Suits for boots: Air Reserve Technicians comply with new uniform policy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brandon Rizzo
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base --  New regulations passed down from Air Force Reserve Command state that air reserve technicians must wear their uniforms to work from now on, rather than wearing civilian clothes.

ARTs are full-time government employees who work as civilians doing the job of Air Force reservists, but also serve as reservists in those same jobs. ARTs previously had the option of wearing their uniforms or civilian clothes on regular work days.

It's probably safe to say that by now, most ARTs with the Air Force have received the news. Some feel it doesn't have much of an affect on their daily lives, while others feel as though they're being stripped of their rights.

"We want our ARTs to be in uniform because we are integrating with the regular Air Force and Air National Guard throughout the Air Force," said Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, AFRC commander. "Total Force Integration is changing how we interact with the rest of the Air Force."

Some ARTs with the 916th Air Refueling Wing have expressed concerns regarding the change.

One concern is that their general salary level and their military ranks may not match up. For example, when in uniform, an Airman could potentially find himself taking orders from someone of a lower rank, due to a difference in civilian pay status.

Col. Fritz Linsenmeyer, the commander for the 916th ARW, expressed confidence that the possible rank/pay level conflict will work out fine being handled on a case-by-case basis.

Another concern is that when in uniform, ARTs are expected to comply with military regulations and grooming standards.

"I love wearing my uniform," said one ART. "But if I wanted to be subject to military regulations every day, then I would have just signed up for active-duty."

The ART components are what enable Reserve units to make smooth transitions in the event of a deployment. That was the idea behind the program which was developed and implemented in 1958.

"Even before 9/11, the regular component depended on us to get the job done," said General Bradley. "That dependency is growing because we cannot afford to do business as usual. We need to consolidate our forces and capitalize on each other's strengths."

Though subject to military regulations when in uniform, ARTs still do not receive the same benefits given to regular active-duty Airmen.

"I wouldn't mind so much if we were compensated," said Tech. Sgt. Riccardo E. Bonicelli, in-flight refueler with the 77th Air Refueling Squadron here. "A point toward military retirement for every day that I wear the uniform as a civilian would be a good start."

In spite of the concerns expressed here, some Airmen feel there are also benefits to wearing uniforms every day.

"Some people find it easier to wear civilian clothes, depending on their job," said Colonel Linsenmeyer. "I never come to work in civilian clothes, though. If I need to fly or do a military duty, I'm already in a flight suit.
"If I wasn't wearing a flight suit, I'd have to come in to work in a suit and tie," added Colonel Linsenmeyer. "If that got ruined somehow, it'd be a lot more expensive to replace."

Another benefit for the 916th ARW is that the change will help make the transition easier for the incoming 911th Air Refueling Squadron, said Colonel Linsenmeyer.

The 911th ARS is an active-duty component that will soon be joining the 916th ARW due to base realignment and closures.

"We're on an active-duty base," said Colonel Linsenmeyer. "Being able to look at your name tag and rank is easier than trying to explain to somebody what your status as a civilian is and then having to explain your military status."

Being subject to military standards while in uniform has other implications on ARTs as well. Weight and fitness standards will be in effect.

"This is not the only Total Force Integration that we're trying to do," said Colonel Linsenmeyer. "The focus on fitness is another initiative that kind of goes hand in hand with the uniform policy. When you look at ten people standing in a row in a uniform, you shouldn't be able to pick out a Reservist or a Guardsman or an active-duty person. They should all have the same standards."

General Bradley said the Air Force Reserve is entering a new era.

"I believe wearing the uniform is an important step to being a full partner and an Unrivaled Wingman in today's Air Force," said General Bradley.

The 916th ARW has about 182 ARTs.