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CHAPTER 6
J194. General. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
(1) The uniform to be worn by Service personnel and the order of dress on different occasions are laid down in the Uniform, Dress and Clothing Regulations of the respective Services.
(2) The prescribed patterns are to be adhered to and personnel will be responsible for the cost of replacing or restoring to the approved pattern any articles which they alter without authority or which are so altered as a result of their instructions.
(3) Uniform is to be worn by all ranks while on duty, except when authority to the contrary is given, and on such other occasions as may be ordered.
(4) (RAF only) Regulations governing the wearing of civilian clothes are contained in AP 1358.
195. Wearing Emblems with Uniform. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
(1) No unauthorized ornament or emblem is to be worn with uniform.
(2) The authorized ornaments and emblems and the manner in which they are worn are prescribed in AP 1358.
J196. Mourning. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
(1) Court mourning is not to be observed by the Services generally.
(2) A mourning band is a piece of black crepe 3¼ inches wide. It is worn on the left sleeve, positioned so that the bottom of the band lies two inches above the elbow. With the exception of private mourning (see (f) below) only Officers and Warrant Officers are to wear mourning bands. During periods for which Service mourning is ordered, they are to wear bands, only in the following orders of dress and on the occasions listed:
(a) A mourning band will only ever be worn in parade uniform where there is a jacket.
(b) Officers attending Service funerals in uniform are to wear a mourning band. Officers on duty at these events will also wear mourning bands, whether in the procession, acting as ushers, or in another capacity. These rules apply to Officers attending associated memorial services held on the same day.
(c) Officers who wear plain clothes on duty during a period of Service mourning are recommended to wear black ties.
(d) Warrant Officers attending Service funerals in uniform, or acting as ushers, are to wear mourning bands. They are not to wear them if they are on duty in the procession (including bearer parties), lining the route or elsewhere. These rules apply to Warrant Officers attending associated memorial services held on the same day.
(e) Mourning bands are not to be worn at any other memorial services or other ceremonies such as the unveiling of memorials and Remembrance services.
(f) When ordered by a Commanding Officer, for example following the death of a member of the unit, or at reception ceremonies related to the repatriation of a body or remains, mourning bands are to be worn by Officers and Warrant Officers only, and in accordance with the instructions at (a)-(d) above. Bearer parties are not to wear mourning bands.
(g) When, exceptionally, Service personnel wear uniform in private mourning (for example at a family funeral) they may wear a mourning band if so desired. This is the only occasion on which Service personnel below the rank of Warrant Officer may wear mourning bands.
(3) Mourning is not to be worn at Court unless the Court is in mourning. (See also Para J171 on Court Mourning).
(4) Instructions for the observation of Service mourning will be issued by the Ministry of Defence.
(5) Any questions should be referred to PS12(A) through P1(Cer)(RAF).
J197. Leave from Abroad - Uniform. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol Service personnel on leave from abroad are to be in possession of uniform which they can wear if detailed for duty.
J198. Wearing Uniform in Foreign Countries. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
Except when serving with a British Force, RAF personnel are not to wear uniform whilst in a foreign country without having obtained the permission of the Sovereign's representative in that country. Such permission will usually be confined to personnel are employed on duty, or attending Court or State ceremonies to which they have been officially invited. However, exceptionally, and under strict directives given by the appropriate Service Authority, requests to wear uniform for other suitable reasons, such as manoeuvres, weddings, etc, may be submitted for consideration. Such requests are to be referred to HQPTC, UC PSM 1, Room G41a, Bldg 255, RAF Innsworth, Glos. GL3 1EZ.
J199. Occasions on which the Wearing of Uniform is Forbidden. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
(1) When participating in non-service parades (e.g. on Remembrance Day, Battle of Britain Day, etc) serving officers are forbidden to wear uniform if conditions require them to appear in the ranks with serving or ex-Service personnel below commissioned rank. This does not preclude the wearing of uniform by those officiating at a saluting base or appearing officially with a party of civic officials.
(2) Uniform is not to be worn by prospective or adopted parliamentary candidates at political meetings, or while canvassing, appearing in public or engaged in any other activities connected with their candidature. (See also paras J1012, J1012A, J1012B and J1013)
(3) Uniform is not to be worn at functions where fancy dress is worn; the wearing of uniform of obsolete design which is clearly distinguishable from the pattern currently worn is, however, permitted.
(4) Uniform is not to be worn by personnel engaged in temporary or part-time civil employment or while seeking such employment.
J200. Wearing the Uniform of Voluntary Organizations. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
Service personnel may wear the uniform of non-political voluntary organizations (e.g. St. John's Ambulance Brigade, the Salvation Army, the Scouts) on appropriate occasions provided there is no interference with Service duties and obligations but they may not wear the uniform of political organizations.
J201. Wearing Uniform after Leaving the Service. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
The regulations governing the wearing of uniform after leaving the Service are contained in AP 1358.
J202. Removal of Headdress. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
(1) Except when on duty under arms, Service personnel in a civil court are not to wear their headdress while the judge or magistrate is present.
(2) Personnel, other than members of the Jewish faith or of other religions which require the head to be covered on solemn occasions, are to have the head uncovered whenever they take the oath.
(3) (RAF Only) Instructions for removing the headdress on other occasions are contained in AP 1358.
J203. Wearing Orders, Decorations and Medals. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
Orders, decorations, medals and medal ribbons are to be worn in the manner prescribed in AP 1358.
J204. Wearing Non-Military Medals. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
The regulations governing the wearing of non-military medals are contained in AP 1358.
205. (Omitted)
206. Flying Badges - Wearing of. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
(1) Flying badges are divided into two categories, those in current issue, for which aircrew are qualified under the terms of paras J727 and 728 and those no longer issued, for which members of the RAF qualified under regulations in force from time to time. These badges are:
(a) Current issued:
Pilot
Weapons Systems Officer (WSO)
Weapons Systems Operator (WSOp)
Fighter Controller (FC)
Airborne Technician (AT)
The Preliminary Flying Badge (Pilot), UAS personnel only. See Para 728.
(b) Previously in issue:
Navigator(N)
Air Electronics Officer(AE)
Air Electronics Operator(AE)
Air Engineer(E)
Air Signaller(S)
Air Loadmaster(LM)
Air Observer (O)
Air Bomber (B)
Wireless Operator (air) (S)
Wireless Operator Mechanic (air) (S)
Meteorological Air Observer (M)
Observer (radio) (RO)
Air Gunner (AG)
The Preliminary Flying Badge (Pilot)
The Preliminary Flying Badge (Navigator)
The Preliminary Flying Badge (Signaller)
The Preliminary Flying Badge (Engineer)
The Preliminary Flying Badge (Gunner)
The preliminary flying badges listed in clause (1)(b) above, were previously awarded to personnel of the RAFVR and WRAFVR entered for flying duties who successfully completed the basic stage of training and passed the prescribed tests and examinations.
(2) A flying badge, being a qualification badge, is not to be regarded as either a decoration or the equivalent of a regimental badge. Service personnel are not to wear any of the badges listed in clause (1) unless authority for them to do so has been granted in accordance with the regulations prescribed from time to time by the Defence Council.
(3) Personnel who qualified for the award of the flying badge or Observers Badge under regulations in force in the RAF prior to the 3rd September 1939, or under regulations in force from time to time in the Royal Flying Corps or Royal Naval Air Service, may wear the RAF pilot badge or air observer badge, provided that the qualification appears in the official records of officers and airmen held by the MOD. Any cases of doubt should be referred to HQ PTC.
(4) An officer, on ceasing to be employed on flying duties and an airman on being remustered to a ground trade, may elect to wear any of the badges for which he has been previously qualified.
(5) A foreign flying badge is not to be worn with RAF uniform. This regulation does not preclude RAF personnel from accepting the presentation of a foreign flying badge.
(6) Entitled and authorized flying badges are to be worn in accordance with RAF Dress Regulations.
207. Scarves. Sponsor: UCPSM Cer & Pol
Scarves may be worn in the manner prescribed in AP 1358.
208. Body Piercing and Wearing of Trinkets, Studs Etc. Sponsor: P1(Cer)(RAF)
(1) In the case of male personnel, the wearing of watch-chains and trinkets in such a manner as to be seen is not permitted when wearing uniform. Plain rings may, however, be worn. Earrings are not to be worn.
(2) The prohibition in clause (1) is applied to female personnel who are similarly forbidden to wear jewellery when in uniform. They may, however, wear wedding rings and/or engagement rings, or a plain signet ring. Following the piercing of the ears they may wear a plain gold stud earring in each ear lobe. The studs are to be small and unobtrusive and are not to be worn on parade.
(3) Where any part of the body, other than the ear for woman, has been pieced or prepared, whether for any ring stud or sleeper, no such items are to be worn when on duty or standby duty. Similarly, when not in uniform but on duty, standby duty or representing the RAF, the wearing of body piercing jewellery, trinkets or rings etc is not permitted.
(4) Body piercings which cause holes that will not close up are not permitted.
209. Growth of Hair and Beards - Male Personnel. Sponsor: SO1 RAF Cer & UP
(1) The hair of the head is to be well cut and trimmed. Sideburns are to be short and well trimmed and are not to extend below a line running through the mid point of the ear. Extreme styles of haircuts and colouring are not permitted, if the hair is dyed or highlighted, the colour chosen is to be natural and in a uniform shade appropriate to the individual. If a moustache is worn the upper lip is to be unshaven and the moustache is not to extend below the edge of the mouth. The commanding officer shall be the arbiter as to what is or not an acceptable style or length of cut.
(a) Beards. Beards may be permitted on religious grounds or when specially authorised by COs on medical grounds under the provisions of AP1269. The beard is to be a full one and, with the exception of Sikhs, Para (b), it is to be kept short and neatly trimmed.
(b) Sikhs. Policy and guidance for the growth of hair and beards for Sikh personnel is contained in AP 1358, Chap 1.
(2) For occupational or operational reasons, where a hazard clearly exists, personnel authorised to wear beards on religious or medical grounds may be ordered to modify or remove facial hair to such an extent as to enable the correct wearing of respirator or breathing apparatus. However, during routine NBC training or Stn exercises the beard may remain unshaven.
210. Hairdressing and Cosmetics - Female Personnel. Sponsor: SO1 RAF Cer & UP
(1) Female personnel are to arrange their hair in a manner, which permits the service dress cap to be worn correctly; hair is not to show under the front or peak of the cap and the style is to be kept neat and no longer than the bottom edge of the collar at the back of the service jacket. Extreme styles of haircuts and colouring are not permitted, if the hair is dyed or highlighted, the colour chosen is to be natural and in a uniform shade appropriate to the individual. The commanding officer shall be the arbiter as to what is or is not an acceptable colour or style. PMRAFNS personnel are to wear their hair off the collar when engaged in nursing duties. A hair band is permitted, but must be inconspicuous and either of a similar colour to the hair or black. Combs, when worn, must be plain and of a similar colour to the wearer's hair.
(2) Female Aircrew. In addition to the provisions of Para (1), female aircrew who are required to wear flying helmets or aircrew respirators for the performance of their aircrew duties are to wear their hair in a manner which:
(a) Is sufficiently short that the fit and stability of their flying helmet or aircrew respirator is not compromised.
(b) Allows the hair to fit completely and comfortably inside their flying helmet or aircrew respirator without the use of hairpins, clips or other hair-restraining device that might constitute an operational or flight safety hazard.
(3) When in uniform women personnel are forbidden to use brightly coloured nail varnish and cosmetics of a conspicuous nature. Female aircrew are forbidden to wear cosmetics of any kind when performing flying duties that require the use of oxygen masks or aircrew respirators.
211. Tattoos. Sponsor: ACOS Pers Pol (RAF)
Regular and Reserve personnel are not permitted to have any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, which are obscene, offensive or contrary to the Service policy on equality and diversity. Examples of unacceptable tattoos are, inter alia, those that are: racist; anti-religion or belief; crude; overtly sexist; homophobic; drugs related or of an extreme political nature. Any tattoos that are above the neck collar, below the sleeve or trouser cuff, are not permitted, irrespective of their nature. Detailed guidance on the RAF policy on tattoos is contained in AP 3392 Vol 5 Leaflet 123.
212. Inspections of Kit. Sponsor: ACOS Pers Pol (RAF)
A CO is responsible for the standard of dress of all airmen under his command and may order inspections of Service issue items of kit whenever necessary for the maintenance of a satisfactory standard. Additionally, the Service issue items of kit of all airmen below the rank of sergeant are to be inspected prior to their departure overseas on posting or operational detachment.
213-236. (Omitted).
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