Service Dress Air Force: An Overview
The Service Dress Air Force uniform is the everyday uniform worn by the U.S. Air Force and is the primary uniform worn during official duties. It is a professional-looking uniform composed of a distinctively colored blouse paired with a skirt, slacks, or skort. The silhouette is tailored and structured, and it includes jackets, hats, and other accessories. While the style and fit of the uniform varies depending on rank, it is the same for both genders, men and women.
History and Variations
The Service Dress Air Force uniform’s current design debuted in 1948, and it has modernized over the years. In 1994, the service changed the color from blue to greenish-blue, and in 2008, the service added a new service dress coat.
The design of the service dress differs for each rank, typically featuring shoulder or sleeve rank insignia, ribbons, special unit awards and service badges. For women, the uniform also consists of a mandatory skirt, slacks, and skort.
How to Wear The Service Dress Air Force Uniform
The important components of a Service Dress Air Force uniform are the service coat, shirt, skirt/slacks/skort, and the service headgear.
Service Coat
The service coat must be properly fitted and tailored, with the buttons and zippers zipped shut. The ends of the coat must be no less than 1.5 inches below the hip bone while standing, and the collar should fit snugly against the neckline. Rank insignia should also be properly positioned, with the center point of the insignia 5/8 of an inch above the notch of the lapel.
Shirt
The shirt is usually a long-sleeved, light-blue button-up shirt, but it can also be white or black and should never be worn tucked in. Rank insignia should be properly positioned, with the center point of the insignia 1/2 an inch above the pocket seam.
Skirt/Slacks/Skort
The skirt or slacks must be dark blue and should fit properly, with no wrinkles. They should also be long enough to cover the top of the shoe. The length should be no shorter than 1.5 inches above the knee or 1 inch below the knee when standing. When wearing the skort, the length should be no shorter than 1.5 inches below the top of the knee.
Service Headgear
Service headgear includes caps and berets and should be worn in accordance with the regulations of their branch. The hat should be placed squarely on the head, with the front of the hat centered in the middle of the forehead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Service Dress Air Force uniform?
A: The Service Dress Air Force uniform is the official uniform worn by the U.S. Air Force. It consists of a tailored blouse, a skirt, slacks or skort, and headgear. The style and fit of the uniform varies depending on rank, and it is the same for both genders.
Q: What color is the Service Dress Air Force uniform?
A: The Service Dress Air Force uniform is a greenish-blue color.
Q: What accessories are included in the Service Dress Air Force uniform?
A: Accessories included in the Service Dress Air Force uniform are the service coat, shirt, skirt/slacks/skort, and the service headgear.
Q: How should the uniform be worn?
A: The service coat should be properly fitted and tailored, with the buttons and zippers zipped shut. The collar should fit snugly against the neckline and the rank insignia should be properly positioned, with the center point of the insignia 5/8 of an inch above the notch of the lapel. The shirt is usually a long-sleeved, light-blue button-up shirt, but it can also be white or black and should never be worn tucked in. Rank insignia should be properly positioned, with the center point of the insignia 1/2 an inch above the pocket seam. The skirt or slacks must be dark blue and should fit properly, with no wrinkles. When wearing the service headgear, it should be placed squarely on the head, with the front of the hat centered in the middle of the forehead.
Examples
Here are some examples of individuals wearing the Service Dress Air Force uniform:
– Airman First Class Juan Gomez in the service dress coat, light-blue shirt, dark blue slacks, and service headgear.
– Captain Lauren Hamilton in the service dress coat, white shirt, dark blue skirt, and service headgear.
– Chief Master Sergeant Jennifer Spencer in the service dress coat, black shirt, dark blue skirt, and service headgear.