MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 908th Force Support Squadron took part in a blues/service dress inspection March 5. Inspections are an important part of the military tradition that the FSS continues to uphold annually.
This importance of an inspection lies in the fact that it provides an opportunity to demonstrate military professionalism through the open ranks exercise, and is an important part of adhering to AFI 36-2903, "Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel," as well as maintaining overall readiness.
"I think that this aspect of drill and ceremony helps keep Airmen grounded in the history and discipline that has made the Air Force great for almost 70 years," said Lt. Col. Darris Edge, Commander, 908th Mission Support Group.
"We are tasked to perform duties in various environments, often with little lead time. We must be committed to meeting that challenge whether it requires ABU’s, Blues, physical training uniforms or inclement weather gear. The importance of meeting that objective is a unit priority," Edge said.
The 908th FSS will be out again next year as they continue taking part of this proud tradition.
Dress and Appearance Standards change from time-to-time, which is why it is important to perform dress inspections. Recent updates include:
• Clarification on other services’ qualification badges and morale patches
• Added wear of the Friday morale undershirt patches and name tags to Friday, Saturday or Sunday for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard personnel or during special events
• Added authorization to place officially approved organizational emblems on the front and back of the morale undershirt
• Added guidance that morale undershirt can be worn with the PTU/IPTU on Fridays for active duty personnel and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard personnel.
• Added security forces shield as an optional item to be worn on the mess dress
• Added fire protection and security forces shield as an optional item for sage green fleece
• Added white athletic style tank top undershirt as an option for open collared blue shirts and provided clarity to athletic style undershirt