USAF Uniform Regulations

//OCP TIMELINE: April 1, 2021 Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Uniform will be the only acceptable pattern starting April, 2021.

Air Force OCP Uniform

The Air Force is transitioning to the OCP uniform. It will be the mandatory uniform beginning April 1, 2021. Do not mix ABU and OCP items during the transition.

Appropriate Wear

This uniform is intended for all-purpose wear.

You may wear this uniform:
  • Off base for short convenience stops
  • Eating in restaurants where people wear comparable civilian attire.
You may not wear this uniform:
  • To restaurants where diners wear business attire
  • To bars or other places that primarily serve alcohol
Appropriate Care
  • Do not starch
  • Light ironing is authorized to maintain a military appearance
  • Dry cleaning and steam pressing are not authorized and will cause the fabric to wear down faster
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Patrol Cap

Patrol Cap

How to wear it
  • Velcro or sew-on nametape centered on back of cap.
  • Nametape color is Spice Brown
  • Worn at all times outdoors except in "no hat" areas
  • Wear it straight on head with cap band parallel to ground
  • No hair visible on forehead beneath cap
  • Cap may be blocked
Acceptable colors
  • Airman Battle Uniform (ABU)—Acceptable until April 2021
  • Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP)—mandatory starting April 2021
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T-Shirt

T-Shirt

How to wear it
  • Tucked into OCP trousers
Acceptable colors
  • Desert Sand—acceptable until June 1, 2020
  • Tan—acceptable until June 1, 2020
  • Coyote Brown—mandatory June 1, 2020
  • Squadron commanders may authorize wear of a standardized color morale t-shirt on Friday or during special events.
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Coat

Coat

How to wear it
  • Coat should not extend below top of cargo pocket of the pants
  • Should not extend higher than the bottom of the side hip pockets
  • Name, USAF tapes, and occupational badges should be embroidered using spice brown thread
  • Alterations that affext functionality of the uniform are not authorized
Acceptable colors
  • Airman Battle Uniform (ABU)—Acceptable until April 2021
  • Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP)—mandatory starting April 2021
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Right Sleeve Patches

Right Sleeve Patches

How to wear it
  • Commanders may authorize sleeves to be rolled
  • Cuff most remain visible at all times—even when sleeve is rolled
  • Max 2 velcro patches
Mandatory patches
  • U.S. Flag
  • Unit Patches
Optional patches
  • Non-unit entity patches in spice brown
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Left Sleeve Patches

Left Sleeve Patches

How to wear it
  • Commanders may authorize sleeves to be rolled
  • Cuff most remain visible at all times—even when sleeve is rolled
  • Max 2 velcro patches
  • Exception: awarded joint qualification tabs may be worn above HHQ patch
  • Embroidered patches must be in spice brown
Mandatory patches
  • HHQ patch worn centered in the middle of sleeve
Optional patches
  • School graduate patches—graduate commanders may affix signia above HHQ patch
  • Duty identifier tabs
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Trousers and Belts

Trousers and Belts

How to wear it
  • Waistband should rest on your waist
  • Trousers should be butoned and work with a belt
  • Belt should be a one piece Tan 299 rigger style, nylon web
  • Pockets should be secured with no items visible
  • EXCEPTION: Your patrol cap may extend outside when placed in the cargo pocket
Acceptable colors
  • Airman Battle Uniform (ABU)—Acceptable until April 2021
  • Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP)—mandatory starting April 2021
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Boots and Socks

Boots and Socks

How to wear it
  • Boots should be laced up
  • Toes should be plain rounded or rounded capped
  • Boots can be with or without a safety toe
  • Zipper or plastic inserts may be worn if they have no design
Acceptable boot colors
  • Sage green will be worn with ABU
  • Tan or Coyote Brown will be mandatory on June 1, 2020
Acceptable sock colors
  • DEsert Sand, Tan, DLA-issued Green or Coyote Brown
  • DLA-issued Green or Coyote brown will be mandatory on June 1, 2020
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Uniform Rollout Details

You should wear the OCP uniform in accordance with the published AAFES disribution plan. Supplies will be issues on a set schedule and distributed to different air bases in phases. Do not purchase uniforms from other bases since this will interupt the planned distribution process. However, you can purchase the OCP uniforms and OCP uniform accessories from retailers like US Patriot as long as you don't wear them until you're authorized to do so. US Patriot will even affix your patches and badges to your Air Force uniform before sending it to you.

OCP Uniform Accessories

Air Force boot regulations have been loosened and you're now allowed to wear coyote brown side-zip boots. Cold weather gear has also been clarified. You're allowed to wear coyote brown or black scarves, earmuffs, black watch caps, and sage green gloves while you're outdoors and wearing authorized outer garments.