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Chiefs’ Corner
Uniform: optional?
There I was, in PT uniform, at a fun run with Airmen from multiple wings. As I was running, I noticed a person with the waistband of their running shorts turned over. I asked, in a non-threatening manner, if they knew. The answer was a simple “yes.”
I waited for them to correct this, but they didn’t. I was left wondering whether the person just didn’t know or didn’t care. Then, a few minutes later, I came across the same thing and asked the same question. However, this time the person answered “yes” and immediately made the correction.
I’m sometimes amazed, and somewhat disappointed, at how often I have to stop and make a uniform correction. My aim is always to get the message across without someone throwing up their defenses because of the “who is this person to enforce a uniform standard” mindset. We’re all busy with things on our minds and we can forget to check ourselves, so it is OK to remind people. What I don’t expect, or understand, is seeing a person whose uniform needs correction in a crowd of higher-ranking people who either don’t see or don’t care to correct the issue.
Despite efforts not to put someone on the defensive, I still get occasional push back. One day, I politely remarked to a technical sergeant that his belt was on backward. The reply: that’s how he was taught by his MTI.
I highly doubted this, but I could see I wasn’t going to get anywhere, so I made note of their name, went back to my office and sent them information I copied and pasted straight out of the AFI.
I often ask Airmen about making uniform corrections. More often than not, they say they are afraid to. Why is that? Is it because they question whether they know what is correct and don’t want to make a mistake? Or, more pointedly, are they afraid of the response they may get?
First, be familiar with the AFI. If unsure, you can at least check when the chance arises so you’ll know for sure the next time. Or, you could say, “I am not absolutely certain, but I believe the waistband of your running shorts shouldn’t be turned over.”
Second, Airmen should be encouraged, and everyone should accept corrections graciously.
People may call me hard core or over the top. However, consider this. The AFI reflects a simple standard to which everyone is asked to adhere. It’s there in the AFI for all to read.
The bottom line is, it shouldn’t be about enforcing uniform standards, but rather about pride in one’s self and the Air Force and the desire to represent both in the best image. So, if you ever get the opportunity to have someone come up and help you by pointing out something wrong with your uniform, thank them. Mutual goodwill will spread and we’ll all realize that our Air Force uniform standards are not optional.
(by Chief Master Sgt. Andrea J. Gates)
