The United States Space Force, the sixth and newest branch of the United States military, published its latest guidelines on dress and appearance earlier this month. The new Space Force Instruction (SPFI) 36-2903, Dress and Appearance policies are meant to ensure all personnel have access to grooming and dress standards in a single document.
“This policy communicates the Space Force philosophy and standards for maintaining a professional military appearance through a standardized and distinctive uniform, pride in personal appearance, and adherence to standards of neatness, cleanliness, safety, uniformity and military image,” the Space Force explained earlier this week.
The 114-page document included sections on male hair standards, shaving waivers, approved tattoo locations, and detailed specifics on uniforms. The latter covered everything from collar insignia, name tags, shirts, and even maternity uniforms. The new policy went into effect on August 14, following years of interim guidance.
Much of it mirrors the latest regulations introduced by the United States Air Force, and SPFI 36-2903 even integrates content from previous Space Force and Department of the Air Force policies, with some notable distinctions.
“The Space Force is a distinct military service with just under 10,000 uniformed Guardians, each of whom has an outsized impact on the mission,” explained Katharine Kelley, deputy chief of Space Operations for Personnel. “Every guardian’s military presence and appearance are a critical and visible demonstration of our professional force, and this new policy provides clear standards that support our warfighting objectives and culture.”
Maintaining the Five Elements of Professional Appearance
The Space Force seeks to maintain a professional military appearance through a standardized and distinctive uniform; pride in personal appearance; and adherence to five core elements: a standard of neatness, cleanliness, safety, uniformity, and military image.
Guardians are expected to exercise good judgment and demonstrate leadership by maintaining a professional appearance at all times. Adherence to these standards contributes to a positive and productive work environment,” SPFI 36-2903 stated.
Except for those times when authorized to wear civilian clothing, guardians are expected to wear the appropriate Space Force uniform while performing military duties.
Focus on Appearance
As with the Air Force’s updates earlier this year, SPFI 36-2903 provides specific details on the issues of neck tattoos, mustaches, and even nail polish colors that are allowed, and how long eyelash extensions may be. The Space Force’s policies mirror the Air Force’s policies on acceptable haircuts for men and women.
Where the Air Force guidelines call for airmen to be clean-shaven, the Space Force bans beards without a medical waiver or religious reasons. In those cases, specific guidance was provided.
Badges and Specialty Insignia
As reported earlier this month, the Space Force upgraded its policies for wearing specific badges as part of a larger culture change within the service branch. Under SPFI 36-2903, additional changes were made clear.
“The wear of badges is optional. The total number of occupational, qualification or skill badges worn will not exceed two in any uniform combination. The commander’s pin insignia does not count as one of the badges,” the guidelines explained.
Aeronautical, space, and cyberspace occupational badges will be equal in precedence. This is clear from the top down.
In his official portrait, Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman is no longer seen wearing the Space Operations Badge, aka the “space wings.”
Mission tabs are authorized for wear for guardians, with the tab positioned above the organizational unit patch and, if applicable, below the Commander’s Badge Insignia.
According to the guidelines, “Tabs must be made of PVC, adhere to Space Blue color criteria on an OCP background, and remain within the Velcro boundary.”
It added that only a single Mission Tab may be worn at a time. It is authorized only while assigned to the respective Mission Area, and only for personnel directly involved in mission execution. Staff and other support roles are not permitted to wear Mission Tabs, as noted in SPFI 36-2903.
These are not likely to be the final guidelines that guardians can expect.
“As new uniforms or uniform items are fielded, the Space Force will update the Dress and Appearance policy to ensure it remains relevant and meets the needs of the Service and Guardians,” the Space Force further announced.
