7.1. How To Recommend Uniform Changes. Submit proposals for new or changed uniform clothing items and wear criteria on an AF Form 1000, United States Air Force Suggestion, and process as indicated below. Process requests for reconsideration for disapproved proposals the same as initial proposals. They are exempt from the automatic higher level review provisions of AFI 38-401, The Air Force Suggestion Program.
7.1.1. Processing Suggestions. Host base MPF Customer Service Element considers each proposal. Base-level agencies, e.g., hospital, and safety, provide comments as needed. The installation commander signs proposals recommended for approval with rationale for approval and forwards to the suggestor's MAJCOM Director of Personnel. The MPF Chief has disapproval authority. Disapproval is appropriate when the suggestion is not a new idea, when it duplicates a previous AF Form 1000 with "ownership" rights, or when the proposal clearly is not beneficial or desirable. MPF Chief forwards recommendations for disapproval based on other reasons with the statement "not recommended for adoption, but disapproval not within the authority of this office" on AF Form 1000-1, Suggestion Evaluation and Transmittal.
7.1.2. Uniform Boards. MAJCOMs conduct their own uniform boards to evaluate each proposal. The commander, vice commander, or chief of staff signs proposals recommended for approval and sends them to the Air Force Uniform Board (AFUB), HQ USAF/DPPU, 1040 Air Force Pentagon, Washington D.C., 20330-1040. The AFUB evaluates each proposal and makes recommendations to the Chief of Staff, USAF. If the MAJCOM disapproves the suggestion, return it and the reasons for disapproval through command channels.
7.1.3. Air Staff, Field Operating Agency (FOA), and Direct Reporting Unit (DRU) Recommendations. FOA and DRU commanders, Air Staff Deputy Chiefs of Staff (DCS), and their assistants, submit recommendations directly to the AFUB.
*7.1.4. Air Force Academy Uniform Board. The Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), appoints an Air Force Academy Cadet Uniform Board to review all proposed changes to Air Force cadet and preparatory school student uniforms. The Superintendent may approve changes regarding USAFA cadet and preparatory student uniform accessories and insignia, but must send other proposed changes to the Chief of Staff, USAF, for final approval. Proposed changes to the standard Air Force uniform or wear criteria are submitted directly to the AFUB.
7.1.5. The AFUB. This board, composed of senior Air Force personnel, ensures the Air Force uniform is plain and distinctive, and develops consistent policy on all uniform matters. It reviews and selects items of uniform clothing, accessories, and insignia which the Chief of Staff, USAF, approves. AFUB changes are not effective until incorporated into this instruction.
7.1.6. Test Uniforms. Members wear experimental uniform items as part of a AFUB-authorized test program. Members wear test uniform items approved for Air Force use after the test period. HQ USAF/DPPU determines which individuals and units or commands will test new uniform items.
7.2. Processing Supplements:
7.2.1. Include all rules for local wear and additional uniform guidance in a supplement to this directive. Refer to AFI 37-160, vol 1, table 3.2, The Air Force Publications and Forms Management Programs-- Developing and Processing Publications.
7.2.2. MAJCOMs approve their base supplements if instructions are within the guidelines of the basic directive. Coordinate any proposals deviating from current policy with Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center, Personal Programs Branch, (HQ AFPC/DPSTS), 550 C Street West, Suite 30, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas 78150-4714 before incorporating them into the supplement. DPSTS approves MAJCOM or FOA supplements. Upon publication, send one copy and any changes to DPSTS.
7.2.3. Proposed ANG unit supplements are submitted through the state Adjutant General to the Air National Guard Readiness Center, ANG/DPPUR, 3500 Fetchet Avenue, Andrews AFB MD, 20762-5157 for approval. Each unit sends a copy of its approved published supplement and changes to the appropriate Adjutant General and Air National Guard Readiness Center, Director for Personnel, upon publication.
| MICHAEL D. McGINTY, Lt General, USAF DCS/Personnel |