The United States Air Force updated its dress and personal appearance policy yet again, publishing the new guidance last week. The update to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel, was meant to clarify rules on mandatory uniform items and personal appearance while adding visuals to reduce ambiguity.
Among the most significant changes was the reinstatement of duty identifier patches, which were unceremoniously retired a year ago.
Patching the Patch Issue
At issue in the early 2025 uniform policy update was that more than 130 patches had been authorized, which former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin argued was too many.
“Under the principle that we have of ‘easy to understand, easy to comply with, easy to enforce,’ this fails that test,” Allvin explained. “But there’s a bigger issue at play here: as we identify ourselves as one type of Airman or another, with one specialty or one skillset or another, we really diminish ourselves. While that is a contribution we make, our real value is our integral part of a winning, warfighting team. And that’s what we want to emphasize: that we value the team over the individual.”
Soon after the decision was announced in January 2025, airmen criticized the change on social media, arguing that the patches fostered a sense of pride and community.
The DAF listened and has done an about-face, and the patches are back – intended to honor “the skills and heritage” within the U.S. Air Force. A list of approved duty identifier patches and qualification tabs was published on the Air Force website. The total number of patches is approximately 100, down slightly from the 134 retired last year.
“I’ve decided to bring duty identifier patches back because the Air Force is made up of many different specialties, each with a unique role in our mission to generate airpower,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, who was formally installed in the position in November 2025. “We are a unified force working together to win.”
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David R. Wolfe, the highest enlisted member of the Air Force, echoed the decision to bring back the duty identifier patches, which he said serve as a visible symbol of an Airman’s contribution to the larger mission.
“Your expertise matters. These patches are a reflection of the skills you earned, and every patch tells a story that ends with AIRPOWER,” Wolfe said. “They connect your role to the larger mission. We trust you to wear them correctly and help your wingmen do the same — we owe each other accountability every day.”
Very On the Nose Tabs
The approved patches feature acronyms, initialisms, and syllabic abbreviations for the current duty. Some are straightforward – “1SGT” is clearly for First Sergeant, and “AMMO” is for those whose duty is in Munitions Systems, “CYBER” for individuals in duties such as Cyber Warfare Operations and Information Technology (IT) Systems, “POWER” for Electrical Power Production, and “DIRT” for Pavement and Construction Equipment operators.
“EJECT” can be worn by those in Aircrew Egress Systems, “FIRE” by those in Fire Protection, and “TECH” by airmen whose duties are in Advanced Fighter Aircraft Integrated Avionics.
Still, others are a bit confusing.
“PJ” stands for “Pararescue,” “HC” stands for Religious Affairs and Chaplains, and “AGE” is the less clear acronym for Aerospace Ground Equipment. According to Task and Purpose, some of the tabs may make sense to individuals in those roles, as “HC” is an administrative code commonly used in paperwork.
Interestingly, pilots don’t have a duty patch.
Additional Updates
Beyond the patches, the DAF updated its guidance in several areas.
It is no longer a requirement that all officers maintain a complete set of Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniforms. “Only those individuals performing assigned duties and mission requirements that necessitate OCPs must maintain a full set.”
In addition, earbuds, headphones, or any Bluetooth wireless earpiece may be worn only while in uniform, indoors or outdoors, and only when authorized for official duties. In addition, the use of personal electronic devices while in uniform is limited to emergencies or when official notifications are necessary. The DAF noted exceptions, including travel on public transportation and wearing physical training gear during individual fitness training. “Military customs and courtesies take precedence.”
The DAF also issued new guidance on eyewear, noting that authorized frames for eyeglasses and sunglasses include black, brown, white, dark blue, gray, or transparent material, or gold or silver wire. Authorized sunglass lenses must be traditional gray, brown, or dark shades. The eyeglass lenses “must be conservative,” but also clear, slightly tinted, or photosensitive lenses. “Mirrored lenses” or smart glasses with photo, video, or artificial intelligence capabilities are not allowed to be worn while in uniform.
The new standard colors for authorized bags are black, brown, dark blue, olive drab green, and OCP-patterned
Finally, “Watch Caps” may be worn from October 1 to March 31, during cold weather conditions or as determined and approved by the installation commander. The caps must be either coyote-brown knit or fleece and may not include rank insignia. The black watch cap may be worn with Class A and B uniforms, OCPs, or PT gear. The coyote brown watch cap may be worn with the OCP uniform or PT gear.
