadet grade insignia.
• For enlisted grades, there are only slight
differences between active duty insignia and
Junior ROTC insignia.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
45
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
46
What are the insignia of grade?
(cont’d)
•
Cadet enlisted grade insignia
•
•
•
•
Cadet Airman—pointed chevron of 1 stripe,
with torch in the middle
Cadet Airman First Class—pointed chevron
of 2 stripes, with torch in the middle
Cadet Senior Airman—pointed chevron of 3
stripes, with torch in the middle
Cadet Staff Sergeant—pointed chevron of 4
stripes, with torch in the middle
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
47
What are the insignia of grade?
(cont’d)
• Cadet Technical Sergeant—pointed chevron of 5
stripes, with torch in the middle
• Cadet Master Sergeant—pointed chevron of 6
stripes, with one stripe inverted above the torch in
the middle
• Cadet Senior Master Sergeant—pointed chevron of
7 stripes, with two stripes inverted above the torch
in the middle
• Cadet Chief Master Sergeant—pointed chevron of
8 stripes, with three stripes inverted above the torch
in the middle
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
48
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
• Cadets, like active duty personnel,
may also wear other insignia
(badges).
• There are also ribbons authorized
for wear on the Air Force Junior
ROTC uniform, as they are
awarded.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
49
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
50
What are the insignia of
grade? (cont’d)
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
51
Lesson review
• The military uniform is the public symbol of
our nation's defense forces.
• The military uniform evolved over centuries.
• It is important to know how to wear the Air
Force uniform properly.
• Certain restrictions apply to wearing the
military uniform.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
52
Lesson review (cont’d)
• The AFJROTC uniform is similar to that
of active duty Air Force personnel.
• Most AFJROTC units have published
information on the cadet uniform and
how to wear it.
• Special teams may wear additional
uniform items.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
53
Lesson review (cont’d)
• Drill team uniforms allow greater
flexibility for completing routines.
• There are guidelines for appearance and
grooming for male and female cadets.
• The standards for wearing the uniform
are neatness, cleanliness, safety, and
military image.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
54
Lesson review (cont’d)
• Grade insignia identify the rank of each
member of the Armed Forces.
• The Air Force grade insignia system is
broken down into officer grades and
enlisted grades.
• Enlisted grades are subdivided into
Noncommissioned Officers (NCO) and
airman grades.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
55
Lesson review (cont’d)
• For enlisted grades, JROTC cadet grade
insignia and Air Force active duty grade
insignia vary only slightly.
• For officer grades, JROTC cadet grade
insignia and Air Force active duty grade
insignia are very different from each
other.
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
56
Summary
• What does the military uniform
symbolize?
• What is the history of the uniform?
• How do you wear the Air Force uniform
properly?
• What are the AFJROTC uniform
standards?
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
57
Summary (cont’d)
• What are special team uniforms?
• What are the guidelines for cadet
appearance and grooming?
• What are the insignia of grade?
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
58
Next
Done— The military uniform and
appearance standards
Next— Customs and courtesies for
Air Force Junior ROTC
Introduction to Air Force
Junior ROTC
Lesson 2, Chapter 1, The Military
Uniform and Appearance
Standards
59