Updated AFI 36-2903: Highlight #1 Published Aug. 22, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Whitney Jackson Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Editor's note: This Highlight is just one of many changes included in the recently updated version of AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel. A total of 10 Highlights are scheduled to be included in this series. All photos are staged and intended to provide visual examples of improper standards due to the AFI updates. For more information on dress and appearance standards, Airmen are encouraged to review the new AFI or contact their commander or first sergeant. Air Force officials released the updated Air Force Instruction 36-2903 July 18, 2011, to all Air Force personnel. One change in the updated AFI is located in Chapter 2.13.6, which states when in uniform or civilian clothes (in an official capacity), Airmen must not engage in public displays of affection including, but not limited to, holding hands (except when holding a young child's hand), walking arm-in-arm, embracing, caressing, and kissing. Public displays of affection are inappropriate as they violate a long-standing custom of service and may be service discrediting since indiscriminate displays of affection detract from the professional image the Air Force intends to project to the public. The AFI Chapter 2.13.6.1 also states that brief display of affection, such as a modest kiss or embrace, may be permitted in situations where physical contact is commonly accepted etiquette such as weddings, graduation, promotion, or retirement ceremonies; and upon departure for or return from deployments.
