👤 Who: U.S. Air Force Airmen; Gen. Ken Wilsbach; CMSgt David R. Wolfe
📜 What: Updates to DAFI 36-2903 dress and appearance standards
📅 When: Announced Jan. 9, 2026
📍 Where: Issued by the Department of the Air Force, Arlington, Virginia
🎯 Why: To reduce ambiguity, reinforce professionalism, and recognize specialized roles
The U.S. Air Force has released updated guidance to its dress and personal appearance standards, clarifying uniform requirements and explicitly prohibiting the wear of smart glasses or eyewear with camera, video, or artificial intelligence capabilities while in uniform.
The Department of the Air Force issued the new memorandum Jan. 9, updating DAF Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel. Officials say the changes are designed to reduce ambiguity, reinforce military professionalism, and ensure consistency across the force.
Among the most notable clarifications is the ban on smart eyewear, including glasses capable of taking photos, recording video, or using AI-enabled features. The Air Force emphasized that such wearable technology is unauthorized while in uniform, regardless of duty status.
The guidance also reinstates duty identifier patches, a move leaders say recognizes the specialized skills and heritage that contribute to mission success.
“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. “We are a unified force working together to win.”
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David R. Wolfe said the patches serve as a visible reminder of individual expertise and accountability.
“Your expertise matters,” Wolfe said. “These patches are a reflection of the skills you earned, and every patch tells a story that ends with AIRPOWER.”
Additional updates address several aspects of daily wear and conduct. Officers are no longer required to maintain a full set of Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniforms unless their assigned duties require them. Use of earbuds, headphones, and Bluetooth devices while in uniform is now more restricted, generally limited to official duties or emergencies.
Eyewear standards were further refined to specify authorized frame colors and lens types. While traditional eyeglasses and sunglasses remain allowed, mirrored lenses and smart glasses with recording or AI capabilities are explicitly prohibited.
The Air Force also standardized approved bag colors and clarified seasonal rules for wearing watch caps, including color options and authorized uniforms.
Officials say the updated policy reinforces military customs and courtesies while recognizing the specialized roles Airmen play in generating airpower and maintaining a mission-ready force.
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