From Cadet Handbook CHAPTER EIGHT:
1. As stated previously, the most important element of proper wear of the Air Force uniform is military image--the image of honor, pride, respect, discipline and confidence to everyone who sees you. The uniform standards in DAFI 36-2903 Link are influenced to some extent by military tradition, and they are intended to ensure cadets present a strong military image to the civilian community. When you wear the uniform, you are responsible for displaying a neat, clean and professional military image--not only in the appearance of the uniform itself but also in your personal appearance. Cadets who are willing and able to change personal appearance in order to present military image will be the most successful JROTC cadets!
2. Uniform grooming standards apply at all times when a cadet is wearing the uniform.
Articles such as wallets, pencils, pens, watch chains, checkbooks, handkerchiefs and combs must be concealed. Keep your shoes clean and shined, and keep your badges, rank insignia, belt buckles and other metallic devices clean, polished and free of scratches. Your ribbons must be clean and you are responsible to have them replaced when they become worn, frayed or faded--this is an inspection item.
3. Hair must be clean, well-groomed and neat, not drawing attention to the cadet. All cadets are HIGHLY encouraged to check with instructors before spending significant money on a new hairstyle. If a cadet’s hair style prevents headgear being worn correctly, the cadet will be inspected (graded) as if they’re NOT wearing headgear. Etching (designs cut into the hair) is prohibited for both female and male hair.
FEMALE HAIR: style should present a feminine appearance (not an extreme style).
If dyed, must appear natural (i.e., no pink, red, blue, etc.) and one color (subtle highlight are acceptable.
Must not contain excessive amounts of grooming aids.
When groomed, must be above the eyebrows and not extend in length, on any side, below the bottom edge of the shirt collar at the back of the neck.
Must be 3.5 inches or less in bulk (measured from the scalp) and permit proper wear of headgear.
Hair ornaments (ribbons or jeweled pins) are not permitted; however, black scrunchies are permitted. Hair pins, bands, combs, and barrettes will match the cadet’s hair color.
Long hair will be secured with no loose ends while in uniform. While wearing the PT uniform, long hair will be secured but may have loose ends and may extend below the bottom edge of the collar.
Wigs and hairpieces must meet to the same standards required for natural hair.
MALE HAIR: Cut/style must present a neat, tapered appearance--both sides and back. A tapered appearance is one that when viewed from any angle outlines the cadet’s hair so that it conforms to the shape of the head. A block cut is permitted as long as a tapered appearance is kept. Hair must not be worn in extreme or fad style.
Must not contain excessive amounts of grooming aids such as creams, oils or sprays that remain visible in the hair.
If dyed, must appear natural (i.e., no red, blue, etc.) and one color (no highlights).
Must not exceed 1¼ inches in bulk regardless of the length.
Bulk and length must not interfere with the proper wear of headgear.
Must not touch the ears or the shirt collar.
When groomed, must be above the eyebrows and may not be visible below the front band of properly worn headgear.
4. Male facial hair, if worn, must be neat and groomed.
Beards are not permitted except with a doctor’s note. If a doctor’s note requires no shaving, facial hair will not exceed ¼ inch in length.
Mustaches will not extend downward beyond the top edge of the upper lip or extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn from the corner of the mouth.
Sideburns must be neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as the haircut. (Sideburns will be no longer than the hair above them.) They must be straight and of even width (not flared) and end in a clean shaven horizontal line. Sideburns must not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening.
5. Jewelry may be worn while in uniform; however, attention must be given to ensure that the jewelry does not detract (draw attention) from the uniform.
CADETS WILL NOT WEAR ANY KIND OF RING OR PIERCING ON THE FACE (INCLUDING NOSE, EYEBROW, LIP, TONGUE, ETC.) WHILE IN UNIFORM.
Cadets may not wear ornaments on the head, visible ornaments around the neck, or ornamentation on eyeglass lenses or frames while in uniform.
Male cadets will not wear earrings. (Applies for field trips with civilian/PT clothes.)
Female may wear small (no larger than a regular pencil eraser), spherical, conservative (e.g., diamond, gold, silver or white pearl), pierced or clip earrings. Females may wear earrings with all uniforms, unless safety considerations dictate otherwise. The band connecting non-pierced earrings may extend slightly below the ear lobe. If a cadet has multiple holes, only one set of earrings will be worn in the lower earlobe.
Bracelets must be no more than 1/2 inch wide and conservative (no bright colors). Bracelets that support a cause, philosophy, individual or group (e.g., bracelets such as the yellow Cancer Foundation) are NOT authorized.
Necklaces may not be worn while wearing the uniform.
Cadets may wear one watch and no more than a total of three rings while in uniform. No more than two rings will be worn on either hand. Rings will be worn at the base of the finger and will not be worn on the thumb.
Eyeglasses will not be worn around the neck, on top or back of the head or exposed/hanging on uniform.
6. Nail polish (only worn by females) will be a single color that compliments the wearer’s natural skin color and does NOT detract from the uniform. Bright colors (i.e., purple, gold, blue, bright red, fluorescent/neon colors) are not permitted. Nail designs, glitter, diamonds, etc. are not permitted; however, pink, French/American manicures are permitted. Female cadets are encouraged to check with instructors before purchasing expensive, permanent nails or nail colors.
7. Tattoos/brands/body markings, whether you are in or out of uniform, are not permitted anywhere on the body if they are obscene or if they advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination. Tattoos or brands that might harm good order and discipline or bring discredit upon the Air Force are also barred, whether you are in or out of uniform. The SASI is the sole decision authority on what meets these definitions. Tattoos/ brands/body markings will not be on the hands (except one ring tattoo on one finger on one hand), head, neck (anything visible above the open collar uniform), face, tongue, lips, eyes, and scalp.
8. Your school ID must be worn at all times--including during uniform inspection. When in uniform, your school ID is the only authorized item to hang around the neck.
9. Grade insignia identifies the rank of each member of the Armed Forces. Members of the Air Force perform duties equal with their skill and grade. This also applies to Air Force Junior ROTC. The higher your rank or grade, the more responsibility is put on you. In turn, you are expected to perform your duties in accordance with this increased responsibility. Therefore, when in uniform cadets will ALWAYS wear their appropriate grade insignia. Incorrect (or missing) grade insignia could lead to loss of cadet rank.
10. JROTC sponsored field trips in uniform, present cadets with a unique opportunity to showcase their pride and respect for the United States Air Force. During JROTC sponsored field trips where civilian clothes (or a JROTC t-shirt) is authorized, female cadets may wear only one earring per ear and male cadets will NOT wear any earrings. Head rags are also not authorized during scheduled group activities.