US Air Force boots must meet new height requirements under updated uniform policy
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The US Air Force has revised its dress and appearance standards to include new regulations on combat boot height. The update, released Thursday, July 10, requires all approved US Air Force boots to be between 8 and 12 inches tall from the heel tread to the top back of the boot. The soles must not exceed two inches in thickness.This change effectively eliminates sneaker-like and hiking-style boots that have become popular for their comfort and military-compliant colors but fall short of the height requirement.Also read: US deploys F-35s to Philippines for first time amid rising tensions with China 'Combat boots must now be between 8-12 inches in height from the bottom of the heel tread to the top of the back of the boot,' the Air Force stated. The policy is scheduled to take effect within the next 90 days.In addition to the new requirements for US Air Force boots, the policy also ends the authorization of eyelash extensions, a rule that had been in place for the past four years. According to the Air Force memo, medical exceptions will be considered.Officers across all career fields will also be required to maintain at least one full set of the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform, even if they do not regularly wear it to work. This includes pilots and others who typically wear flight suits.'All Air Force officers, regardless of career field, must maintain at least one complete set of either the non-fire-retardant operational camouflage pattern uniform or an improved hot weather combat OCP uniform,' the service said in its release.To enhance comfort during warm weather or physical activity, personnel are now allowed to roll their uniform cuffs twice while still being considered in compliance with sleeve-down requirements.Also read: US Air Force sounds alarm on China's missile arsenal and 'Kill Web' threat Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David A. Flosi provided additional context in a Facebook post, stating that the ban on eyelash extensions will be implemented within 30 days, while the boot and uniform changes will take effect in 90 days.'This update is based on feedback from our NCOs & the Standards and Readiness Reviews across the force,' Flosi wrote.This announcement marks the second round of uniform policy updates from the Air Force this year. In February, the service revised several appearance rules, eliminating duty identifier patches and restricting previously authorized nail polish colors. It also clarified grooming expectations for male personnel and reinstated the traditional definition of a 'gig line,' referring to the vertical alignment of the shirt, belt, and pants fly.These incremental updates reflect ongoing efforts to refine uniform policy in response to operational feedback and changing field conditions.
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