The board met in October and discussed everything from eliminating the Air Force Good Conduct Medal to maternity uniforms. The board's recommendations were approved by the Air Force Chief of Staff, and announced on February 8th.
A major change is the elimintion of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. Those who have previously earned the AFGCM may still wear it on their uniforms, however. (NOTE: The Air Force re-instated the Good Conduct Medal in Feb 2009).
The Air Force established the Good Conduct Medal in 1963. It is awarded to Air Force enlisted personnel for exemplary conduct during a three-year period of active military service, (or for a one-year period of service during a time of war). The award has always been an enlisted-only award; officers were not eligible to receive it.
The uniform board decided to eliminate award of the medal after discussion and debate over the meaning of the award. The discussions focussed on the fact that good conduct should be the "norm" for all Air Force personnel, and not getting into trouble for a period of time should not be the basis of a medal. In short, good conduct is expected, and should not be regarded as exceptional. .
The board also took a stand on the wear of bracelets while in uniform. Except for the traditional POW/MIA bracelets, bracelets that support a cause, philosophy, individual or group are prohibited. All bracelets worn while in uniform are restricted to less than one-half inch in width.
In addition, a Headquarters Air Force badge will be available this summer. The badge provides a distinct identification of military staff members assigned to the Air Staff and the Air Force Secretariat. Details about this badge will be available at a future date.
The following changes are effective immediately:
-- Approval to wear the blue nametag with the Air Force informal uniform --the member’s abbreviated rank and name will be on one line. This uniform is worn by recruiters, honor guard, enlisted aides, chaplains, chaplain assistants, world-class athletes, and fitness center and health and wellness center staffs.
-- Cummerbund pleats will face up in all cases.
-- If due to a temporary medical condition, such as chemotherapy, results in baldness, commanders will authorize the approved American Cancer Society cap, wigs or baldness while in uniform.
-- Bracelet size is reduced to one-half inch. Bracelets that support a cause, philosophy, individual or group are not authorized. Traditional POW/MIA bracelets are still permitted. Gemstone and tennis bracelets are only authorized while wearing the mess dress.
-- Rings will be worn at the base of the finger and will not be worn on the thumb. Wedding sets count as one ring.
-- Eyeglasses will not be worn around the neck, on top or back of the head or hanging on uniform.
-- New epoxy blue nametag is optional on the blue shirt.
-- Wear of the firefighter duty badge is authorized while an individual is assigned a 3E7X1 duty Air Force specialty code, including periods of professional military education and staff tours above group level.
-- Wear of the security forces duty badge and beret is authorized while an individual is assigned a 3PXXX duty AFSC position and is also their primary AFSC, including PME attendance and staff tours above group level.
-- The Air Force Good Conduct Medal will no longer be awarded. Previously earned medals are still permitted.
-- Mandatory wear of the physical training uniform is set for Oct. 1 as per the instructions released last November.
-- Cell phones, pagers and personal digital assistants must be solid or covered in black, silver, dark blue or gray, and must be conservative. They may be clipped to the left side of the waistband or purse or carried in left hand. Only one may be worn on the uniform belt. Members will not walk in uniform while using phones, radios or hands-free headsets unless required in performing official duties using a government-issued device.
-- Permanent wear of the scuba badge is authorized on the battle dress uniform.
-- While not deployed, desert combat uniforms may not be worn unless en route to the basic combat convoy course. “Deployed” for this purpose includes members traveling en route to/from rest and recuperative leave from the Central Command area of responsibility, as outlined in policy announced in mid-2005.
