Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms: There is no longer a requirement for all officers to maintain a full set of OCPs. Only those individuals performing assigned duties and mission requirements that necessitate OCPs must maintain a full set.
Earbuds: The wear and use of an earpiece, headphones, or any Bluetooth wireless technology while in uniform, indoors or outdoors, is only authorized for official duties. The use of personal electronic media devices, including earpieces, speaker phones or text messaging while walking in uniform is limited to emergencies or when official notifications are necessary. Exceptions include, but are not limited to, authorization of headphones and earphones during travel on public transportation and while wearing the physical training gear during individual or personal fitness training. Military customs and courtesies take precedence.
Eyewear: Authorized frames for eyeglasses and sunglasses include black, brown, white, dark blue, gray or transparent material, or gold or silver wire. Authorized sunglass lenses must be traditional gray, brown, or dark shades. Authorized eyeglass lenses must be conservative, clear, slightly tinted, or photosensitive lenses. It is unauthorized to wear mirrored lenses or smart glasses with photo, video or artificial intelligence capabilities while in uniform.
Bags: The new standardized list of colors for authorized bags includes solid black, brown, dark blue, olive drab green, and OCP-patterned. The full details on authorized bags are published here.
Watch cap: The watch cap may be worn during Oct. 1 to March 31, cold weather conditions, or as determined and approved by the installation commander. It will be solid black or coyote brown knit or fleece material and not include rank insignia. The black watch cap may be worn with Class A and B uniforms, OCPs, or PT gear. The coyote brown watch cap may be worn with the OCP uniform or PT gear.
Identifier patches: A list of approved duty identifier patches and qualification tabs can be found here.
Additionally, immediate wear of some tactical OCP caps is authorized while the Air Force continues the acquisition process to complete this new uniform item. These are not yet available through AAFES. (As of June 2021)
Enlisted members will not wear rank insignia or a subdued flag on the cap, only a name tape on the back of the cap is authorized. The front of the cap must not have any Velcro or other items.
In addition, females are authorized to pull their bun or ponytail through the back of the tactical OCP cap.
Once the acquisition process is complete for the new uniform item, which is expected to take approximately a year, all other caps will be unauthorized.
Caps must also be made entirely of OCP material or OCP with a coyote brown mesh back.
Unit commanders will initiate separation of Service members who require a shaving waiver after more than 1 year of medical treatment. I have full confidence in our leaders at all levels to provide an accurate assessment of whether retention is appropriate.
Click button to download official Memorandum for Grooming Standards for Facial HairĀ
AUG 20, 2025