Blues Uniform Dress Requirements​

For more information, please view the Cadet Guide. The requirements below are a shortened version based off of what the Cadet Guide says, and is only to be used as a quick reference. Cadets are still expected to read and understand the cadet guide, and will be held accountable if they forget any requirements, even if it's not listed here.
All:
  • Hair will be clean, well-groomed, and present a professional appearance. Any artificial coloring of the hair must result in natural colors. Extreme hairstyles such as mohawks, mullets, or etched designs are unauthorized.
  • Wigs and hairpieces must not exceed the prescribed limits for natural hair, must be of good quality and fit, present a natural appearance. They can not be used to cover unauthorized hairstyles.
  • Fingernails must be clean and never exceed 1/4 inch in length.
  • Only wear the insignia, badges, ribbons, and accessories issued by or authorized by the instructors.
  • Eyeglasses and sunglasses are authorized but must be conservative. Faddish styles are prohibited. Sunglasses are not authorized in formation, with the exception of medical reasons.
  • Watches are authorized but must be conservative. Cadets may wear one conservative bracelet around their wrist, which may not show any inappropriate pictures or writing, and may not show support for a cause or organization. Medical alert/identification bracelets or traditional metal POW/MIA/KIA bracelets are always authorized.
  • Any necklace must be concealed under the shirt.
Male:
  • Hair must naturally conform to the shape of the head without eccentric directional flow, twists, or spiking. Hair must not touch the ear, protrude under the front band of headgear, and must be closely cut on the back of the neck.
  • Any hair extensions, nail polish, or cosmetics are prohibited.
  • Cadets must be clean-shaven with no beards and mustaches. Sideburns will be straight and even, ending in a clean-shaven horizontal line.
Female:
  • Hair must have the maximum bulk of 3 ½ inches from the scalp, end above the bottom edge of the collar, and allow proper wear of headgear. Bangs must not touch either eyebrow. 
  • Long hair must be neat and secure, without any visible clips and hairpins that disrupt the professional image of the cadet. The clips and hairpins must be black or match the color of the hair. (Hair may hang loose while in school uniform or PT gear.)
  • Locs, braids, twists, micro-braids, french braids, dutch braids, and cornrows are authorized, yet should still be maintained to present a neat, professional, and well-groomed appearance. 
  • Cosmetics must be moderate and in good taste. Lipstick may not distinctly contrast with the cadets’ complexion.
  • Nail polish must be a single color that does not distinctly contrast with the female Airman’s complexion or uniform. Fingernails must not interfere with the performance of assigned duties.

Proper Uniform Maintenance

You will be charged for any uniform damage that was the result of improper cleaning.
Dry Cleaning:
  • Dark blue items, such as slacks, trousers, flight caps, coats, neckties, lightweight jackets, and service dress coats must be dry-cleaned. If you don’t dry-clean these items, the material will be damaged. 
Machine Wash:
  • Items such as shirts, blouses, and socks can be machine washed if light and dark colors are separated.

Inspection Grading Guidelines

Hair - 10 Points
The score is based on neatness, cleanliness, safety, and military standards. Look at hair length, tapering, accessories, and bulk.
Shave and Make-up - 10 POINTS
MALES - Shave before coming in uniform. If you miss a (small) spot it will not be counted against you.

FEMALES - Any make-up worn must be natural and not extreme.
Ranks - 5 Points
Ranks must be properly aligned to allow the edges of the be against but not over the seam of the collar.
Name Tag - 5 Points
Name tag must be perpendicular to the ground and centered on the right side. Males must place theirs directly over their right pocket, and female must try to place theirs 1½ inches higher/lower than the 2nd/3rd buttons.
Ribbons - 5 Points
If worn, must be centered on the left side, perpendicular to the ground, and aligned with the name tag.
T-shirt - 5 points
Wearing the V-neck is only mandatory for males, who can only be asked if they're wearing one.
Belt - 5 points
For males, the tip must face wearers' left; for females the tip must face the wearers' right. Material between tip and buckle must not show.
Gig-line - 3 points
The shirt line, belt buckle, and fly line of the pants must be aligned in a straight line. Each item is worth 1 point.
Shoes - 15 points
While grading, the shiniest shoes in the flight will be used as a baseline for grading your shoes. AS3's and above may use corframs.

The following excerpt is from section 3.10.1 of the Cadet Guide:

You are required to keep your shoes shined to a high gloss at all times. This requires a great deal of time and dedication, but the resulting feeling of pride in your work bolstered by inspection merits will make it all worthwhile. There are several ways to “spit shine” your shoes.
WHAT YOU NEED: A can of Kiwi black shoe polish, a cup of warm water, a large supply of cotton balls or cotton t-shirt, and old nylons
WHAT TO DO: Dip a cotton ball into the water, then into the Kiwi polish. Apply the polish to the shoe on a small area using circular motion. Do this to the entire shoe but give the toe your best effort.
Repeat this process until you can see your reflection on the toe of the shoe, occasionally buffing with nylon to smooth the finish and check your progress.
Note: A great shoeshine shows dedication, personal resolve and hard work. We suggest that you consult with the Flight Commander or Flight Sergeant about a demonstration of “spit shine” techniques.
​Instant Shoe Shine products such as Kiwi Instant Polish are not permitted.
Socks - 5 points
Must be wearing long, black socks, preferably air force issued.
Buttons - 2 Points
Shirt must be buttoned. In case of a missing or broken button, please inform the ASI.
Jewelry - 5 Points
Females may wear one set of conservative earrings. Bracelets must be no wider than half an inch.
Wrinkles - 4 Points
Extreme wrinkles will equate to max point deduction (and you will probably be asked to find the time to properly iron your uniform). A few wrinkles might still make you loose points, at the discretion of the inspector.
Lint/Strings - 2 Points
Cut any loose strings off your uniform and if necessary, use a lint roller before class to remove any excess lint or strings.
Spots - 2 points
Check your uniform for any spots or stains. 
Holes - 2 points
Points will be deducted for every hole (2 being the max). These mostly stem from misplacement of ranks or name tags. 
CLEANLINESS - 5 POINTS
Inspectors will look for soil marks around the collar and arm pits, as well as any other marks that detract from your military appearance and were not addressed in other grading aspects. (Is different from spots.)
HAT - 10 POINTS
You must have your service cap and wear it to confirm it fits.
MILITARY BEARING - 5 POINTS
Maintain bearing during inspection. For each infraction one point will be deducted.