Dafi36-2903

Attachment
Guidance Changes to DAFI 36-2903
Basic Philosophy
(Changed) 1.1.2. Pride in an Airman’s personal appearance and uniform wear greatly enhances the discipline essential to an effective military force. Therefore, Airmen must maintain a high standard of dress and personal appearance through adherence to the five elements of this standard: neatness, cleanliness, safety, uniformity, and military image. The first four are absolute, objective criteria needed for the efficiency and well-being of the Air Force; the fifth, military image, is subjective, but still necessary. Appearance in uniform exemplifies one’s military image. The American public and its elected representatives draw certain conclusions on military effectiveness based on the image Airmen present. The image of a disciplined and committed Airman instills public confidence that Airmen live by a common standard and respond to military order and discipline. Every Airman has a responsibility to maintain a professional military image as identified in this DAFI. Grooming and Appearance Standards
(Changed) 3.1. Personal Grooming Standards. This chapter outlines personal grooming standards while wearing any Air Force uniform or civilian clothing in an official capacity. Commanders’ discretion will be used to determine if an individual’s personal grooming is within standards of this instruction. The personal grooming standards listed are minimum standards that represent common appearance issues and are not all-inclusive. The Air Force defines what is and what is not an acceptable, professional military image for Airmen. Except for minor variations based on differences in sex, all Air Force personnel must comply with the same personal grooming standards. Supervisors have the responsibility to determine compliance with this DAFI and to correct obvious violations regardless of whether the situation identified is clearly defined in this DAFI.
(Changed) 3.1.2. Hair (Male). Tapered appearance on both sides and the back of the head, both with and without headgear so that when viewed from any angle the member's hair conforms to the shape of the head, curving inward to the natural termination point without eccentric directional flow, twists, or spiking. A block-cut is permitted with tapered appearance. Hair will not exceed 2 ½ inches in bulk, regardless of length and 1/4-inch at natural termination point; allowing only closely cut or shaved hair on the back of the neck to touch the collar (see Figure 3.3.). Hair will not touch the ears or protrude under the front band