The U.S. Air Force has reinstated duty identifier patches—abbreviated career field tabs worn on camouflage uniforms—following a policy change ordered by Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach.
The decision was announced Friday as part of updated dress and appearance regulations. The patches, which denote career specialties such as PA for public affairs or PJ for pararescuemen, were previously removed in a January 2023 memo by Gen. David Allvin, Wilsbach’s predecessor.
“I’ve decided to bring duty identifier patches back because the Air Force is made up of many different specialties, each with a unique role in our mission to generate airpower,” Wilsbach said in a news release.
The Air Force listed 103 approved patches in a document accompanying the announcement, ranging from 1SGT for first sergeant to POL for fuels.
The change was outlined in a memo from Richard Anderson, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs. In addition to patches, the memo includes updates on the wear of backpacks, earbuds, texting while walking in uniform, and the use of eyeglasses and sunglasses.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe said the decision to restore the patches aims to honor members’ skills and career heritage. “These patches are a reflection of the skills you earned, and every patch tells a story that ends with AIRPOWER,” he said.
The unofficial Facebook page Air Force amn/nco/snco showed generally favorable reaction to the move.
Other uniform policy updates include a prohibition on wearing earbuds, headphones, or wireless devices while in uniform unless it supports official duties. Text messaging, speakerphone use, or other mobile device use while walking in uniform is restricted to emergencies or official notifications.
Exceptions apply during travel on public transportation and while wearing approved physical training gear during fitness activities.
Service members are also prohibited from wearing smart glasses with photo, video, or artificial intelligence functions while in uniform. Authorized eyeglass lenses must be clear, slightly tinted, or photosensitive. Frames must be black, brown, white, dark blue, gray, transparent, silver, or gold wire. Sunglass lenses must be in traditional gray, brown, or other dark shades.
