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Air Force Updates Recruiting Policies and Procedures

MARCH 2, 2023 – The Department of the Air Force is committed to recruiting talented and qualified individuals, while retaining the experienced Airmen and Guardians currently serving.

Throughout the upcoming months, a Barriers to Service Cross-Functional Team, championed by Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David W. Allvin, is examining existing policies and procedures to ensure they reflect the service members needed for the future.

Created to rally various department stakeholders, this cross-functional team was charged to research, plan and execute these changes quickly, cut through bureaucracy, with the modern American in mind.

“America’s Air Force and Space Force rely on access to our nation’s extensive, geographically and demographically diverse talent,” said Alex Wagner, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. “To remain competitive, both with the private sector and our fellow military services, we are re-examining and updating our approach to talent sourcing and management—and that requires constant review and re-evaluation of our accession policies and ensuring that any changes are consistent with those high military standards required for mission accomplishment.”

This approach became a reality when various stakeholders realized these opportunities would need supporting policy, guidance, resources, and legal authorization. Additionally, the team is currently executing a comprehensive policy review to identify existing requirements that disqualify many potential Airmen and Guardians from serving and are irrelevant to warfighting.

“While we met our active-duty recruiting goals last year, record-low unemployment rates and steadily declining familiarity with the U.S. military today leaves us uncertain whether we can achieve our goals this year,” said Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, Air Force Recruiting Service commander. “We are starting to see some positive results of our training program, policy changes and our enhanced marketing efforts, but military recruiting will remain a long-term challenge.”

One of the leading barriers currently being tackled is the increased prevalence of hand and neck tattoos among America’s youth. Previously, Air Force policies permitted ring tattoos, although they were limited to a single band on one hand. Now, in addition to the ring tattoo, a single tattoo is authorized on each hand not exceeding one inch in size.

Additionally, one tattoo on the neck is authorized not exceeding one inch in measurement. The neck tattoo will only be placed behind a vertical line at the opening of the ear orifice around the back to a vertical line at the opening of the other ear orifice and includes behind the ear.

Hand, arm, leg, neck, and ring tattoos can be exposed and visible while wearing any uniform combination. Chest and back tattoos will not be visible through any uniform combination or visible while wearing an open collar uniform.

Tattoos or body markings anywhere on the body that are obscene, commonly associated with gangs, extremist, and/or supremacist organizations, or that advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination are prohibited in and out of uniform. The updated policy is here.

Additional items senior leaders are looking to modernize are:

  • Accelerating Naturalization at Basic Military Training
  • Reinstating the Enlisted College Loan Repayment Program
  • Adding additional funds to Initial Enlistment Bonuses
  • Alignment of the DAF’s Accession Body Fat Composition Standard with OSD Guidance

More information on policy and accessions changes will be published when available.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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Filed Under: Air Force, News, Recruiting

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Group Honors Military Families with Child Care Discounts

MAY 21, 2025 – As Memorial Day approaches, Learning Care Group (LCG), the second-largest early education and child care provider in North America, is celebrating its commitment to military families and showing its appreciation for the nation’s men and women in uniform through exclusive perks and continued partnerships with organizations like MilitaryChildCare.com that make high-quality […]

Air National Guard Unveils New Bonus Program

MARCH 11, 2023 – On March 1st, the Air National Guard (ANG) launched a new bonus program to attract and retain personnel in critical specialties. The initiative offers significant financial rewards, with bonuses of up to $90,000 for eligible members, depending on their Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). This strategic move aims to strengthen the […]

Education Benefits Make Stronger Service Members

APRIL 3, 2025 – Within the armed forces, a variety of educational benefits are available that allow service members to both improve themselves and make themselves more valuable to their service branch. One example is the Military Tuition Assistance Program. The program is available to enlisted personnel, officers and warrant officers in the Army, Navy, […]

Former Soldier Navigates Job Hunt

NOVEMBER 19, 2024 — In early 2017, Michael Quinn endured what he called the worst day in the worst year of his life. Quinn, then a sergeant major and 24-year Army Soldier, had weathered deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. As an Army counter-intelligence agent, he said he learned to operate under grave circumstances […]

Step-By-Step Guide to Military Financial Stability

APRIL 8, 2025 — Financial challenges are a reality for many families, especially while serving. However, the following few simple steps can lay a solid financial foundation. Create a budget and stick to it.Setting a budget is essential to prevent financial hardships. When you do not track income and expenses it usually leads to overspending. […]

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