New rules set for wearing fleece jacket - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

New rules set for wearing fleece jacket

Just in time for winter, the Air Force has released new rules for wearing the sage green fleece jacket.

Air Force leaders decided in June to shed a requirement that airmen wear a parka over the green fleece jacket, but hadn’t announced the wear rules until Oct. 9.

The decision brings the Air Force rules on fleece more in line with the Army, which allows soldiers to wear their sage green fleece jackets uncovered.

The new rules for the sage green fleece do not apply to the black fleece jacket.

The black jacket can be worn only as a parka liner and will be phased out by October 2010.

Guidelines for wearing green fleece as outerwear:

* Wear over an Airman Battle Uniform blouse or top, not over just a T-shirt or thermal underwear top.

* Length should match as closely as possible to the ABU top’s length.

* Zip it at least halfway.

* Keep the collar down if it is not zipped to the top.

* The collar is OK standing up if the jacket is zipped to the top.

* Sleeves must be rolled down.

* Rank insignia, name and service tapes must be affixed to the jacket by Oct. 1, 2010, only if the fleece is worn without a parka over it.

* The ranks and tapes must be stitched onto removable, Velcro-backed cloth panels worn on the chest — U.S. Air Force on the left, and last name on the right, with rank right above it.

* Black or sage green knit watch caps and black ear muffs can be worn with the jacket.

* Gloves must be black or sage green and either leather or knit.

* Black scarves are allowed, if tucked in.