LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- In a letter released to Airmen Wednesday, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin announced a renewed commitment to a culture of adherence of standards as the Air Force is reviewing certain policies and standards.
“Never forget that discipline and accountability are, and always will be, the backbone of an effective and lethal fighting force,” Allvin wrote. “Complying with and enforcing standards demonstrates shared commitment to our winning team, as well as an understanding of the gravity of our profession in today’s volatile security environment.”
The updates are intended to refocus the Air Force on the following shared “First Principles:”
- We value our warfighting team over individuality, mission over function.
- Standards must be easily understood, universally complied with and consistently enforced… at all levels of command.
- Standards and processes should not stigmatize Airmen, and those in full compliance should not be self-conscious or embarrassed.
The current updates and changes, released in a memorandum titled “Update to DAFI 36-2903,” are effective Feb. 1, 2025:
- Duty Identifier Patches (i.e. Career Field Identifier patches) are NO LONGER AUHTORIZED. Duty Identifier Tabs, as identified in paragraph 12.8.1, commander insignia, and USAF Graduate patches, as identified in paragraph 5.1.6.2.4 are still authorized for wear. These exceptions include:
- USAF Weapons School Graduate Patch (graduate or instructor),
- USAF (or joint/international equivalent) Test Pilot School graduate patches,
- Service level advanced studies groups patches (e.g., School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS),
- School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS),
- Maritime Advanced Warfighting School (MAWS),
- School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW), etc.),
- Critical Care Air Transport Team
- Duty Identifier Tabs (IAW 12.8.1). “MAJCOMS and/or Functional communities may request the creation of a new duty identifier patch/tab on an annual basis. New patch/tab requests should follow guidance as outlined in para 12.7.3.1 through 12.7.3.4. Note: Identifier tabs differ from patches; a tab's design includes a small arch e.g., "AIR ADVISOR", “RAVEN” signifying a special, unique qualification and/or training.”
In a video released by Allvin Wednesday, he addressed the “why” behind the removal of duty identifier tabs, primarily, emphasizing the value of the team over the individual. Currently, there are over 134 approved tabs which fails to comply with the principle of “easy to understand, easy to comply with, and easy to enforce.”
- Nail polish in uniform will be clear, French or American Manicure.
- At the start of each duty day, male Airmen must be clean-shaven. Exceptions include current medial waivers and/or religious accommodations (IA W paragraphs 3.1.2.2. and 3.1.2.3).
In a separate video released Wednesday, Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. John DeGoes discussed an updated medical guidance memorandum that outlines the difference between shaving irritation and diagnoseable Pseudofolliculitis (PFB).
The memorandum announced all current shaving profiles will remain valid but will expire 90 calendar days after the next Periodic Health Assessment (PHA), effective March 1, 2025. All Airmen and Guardians with a medical necessity for shaving profiles must also be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
New shaving guidance will be released on March 1, 2025, that will be easy to understand, easy to comply with and easy to enforce.
- Clarification on male hair standards: Hair will not touch the ears (addition to paragraph 3.1.2).
- Addition of definition for "Gig Line" for use in wear of Dress Uniforms: “When members wear shirt tucked into trousers or slacks with front fly opening, the button front edge of the shirt, the outside of the belt buckle (when required) and the edge of the fly will align. This alignment creates a gig line. The gig line should be straight and neat."
All of these updates follow the release of a video titled CSAF Gen Allvin Policy and Standards Update earlier this month, that outlines the need for diligence in understanding, complying with, and enforcing standards. Failure to adhere to standards risks unintended consequences, safety incidents and even loss of life.
“With clearer standards we will make our team even stronger,” Allvin wrote. “Your discipline remains the backbone of our winning team. Let’s continue to make our nation proud!”
Airmen should expect further changes and clarification to policies in the near future. Contact your supervision, check official Air Force information channels or refer to DAFI 36-2903 for more information.
Further information regarding current changes:
CSAF Letter to Airmen on Standards, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin
CSAF_Update_to_DAFI_36_2903, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin
Air Force Standards Update - Tabs, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin
Air Force Standards Update - Shaving Waivers, Air Force Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. John DeGoes
Medical_Guidance_for_Shaving_Profiles.pdf, Air Force Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. John DeGoes
CSAF Gen Allvin Policy and Standards Update, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin
Follow_Through_Memo.pdf, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin