The military is a strict and well regulated environment. There are rules regarding pretty much everything, especially in the Air Force. Some of these rules may seem insignificant, but there’s a reason wherefore they’re in place.
One of the main issues relates to jewelry. So, can you wear a necklace in the Air Force? Here’s everything you need to know.
Main rules regarding jewelry in the Air Force
Necklaces are normally allowed in the Air Force, but like everything else, they come with some rules. Certain parts of jewelry, such as wedding rings, face less regulations. They’re not recommended though and for more reasons.
When it comes to necklaces, most of them are religious or related to family. Being in the Air Force is tough enough, so people rely on anything to keep their morale up and keep going.
One of the first rules asks for discreet and small pieces of jewelry. Second, the respective piece of jewelry should never interfere with the equipment or even the uniform. From this point of view, it shouldn’t be considered a health and safety hazard either.
How about religious necklaces?
Whether you get them over jewelers.reviews or other portals, the good news is religious necklaces follow similar rules and they’re allowed if they’re safe to wear. Moreover, there are some sizing requirements as well.
First of all, if your necklace looks too flashy (and that’s an objective point of view), you might need to remove it. Second, religious symbols and necklaces are allowed, but like any other type of necklace, they shouldn’t be larger than a quarter.
There are specific situations when necklaces may not be allowed. For instance, if you end up in a combat situation, a necklace could get caught in the equipment, making you an easy target.
Similar rules apply when it comes to masks too. When training for the Air Force, you may have to wear a mask. Having a necklace on could cause issues with its positioning. This rule applies for the Air Force, as well as other units that may require using gas masks.
Potential risks and hazards
Health and safety are the main reasons wherefore so many things are drastically regulated in the Air Force, as well as other branches of the army.
A necklace could be an issue if it becomes a safety hazard. A thick chain, for example, could get caught on something. Whether in a combat situation or training, it could lead to serious injury. In more severe cases, it could be a deadly issue.
A necklace can also be distracting. No matter what you need to concentrate on, something shiny interfering with the mission or task is the last thing you want. Not only is it dangerous, but it’s also distracting, especially if you need to adjust it all the time.
Even the fact that you’ll have to keep putting it behind the shirt every now and then makes a necklace a distracting piece of jewelry.
Rules regarding visible jewelry
The Air Force is a highly organized and regulated place where the uniform makes the difference. Allowing people to express themselves in unique ways will most likely lead to a more chaotic environment, so it isn’t always an option.
In basic training, necklaces are often allowed if they’re small and they can be kept under the uniform, without any risks to come out. While this is less likely to happen while flying, it can become an issue during physical training.
In the end…
This is a gray area, but most officials in the Air Force agree that necklaces shouldn’t be worn, whether in training or mission.
Both pendant and chain style necklaces are usually disallowed while in uniform due to the risks they come with.
The main reason wherefore a necklace is allowed while in uniform is medical. For example, necklaces with medical properties are allowed, such as medical alert types of jewelry.
Given the gray profile of this issue, some personnel may still wear necklaces, but at the end of the day, it depends on their role within the Air Force. To play it safe, it’s always wise to double check with the authorities in charge before doing anything yourself.
