Yes, you can wear sunglasses with Air Force Blues, but only under specific conditions and with strict adherence to uniform regulations. The primary goal is to always maintain a professional and military appearance.
Understanding Sunglasses Wear with Air Force Blues
Wearing sunglasses with the Air Force Blues uniform is permitted for practical purposes like sun protection, but it is heavily regulated to uphold military standards. These regulations dictate when and how sunglasses can be worn, ensuring they do not detract from the uniform's professionalism.
When Wearing Sunglasses is Permitted
Under certain circumstances, Air Force personnel are allowed to wear sunglasses while in their Blues:
- Outdoors: Sunglasses are generally authorized for wear outdoors when appropriate for sun protection.
- Conservative Style: They must be conservative in design, color, and appearance. This typically means standard frame colors like black, brown, dark blue, or gray, with lenses that are not mirrored or excessively reflective.
- Professional Image: The sunglasses should always present a professional image and not be trendy or faddish.
- Proper Fit: They must fit properly and not extend beyond the widest part of the head.
- No Logos: Large or conspicuous logos on frames or lenses are usually not permitted, or must be very subtle.
When Sunglasses Are Strictly Prohibited
There are several key situations where wearing sunglasses with Air Force Blues is expressly forbidden to maintain discipline and military bearing:
- During military formations: Sunglasses are not allowed while in a military formation, regardless of sun conditions. This rule is in place to ensure a uniform appearance and readiness.
- Indoors: Sunglasses are generally not worn indoors unless medically necessary due to a documented condition (in which case, they would typically be prescription lenses).
- At Night: Wearing sunglasses at night or in extremely overcast conditions is inappropriate and prohibited.
- Official Ceremonies or Addressing Superiors: They should be removed during official ceremonies, when addressing a senior officer, or in any situation where direct eye contact is expected as a sign of respect.
- Around the Neck: Neither eyeglasses nor sunglasses can be worn around the neck while in uniform, whether on a cord or simply hanging.
- Improper Placement: Sunglasses must not be worn on top of the head, attached to the uniform, or hanging from a pocket. When not worn, they should be stored out of sight.
Maintaining Professional Appearance
The overarching principle is that sunglasses should never detract from the military image. Air Force members are expected to exercise good judgment when wearing sunglasses to uphold the integrity of the uniform. If you require corrective lenses and wish to wear sunglasses, ensure they are prescription sunglasses that meet the conservative appearance standards.
Sunglasses & Air Force Blues: Quick Guide
| Permitted Use | Prohibited Use |
|---|---|
| Outdoors for sun protection | During military formations |
| Conservative, professional styles | Indoors (unless medically required) |
| Plain, non-mirrored lenses | Around the neck while in uniform |
| Solid, conservative frame colors | On top of the head, attached to uniform |
| Stored out of sight when not worn | At night or in low-light conditions |
| Prescription lenses (if required) | Trendy, faddish, or oversized styles |
| While addressing superiors or during ceremonies |
For the most current and detailed information, always consult the official Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2903, "Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel," available on the Air Force Portal or official AF websites, such as this link to AFI 36-2903 (PDF).
