Blue Mondays: Air Force directs wear of blues on Mondays

[Rev Mike Large]

Just got a memo from CSAF (signed), dated today 4 Sept, directing the wear of blues on Mondays effective 8 Sept. Exceptions for certain career fields as dictated by local commanders.

Personally, I like it -- those who shouldn't wear blues because of their jobs will be excluded from the requirement, and those of us with office jobs and no excuse will have reason to maintain a serviceable couple of sets and actually keep in shape to look acceptable in them. Professional attire and a nod back to heritage and tradition.

[ChaplainC]

Dang it Mike!

I was just going to post that myself. I just got the memo e-mailed to me so I thought I would post it up. I guess you got there first.

I agree with you and I am glad to see that we are back to wearing the blues again. I personally love them, so, I hope they will allow it more often soon. It is who we are, we are not the Army, so wearing a professional uniform is the right choice.

Blessings all
ChaplainC

[CrustySMSgt]

Dang, my webmail is down this morning, so haven't seen it. I don't mind wearing my blues, and used to think wearing them every Friday was a good idea. Glad to see it come back.

[VFFSSGT]

I lean toward supporting this but also have some mixed feelings about it; however, I am in a career field that will be an exception.

They have done away with orderly rooms and other office positions; is there really anyone left to wear blues? <sorry had to throw that sarcasm in there>

Haven't seen the memo yet though...

[CrustySMSgt]

Originally Posted by VFFSSGT

I lean toward supporting this but also have some mixed feelings about it; however, I am in a career field that will be an exception.

They have done away with orderly rooms and other office positions; is there really anyone left to wear blues? <sorry had to throw that sarcasm in there>

Haven't seen the memo yet though...

It will be interesting to see how strictly the guidance is interpreted. Your "I'm in a career field that will be exempted" comment is the crux of the issue. Exemptions should be by DUTY, not AFSC. If your primary duties have you tied to a desk, then you should wear your blues. The gray area is those who mostly work behind a desk, but every now & again have to get dirty. Personally, I believe they should also wear their blues, and IF it just so happened that a situation came up that they had to get dirty on a Monday, they change into their utility uniform.

Will also be interesting how the "bag" wearing community handles it, since most already completely disregard the current policy on FDU wear.

[CrustySMSgt]

Originally Posted by CrustySMSgt

It will be interesting to see how strictly the guidance is interpreted. Your "I'm in a career field that will be exempted" comment is the crux of the issue. Exemptions should be by DUTY, not AFSC. If your primary duties have you tied to a desk, then you should wear your blues. The gray area is those who mostly work behind a desk, but every now & again have to get dirty. Personally, I believe they should also wear their blues, and IF it just so happened that a situation came up that they had to get dirty on a Monday, they change into their utility uniform.

Will also be interesting how the "bag" wearing community handles it, since most already completely disregard the current policy on FDU wear.

Memo states the installation CC will determine policy for the base, so it'll be up to them to make the policy base-wide.

[imnohero]

From the memo:

... part of our image, culture, and professionalism is instilled in our blues.

I tend to agree. Do I think wearing blues one day a week will have an impact? I'm skeptical having been through this kind of initiative several times in the past in my 20 years.

I'll say this, there will be a lot of people at clothing sales tomorrow...having failed to get back to basics and have a set hanging in the closet already.

[VFFSSGT]

Originally Posted by CrustySMSgt

It will be interesting to see how strictly the guidance is interpreted. Your "I'm in a career field that will be exempted" comment is the crux of the issue. Exemptions should be by DUTY, not AFSC. If your primary duties have you tied to a desk, then you should wear your blues. The gray area is those who mostly work behind a desk, but every now & again have to get dirty. Personally, I believe they should also wear their blues, and IF it just so happened that a situation came up that they had to get dirty on a Monday, they change into their utility uniform.

Will also be interesting how the "bag" wearing community handles it, since most already completely disregard the current policy on FDU wear.

Yes, my career field does have its staff positions like other maintenance fields but I was speaking generally...

[ChaplainC]

Originally Posted by imnohero

I'll say this, there will be a lot of people at clothing sales tomorrow...having failed to get back to basics and have a set hanging in the closet already.

Of this I have no doubt. I have kept mine up. In fact I just had it dry cleaned a month ago. So I am ready for it to come.

Originally Posted by CrustySMSgt

Will also be interesting how the "bag" wearing community handles it, since most already completely disregard the current policy on FDU wear.

Oh they will do no different. The bag is considered a "blues" uniform by most, so, I doubt they will wear anything different. Fly their desks around just the same as always.

[Smeghead]

Originally Posted by CrustySMSgt

Will also be interesting how the "bag" wearing community handles it, since most already completely disregard the current policy on FDU wear.

It will pan out just as it did when Gen Jumper told folks to get back in blues ... at the wings it only applied to the BDU wearers