Make a good impression during inspection

  • Published
  • By 341st Force Support Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Gen. George Patton stated "You cannot be disciplined in great things and undisciplined in small things. Brave undisciplined men have no chance against the discipline and valor of other men."

So what might we consider small things; perhaps dress and appearance or customs and courtesies? Chief Buchi, 341st Mission Support Group command chief stated that "As a military organization we live and die on the discipline of our people. Dress and appearance and customs and courtesies are the foundation of this discipline."

As we prepare for the upcoming CUI in next week, we must focus on discipline. Many will focus on checklist discipline or ensuring they strictly follow the Technical Orders. However, the impression we will first impart on the inspectors will have nothing to do with the checklists and TOs, but will be of ourselves. How well or poorly do we uphold the standards of uniform wear? Do we pay attention and render proper greetings and salutes? As we are about a week out from the inspection, this seems like a good time to remind folks of a few items in particular. I polled the Missile Wing chiefs and first sergeants, and the following are what they believe need the most attention.

First and foremost, it is everyone's responsibility to enforce standards. If an airman first class observes a senior NCO or officer incorrectly wearing their uniform, that Airman has a responsibility to professionally correct that individual, just as an NCO does an Airman. Secondly, as the weather has turned colder and the days shorter, remember to wear your reflective belt during hours of darkness or reduced visibility. Also, hands do not belong in pockets, and if you are going to wear the sage green knit or fleece watch cap while in ABUs, you must be wearing an outer garment such as APEC, fleece or parka. Gloves may be worn with or without outer garment and must be black or sage green.

Physical Training Uniform reminders include, when wearing the jacket it must be zipped at least halfway between the waistband and collar, and sleeves within one-inch of the wrist. The short and long-sleeved shirt should be tucked into shorts or running pants at all times. Short and long-sleeved white or light gray form fitting undershirts may be worn and visible under the short-sleeved PTU shirt. When wearing the running pants or shorts, the waistband will rest at, or within, two inches of the natural waistline. Both pant legs will extend below the ankles and will be zipped to within one inch of the bottom. Short, mid- and full-length solid black or dark blue form fitting sportswear (i.e. spandex) may be worn and visible under the running shorts.

Another item worth mentioning are back packs and gym bags. These may be black, ABU-patterned, olive drab or Air Force sage green and may be worn with ABUs. Gym bags may also be solid dark-blue and all properly colored gym bags must have matching stitching and be carried in the left hand. Both items may have small logos. Airmen may wear a back pack on the left shoulder or both shoulders. Back packs will not have ornamentation, a high-gloss, designs or hanging/dangling objects.

This group of reminders falls under Customs and Courtesies. Remember to stand up when addressed by an individual of higher rank, or when they enter the room and use sir or ma'am. Also, crossing the street or looking the other way to avoid saluting is unacceptable. Finally, while walking in uniform, use of personal electronic media devices (i.e cell phones), including ear pieces, speaker phones or text messaging is limited to emergencies or when official notifications are necessary. Military customs and courtesies take precedence. Such devices will be plain black, silver, dark blue, or gray as well as it's carrying case.

These are just a few reminders regarding dress and appearance and customs and courtesies. Personnel often don't know when they are out of standards, so take the time to professionally correct anyone you notice out of standards. If you have questions on proper wear of any uniform or uniform item, you can find the answer in AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel. We will only get one chance to make a good first impression during the inspection, and it starts with appearance and courtesies.