Are you violating dress, appearance standards? Published July 27, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Heather Heiney 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Air Force uniform simultaneously connects Airmen to one another and sets them apart from the rest of the population. Military uniforms draw the eye and cause observers to draw conclusions about that person, their service and the military in general. That's why it is so essential to make sure that Airmen always follow the standards of dress and appearance. All Airmen are responsible for their own uniforms and according to Air Force Instrucion 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, section 2.13.5., "All Airmen should inform any Air Force member that is in violation of uniform and appearance standards." Senior Master Sgt. Steven Mullens, Keesler's career assistance adviser, said, "Just make sure you have your facts straight and be tactful when you do. And for members being corrected - don't take it personally. Someone is taking the time to help you, make the correction and move on. Recently, base senior noncommissioned officers evaluated what they see as the most common dress and appearance violations on Keesler. Airman battle uniform Leaving buttons unbuttoned. Wearing the ABU hat either too low on head resembling a baseball cap or too high, allowing hair to protrude from beneath the brim of the hat. Hats visible outside of cargo pocket. Sleeves rolled improperly (cuffs must remain visible and the sleeve must rest at or within one inch of elbow when bent at a 90 degree angle). Service dress Improper fit. Not ironed. Dirty or scuffed shoes. Not wearing all earned ribbons. Physical training uniform Rolling or pushing up sleeves and pant legs. Not tucking in shirt. Jacket not zipped. Wearing wrong color socks (must be white) and brightly colored shoes. Flight duty uniform Sleeves rolled improperly (should be tucked under not to exceed the natural bend of the wrist). Zippers unzipped. Other Improper wear, size, color, and material of handbags, backpacks and purses. Wearing bracelets that support a cause. Wearing sunglasses that are mirrored, have ornamentation and display a logo that is not subdued. Wearing hair accessories that don't match hair color. Female hair worn below the bottom edge of the collar, too bulky or styled in a fashion that is not neat or could be considered faddish. Walking or standing with hands in pockets. Talking on cell phone (except for official business) or texting while walking. Men not shaved. Uniforms are soiled or stained. Tattoos exceeding 25 percent of exposed body part. Not wearing a cover outdoors off the installation. "Everyone should take tremendous pride in whatever uniform combination they don and wear it correctly and proudly every time they put it on," Mullens said, "Doing so shows respect for the countless sacrifices of those who have worn it before them."