What to wear during the winter

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  When it comes to uniform guidelines, there is sometimes confusion due to lack of clarity within regulations. However, there are plenty of clearly-stated rules that should still be followed.

To help Moody Airmen dress properly over the winter months, I have compiled guidance from the many different sources.

These include Air Force Instruction 36-2903, "Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel," Moody-specific guidance signed by the 23rd Wing commander and updated information from the Air Force Personnel Center uniform website.

An asterisk (*) denotes Moody-specific guidance.

Rules to follow when wearing the Airman Battle Uniform:
- *Black and green knit/fleece watch caps are authorized only when wearing a jacket and while conducting work or activities outdoors for extended periods of time.
- Use of the watch cap as primary head gear to transit from place to place is not authorized.
- Scarves and scarves must be black and worn only with other outer garments. Scarves must be tucked in.
- Gloves must be black or sage green and can be worn without any other outer garments.
- Backpack must be black, olive drab or ABU-patterned.
- The green fleece must be worn over the ABU top, not just over the tan shirt.
- White, cream or desert sand-colored thermal underwear is authorized and may be visible at the neck when conditions dictate. While a specific temperature is not mentioned, use common sense.

Rules to follow when wearing the physical training uniform:
- Spandex, both short and full length solid black or dark blue, may be worn and visible. White and gray are not authorized colors.
- *Do not mix PT uniform items with civilian clothes while working out.
- Gym bags must be black or dark blue and may have the Air Force logo.
- Black, dark blue or green fleece watch caps may be worn outdoors.
- Scarves and earmuffs must be black or dark blue. Earmuffs can wrap around the top or rear of the head.
- Gloves must be black or dark blue without logos.
- PT jacket must be zipped at least halfway between waist band and collar.

Rules to follow when wearing the blues uniform:
- The lightweight blue jacket may be worn indoors or outdoors. It must be zipped at least halfway and may be worn over the pullover and cardigan sweaters but must not be visible.
- Scarves must be black and worn only with authorized outer garments. They are not authorized with pullover and blue cardigan sweaters when worn as outer garments. They will not exceed 10 inches in width.
- Gloves must be black and worn with other cold weather outer garments.
- Females wearing princess-cut shirts must ensure bottom of blouse is not visible below the bottom of any outer garments.
- The pullover sweater can be worn indoors or outdoors with the collar tucked in or out.
- Blue cardigan sweater may be buttoned or unbuttoned indoors. Pregnant people may always wear it unbuttoned. When it is buttoned, it must be buttoned completely. It must be buttoned outdoors.
- Backpack must be solid black.
- Earmuffs are authorized only with the service dress uniform.

While I've covered all I can, there may still be questions left unanswered. For any further clarification, ask your chain of command.