Dress and appearance – it’s your responsibility Published May 19, 2008 By Senior Master Sgt. Valerie J. Weaver 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Most people can drive around the base and spot at least one person out of regulations in their uniform. This may be because Airmen are not as aware of uniform changes as they occur or become effective. First Sergeants are typically viewed as those who enforce the standards, or "watch dogs," and here are some uniform violations most commonly observed, both above and below the belt. Below the equator, "Take your hands out of your pockets." said Master Sgt. Lawrence Anderson, 52nd Operations Support Squadron. "Pants (BDUs, PT shorts/pants) belong on your waist, not your hips." said Master Sgt. Tammy Robel, 702nd Munitions Squadron. Above the equator, Master Sgt. Jody Wray, 52nd Mission Support Squadron, said, "My big issue is eating, drinking and talking on a cell phone while walking in uniform. I seem to see it everywhere." Senior Master Sgt. Art Heller, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, said, "I continuously see folks wearing headsets while running. This is a serious safety issue." Not only is it a safety issue, but it is also not allowed per the Security Forces AFI. You just might get that nice, expensive iPod confiscated. Here's one for the ladies from Master Sgt. Nicole Johnson, first sergeant for the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "One of my biggest pet peeves is ladies' purses. Everyone wants to have the 'hot new Coach bag', and they pay a pretty penny for it." According to AFI 36-2903, purses must be plain black leather or vinyl without ornamentation, with or without plain fold-over flap, with or without single-placed silver or gold-colored clasp. They may have up to two adjustable shoulder straps with or without buckles, and may be patent leather or high gloss not to exceed 13 x 9 x 4 1/2 inches deep. Carry a conservative, plain black purse. The bottom line is that the Air Force is not a fashion show, otherwise women would not be allowed to wear the cool-looking men's low-quarters with the blues skirt, right? People who "pick and choose" which uniform rules they want to follow could potentially do the same for anything else: Guard the base? Let everyone on! Perform maintenance on multi-million dollar aircraft? Don't worry about those extra parts. Process paperwork? Who cares if someone gets paid on time! If the little things aren't done correctly, how can supervisors expect the "important" things to be taken care of? Have pride in the uniform you are wearing. Think about that the next time you're tempted to stick your hands in your pockets.