Air Force dress code not dictated by trends

<p>The 97th edition of the Air Force's standards on neatness and appearance is out, but don't expect the update to conform to the latest fashion trends.</p><p>Colored cell phones are out. So are thumb rings and long fingernails.</p><p>Air Force officials say the rules are in place to enforce an environment of uniformity, so that airmen and women know what's expected of them.</p><p>"It all fits the broad outline of neatness, cleanliness, safety and military image. Everything can be narrowed down to that," said Master Sgt. Brad Cooley, first sergeant for the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Robins Air Force Base.</p><p>The new guidelines, issued earlier this month and distributed nationwide, were created by a team of airmen, officers and civilians. And while the changes reflect an awareness of changing times, they don't adopt those changes.</p><p>"They're not trying to apply a 1940s or 1950s version of society. They're trying to strike a balance between wants, needs and requirements," said 78th Air Base Wing Chief Master Sgt. Billy Doolittle.</p><p>That balance allows for cell phones, but only in black, silver, dark blue or gray. Only one phone is authorized and it must be clipped to the left side of the waistband or purse or carried in the left hand. Walking while using a cell phone is banned unless the phone is government-issued and being used for official duties.</p><p>Women's hairpins and bands must match their hair color. Hair frosting and highlights must be in natural colors, and shaved heads or flat top hairstyles for women are not allowed. Braids and cornrows are allowed.</p><p>"We're supposed to be set apart. We can't look like everybody else," 78th Master Sgt. Sonya Stoute said. "It's not a fashion show. We're a professional group of men and women with one fight and one calling."</p><p>Most of the standards apply even when soldiers are off the clock, Doolittle said. Soldiers sometimes test the rules, like males wearing earrings _ which is against the rules _ off duty.</p><p>Some say the rules can be an indicator of how one might perform in combat.</p><p>"Even the 18-year-olds learn from basic training that if you can't follow simple rules, how can you follow rules that will save someone's life?" 78th Wing Executive Officer First Lt. Stephanie Clayton said.</p><p>In addition to self-discipline and a structured lifestyle, Cooley said there is another benefit to having the codes in place: He knows what he's going to wear everyday.</p><p>"I know people who struggle 45 minutes figuring out which tie to wear," Cooley said. "I don't have to worry about whether someone else has a nicer suit. There's just none of that foolishness."</p>

http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/2/129208