Smart Glasses Out: Air Force Tightens Dress and Appearance Rules
Smart Glasses Out: Air Force Tightens Dress and Appearance Rules Staff Reports February 9, 2026 12:31 pm Aviation, Eglin Air Force Base, Military In Brief: Who: U.S. Air Force Airmen; Gen. Ken Wilsbach; CMSgt David R. Wolfe What: Updates to DAFI 36-2903 dress and appearance standards When: Announced Jan. 9, 2026 Where: Issued by the Department of the Air Force, Arlington, Virginia Why: To reduce ambiguity, reinforce professionalism, and recognize specialized roles The U.S. Air Force has released updated guidance to its dress and personal appearance standards, clarifying uniform requirements and explicitly prohibiting the wear of smart glasses or eyewear with camera, video, or artificial intelligence capabilities while in uniform. The Department of the Air Force issued the new memorandum Jan. 9, updating DAF Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Department of the Air Force Personnel. Officials say the changes are designed to reduce ambiguity, reinforce military professionalism, and ensure consistency across the force. Among the most notable clarifications is the ban on smart eyewear, including glasses capable of taking photos, recording video, or using AI-enabled features. The Air Force emphasized that such wearable technology is unauthorized while in uniform, regardless of duty status. The guidance also reinstates duty identifier patches, a move leaders say recognizes the specialized skills and heritage that contribute to mission success. “I’ve decided to bring duty identifier patches back because the Air Force is made up of many different specialties, each with a unique role in our mission to generate airpower,” said Air Force...
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