Uniform standards: Convenience vs. compliance Published Dec. 29, 2008 By Chief Master Sgt. Robert Thomas 305th Aerial Port Squadron McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- DoD and service-specific standards are critical to conducting business in the time constrained, hostile environment of fighting the Global War on Terrorism at home and abroad. Recent incidents involving the handling of nuclear weapons and related components highlight the importance of adhering to established technical orders, instructions, and manuals in everything we do, both on-and-off duty. Failure to follow even the most insignificant standard breaks down the Air Force's ability to maintain good order and discipline. A co-worker shared his experience involving an Airman who made a conscious decision to disregard dress and appearance standards. He had just entered a local convenience store parking lot when he noticed an Airman entering the store without wearing a BDU shirt. He caught up with the individual and asked why they were not wearing their BDU top and their response was, "I was only stopping for a carton of milk." He took the time to explain that they were not wearing an authorized uniform combination for this situation. The Airman probably didn't want to be bothered with the extra 10-15 seconds to put their shirt on before leaving their vehicle or, worse yet, left it at their quarters. I approached an Airman in uniform I observed walking while talking on their cell phone from their vehicle to the BX. When it was brought to their attention that this was against AFI 36-2903, they replied, "I was in a hurry." A senior NCO in my squadron, who stopped a t a local off-base diner, noticed an Airman eating lunch without wearing their BDU top. When queried, their answer was, "I'm an Air Reserve Technician, a civilian. I don't have to follow uniform standards." And the examples go on and on... Below is an article written by Airman 1st Class Christopher Kobernuss, who worked with me more than five years ago, titled "What the uniform means to me." On the way from my home in Ohio to San Antonio where I was about to begin basic training, I kept looking out the window thinking to myself, "I'm really doing this. My family will be so proud. My wife and daughter can sleep easy knowing that I will protect them." As my flight landed, a little boy behind me was looking out the window. He turned to his mother and asked where the bombs were. His mother told him there were no bombs on this kind of plane. Then he asked, "Who's going to protect us if there's no bombs?" His mom said, "Honey, there's somebody out there to protect us." That made me realize that my family wasn't the only family relying on me for protection. I have a much bigger family now. My uniform means protection. My uniform means people will not have to wonder who will keep them safe. My uniform means our families will not have to worry about suicide car bombings or guerilla attacks in our streets. My uniform means freedom. My uniform means servicemembers before me gave me the freedom to choose. My uniform means it's my turn to ensure people after me have that same freedom. My uniform means honor. My family and I were visiting Sea World at the end of basic training. A woman came up to me and grabbed my arm. She said, "Don't think I'm crazy, but I want to thank you for what you're doing. You have no idea what this means to me. I really appreciate what you're doing for our country." Then she thanked me again and shook my hand. My uniform means pride. How many people wake up in the morning and know they are a part of the greatest force in the world? How many of them put on their uniform and know everybody in the world is watching them? I know there is no uniform that attracts attention as much as mine does. This is the last uniform I'll ever wear. I know every time I put on my uniform I will look sharp and professional. My uniform means courage. When the time comes and it's my turn, I'll be able to take the training I've received and perform in a hostile environment. I'll put on my uniform and know it means I'll be able to help people who can't help themselves. When I put my uniform on, it means I'm willing to get in harm's way and protect what I believe in. When I put on this uniform, it means my wingman can trust me with his or her life, and I will trust him with mine. What a poignant reminder of the caliber of individuals we have entering our Air Force and how we as Airman should feel when we wear the uniform that represents the world's greatest air and space force. How do you feel when you put on the uniform every day? Do you take the time to "check yourself" before leaving your quarters for work? Are you dressed in the appropriate uniform combination to properly represent our Air Force? An exceptional senior NCO summarized following standards as, "We are paid to follow standards; it requires a conscious decision to exceed or disregard those standards." How do you represent our Air Force and the United States of America when you wear the uniform?