08/09/2023
Don’t have Mess Dress. No problem! Did you know you can wear your blues as semi formal? Please see below if you need instructions on getting your blues ready for the Ball.
1. Name tag and headgear is not worn. Saluting when outdoors is not required.
2. Center ribbons resting on (but not over) edge of welt pocket and between left and right edges.
3. Place US insignia halfway up the lapel seam, resting on but not over it. Bottom of insignia is horizontal with the ground. Circles will be worn around the U. S. Insignias.
4. Air Force members are highly encouraged to wear their current occupational badge. Aeronautical and chaplain badges are mandatory, others are optional. Wear only midsize or regular badges, do not mix sizes. Center aeronautical, occupational, or miscellaneous badge 1/2 inch above the top row of ribbons. Center additional badge 1/2 inch above first one. Center duty or miscellaneous badge 1 1/2 inches below top of welt pocket and centered, and/or on right side centered between arm seam and lapel, with bottom edge of badge parallel to top of welt pocket. EXCEPTIONS: Missile badge is only worn 1 1/2 inches below top of welt pocket and centered. Excellence-In-Competition badge is worn centered on the welt pocket.
5. Center 4 inch sleeve chevron halfway between shoulder seam and elbow bent at 90-degree angle.
6. Herringbone tie is mandatory. Center optional tie tack or tie clasp (Air Force symbol, grade insignia, or wing and star) between bottom edge of knot and bottom tip of tie.
7. Wear with white long or short sleeve shirt.