DAFI36-2903 NAME TAPE SPELLING.pdf

10 DAFI36-2903 29 FEBRUARY 2024

Chapter 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1. Basic Philosophy.

1.1.1. The Air Force philosophy is that the uniform will be plain, distinctive, and standardized.

This standardization includes a minimum and maximum number of authorized badges, insignia, and devices. Dress and personal appearance standards that are not listed as authorized in the publication are unauthorized.

1.1.2. Pride in an Airman’s personal appearance and uniform wear greatly enhances the esprit-de-corps 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, as well as the right, within limits, to express individuality through his or her appearance without lessening the standards.

1.1.3. Members have a responsibility to keep their uniform clean, pressed (see instructions for

Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Uniforms) and in good repair. Members are responsible for knowing authorized uniform combinations and correct placement of ribbons, insignia, badges, and other uniform items.

1.1.4. Commanders do not have the authority to waive grooming and appearance standards except as identified within this instruction.

1.1.5. It is every Airman’s responsibility, regardless of position or rank, to respectfully enforce the standards prescribed in this instruction.

1.2. When to Wear the Air Force Uniform.

1.2.1. Except when authorized to wear civilian clothes, Airmen will wear the appropriate Air

Force uniform while performing military duties. Name tapes/tags will reflect the member’s legal last name as spelled on the military identification card and may include diacritical accents and hyphens. If a diacritical accent is used, all letters should be the same height (e.g., PEÑA

SANCHEZ, LEWIS-MILES, or MÜLLER).

1.2.2. Airmen assigned to non-Air Force organizations will wear the Air Force equivalent of the order of dress prescribed. For example, if the non-Air Force organization prescribes a utility uniform as the uniform of the day, assigned Airmen will wear the OCP uniform.

1.2.3. Airmen attending a military event, either social or official, must wear the appropriate uniform or civilian attire as requested by the host/hostess or directed by the commander.