JULY 10, 2025 – The Air Force updated its dress and personal appearance instruction to provide clear guidance for Airmen serving worldwide.
The new guidance memorandum for DAFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel, clarifies mandatory uniform items and personal appearance standards while adding visuals for greater clarity.
The changes in this guidance memorandum only pertain to Airmen; the U.S. Space Force is projected to release a separate dress and appearance instruction in the coming weeks.
The new guidance:
- OCP Uniform: Requires all officers to maintain one complete set of an Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform
- Eyelash Extensions: Removes authorization of eyelash extensions unless needed for medical reasons
- Combat Boots: Establishes a minimum height for combat boots
- OCP Sleeve Folding/Cuffing: Clarifies the folding or cuffing of OCP sleeves
Under the new guidance, all Air Force officers, regardless of career field, must maintain at least one complete set of either the non-fire-retardant operational camouflage pattern uniform or an improved hot weather combat OCP uniform.
Additionally, combat boots must now be between 8-12 inches in height from the bottom of the heel tread to the top of the back of the boot, and soling material will not exceed two inches in height. Airmen must comply with the new uniform and boot height guidance no later than 90 days from the date of the guidance memorandum.
With the publication of this update, eyelash extensions are no longer authorized unless for medical reasons and documented on an Air Force Form 469, Duty Limiting Condition Report. If medical authorization is obtained and documented on an AF Form 469, eyelash extensions will not exceed 12 mm in length. Airmen must comply with the new eyelash extension standard no later than 30 days from the date of the guidance memorandum.
This update also clarifies the policy of folding or cuffing OCP sleeves. When sleeves are not rolled up, cuffs may remain visible, or members may fold their sleeves once or twice as shown in the updated guidance memorandum.
The new guidance memorandum for DAFI 36-2903 will be posted soon.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs