Air Force commanders of units with aircraft maintenance, industrial and other labor intensive Air Force Specialty Codes will have the option to authorize wear of a standardized, maintenance duty uniform, also referred to as coveralls, which may be worn on a day-to-day basis upon publication of the updated AFI 36-2903 anticipated for August 2021.
The career fields authorized to wear the MDU are: 2A, 2F, 2G, 2M, 2P, 2S, 2T, 2W, 3E, 3D, 1P.
“The MDU idea was presented to the 101st uniform board in November 2020 as a way to help increase readiness and timeliness from the work center to the flight line,” said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “We are hoping this change will instill a sense of culture and inclusivity for our maintainers who work to keep the mission going 24/7.”
When authorized by commanders, the sage MDU will be unit funded and members will wear the basic configuration consisting of a nametape, service tapes and rank along with the higher headquarters patch on the left sleeve and a subdued U.S. flag and organizational patch on the right sleeve. The coyote brown t-shirt, OCP patrol or tactical cap, coyote brown or green socks, and coyote brown boots, are worn with the uniform. The MDU will not be utilized for office work environments, non-industrial or non-labor tasking, but is authorized for wear when transiting from home to duty location and all locations on installations. It must be worn in serviceable condition. Local coverall variants are still authorized but only in work centers and on the flight line.
Tactical OCP Cap
Additionally, immediate wear of some tactical OCP caps is authorized while the Air Force continues the acquisition process to complete this new uniform item. These are not yet available through AAFES.
Current tactical OCP caps may be worn if they are made entirely of OCP material or OCP material with a coyote brown mesh back. No other colors or combinations are authorized. The Velcro or sew-on spice brown name tape will be worn centered on the back of the caps. The only item authorized for wear on the front of the cap is rank for officers.
Officers will wear either pinned, sewn or Velcro spice brown rank insignia centered ½ inch on the front of the cap on an OCP background. Air Force first lieutenants and lieutenant colonels will wear black rank. Velcro on the hat should not exceed the size of the insignia. Chaplains may wear the chaplain occupational badge sewn-on and centered ½ inch above the visor.
Enlisted members will not wear rank insignia or a subdued flag on the cap, only a name tape on the back of the cap is authorized. The front of the cap must not have any Velcro or other items.
In addition, females are authorized to pull their bun or ponytail through the back of the tactical OCP cap.
Once the acquisition process is complete for the new uniform item, which is expected to take approximately a year, all other caps will be unauthorized.
At this time, Guardians will adhere to the uniform standards of the U.S. Air Force until the U.S. Space Force develops its own policy.
Note: Theater commanders prescribe the dress and personal appearance standards in the theater of operations.
