RAF

Tucked out back in vogue: RAF makes changes to dress regs and its appearance policy

The RAF has updated its dress regs to allow personnel to wear the lightweight PCS jacket untucked – but how is the change being perceived?

To tuck or not to tuck? That is the question.

The RAF has made several changes to its dress regulations and appearance policy, including one fundamental alteration to the lightweight jacket worn as part of the Personal Clothing System (PCS).

The garment, which is made for combat and is part of the uniform that RAF personnel wear when deployed on operations and exercises, was originally designed to be worn untucked, but for years it's been worn tucked in.

Historically, the lightweight PCS jacket would only be worn untucked whilst personnel are serving on operations. However, the RAF has now updated its policy and told personnel it should be worn untucked as standard.

Dividing opinion

A poll of the BFBS Forces News YouTube audience found that 37% were in favour of the change, while the remaining 63% felt the jacket should be tucked in. Nearly 1,000 people took part in the poll.

lightweight PCS jacket tucked in vs tucked out — The lightweight PCS jacket was previously tucked in in most circumstances (left) and only worn untucked on operations (right)

One voter commented that the jacket "looks messy untucked" while another said: "When it first came in we had it untucked, here we are full circle!"

Others felt the change reflected a lowering of standards. One person said: "I was in the 1st Rifle company in my battalion issued PCS in 2011 for our deployment to the Falklands, we were told it was to be untucked, within 10 mins on parade we were all sent back in to get stable belts and tuck it in."

Jewellery, nail varnish and goatees now permitted

RAF appearance policy has also undergone some changes. Wording has been simplified to make the rules easier to understand and a ceremonial appearance standards policy has been implemented.

An RAF spokesperson said: "The RAF's appearance policy aims to maintain high standards of appearance while ensuring that it reflects modern, inclusive values."

RAF Regiment with beard on parade during RAF Honington graduation — Beards have been permitted for some time in the RAF, but these changes now allow full goatees too (Picture: MOD)

The full list of changes is as follows:

:: When it comes to facial hair, full goatees are allowed. Hair may be shorter on the sides and back or shaved. Mohawk/Mohican and mullet styles are still not allowed.

:: Up to four rings are allowed, including smart tech rings (subject to local PED rules) and thumb rings.

:: Women may wear up to four earrings per ear (three in the earlobe and one "helix" stud at the top of the ear). For ceremonial occasions, women may wear one pair of gold ear studs in their earlobes. Helix earrings are not to be worn.

:: When it comes to nail varnish, women may wear any colour of nail varnish, except glitter, metallic, or neon. For ceremonial events, they may wear nail varnish, but it must be clear, nude or French tips.

:: Updated guidance on tattoos is that scalp micropigmentation is permitted, so long as the colour is permitted under the hair policy.