The U.S. Space Force has released new dress and appearance regulations for its personnel, marking a significant step in defining its identity as a distinct military branch. On August 15, 2023, the Space Force issued the Space Force Instruction (SPFI) 36-2903, which sets forth guidelines that move away from the traditional Air Force standards that have been in place since the Space Force was established in 2019.
Katharine Kelley, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Personnel, emphasized the importance of appearance for the nearly 10,000 uniformed Guardians. “Every Guardian’s military presence and appearance are a critical and visible demonstration of our professional force,” she stated in a service release. The new policy aims to align personal appearance with the Space Force’s operational objectives and culture.
While many of the newly established regulations echo those of the Air Force, several key differences have been introduced, particularly in grooming standards and the use of duty identifier patches. According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, the Space Force is allowing its Guardians more flexibility regarding these patches, unlike the Air Force, which banned all 134 duty identifier patches in January 2023. Former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin explained the reasoning behind the ban, stating, “As we identify ourselves as one type of Airman or another, we really diminish ourselves.” The Space Force’s decision reflects a commitment to encouraging service members to take pride in their diverse missions, which include areas such as orbital warfare, cyberspace warfare, and satellite communications.
In terms of grooming standards, both the Air Force and Space Force have similar requirements for hairstyles and other personal appearance guidelines. However, key differences exist. The Air Force mandates that male airmen be clean-shaven at the start of each duty day and prohibits hair from touching their ears. The Space Force, on the other hand, does not impose such strict regulations.
Looking ahead, updates to the dress code may be on the horizon as the Space Force prepares to unveil its new service dress uniforms. These are expected to be introduced in early 2026, further distinguishing the Space Force from its predecessors and solidifying its unique identity within the U.S. military framework.
