The U.S. Air Force will begin implementing policies that more strictly enforce dress and appearance regulations among its service members. The change aims to promote a universal understanding and enforcement of the military branch’s rules and regulations and eradicate any perceptions of “selective enforcement.”
Gen. David W. Allvin, chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, announced the more rigid standards in a video address in social media posts on January 10 on Facebook and Instagram. The new changes are expected to go into effect within the next 90 days, according to reports.
These new measures were reported to include other military standards beyond appearances. However, the ultimate objective is to “ensure rules and regulations are clear and not subject to interpretation,” according to Air & Space Forces Magazine.
“This selective enforcement can lead to situations where the Airmen believe then they have the opportunity to do selective compliance,” Allvin said. “This is where the danger lies.”
Air & Space Forces Magazine reported that the changes were in response to feedback from Air Force senior leaders and regular Airmen. This insight was provided to Allvin and David A. Flosi, the Air Force’s chief master sergeant. As a result, both decided a more disciplined approach was necessary.
Allvin elaborated, claiming that inarticulate or “complex” standards create environments that are not conducive to the military branch’s efficiency and success. Difficulties in compliance lead to more challenges in enforcement, the Air Force chief of staff explained.
Furthermore, standards, rules, and regulations that are more concise and transparent will emphasize the importance of putting the “team above the individual,” Allvin explained. This more disciplined approach will enhance “standards and accountability,” which will ultimately allow the men and women in the U.S. Air Force to be “proud not only to wear the uniform but have the discipline that is the backbone of the greatest air force in the history of the planet.”
“We’re also directing that episodically we have the formations to come together, in uniform, to do a couple of things,” Allvin said. “The first thing is to be able to look at yourself, look at your teammate, hold yourself and him or her accountable to ensure that you’re in standards, you are proud that you are wearing this uniform in a manner that befits the call to arms that we have answered. At the same time, it offers the opportunity for the command leadership to be able to share the very latest and updated guidance to ensure we are all on the same sheet of music.”
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Allvin said the new rules and regulations will be phased in. Men and women in the Air Force should anticipate more frequent inspections from senior officials and an increase in formations to enforce more stringent requirements, Air & Space Forces Magazine reported.
“We’re not going to wait a year or two years to roll out an entire batch,” Allvin said. “As we make the decisions, we’re going to distribute them to the force to start enforcing as they come to you.”
