Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs) at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, will no longer have to wear traditional military accoutrements while in uniform of military ranks, or Air Force tape while in civilian status, thanks to new contract language negotiated by AFGE Local 1737.
Due to the agency’s policies, ARTs are required to wear a military uniform in the performance of their duties.
Leveraging a ruling at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, brought forth by National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) Local 1953, that ensured the ARTs would wear a military uniform while on civilian status, however, would wear civilian accoutrements instead of the same accoutrements they would wear in a military status. In addition to this standard, McConnell ARTs are now also exempt from observing military customs and courtesies or adhering to traditional military grooming standards while in a civilian status.
McConnell ARTs can now wear a Defense Department civilian designator in place of Air Force tape as well as the civilian insignia in lieu of military rank. Additionally, they do not have to adhere to traditional military customs and courtesies or maintain military grooming standards while in a civilian status. The new contract took effect May 5.
This is a huge victory for the local regarding ART uniform regulations that could inspire other DoD locals to demand the same thing.
“I believe it’s beneficial for morale if everyone dresses in alignment with the status corresponding to their pay when coming to work,” said Local 1737 President Thaddeus Milburn.
“This is a giant win for our ART workforce, by creating a better work environment with no buffoonery,” added Local 1737 1st Vice President Jorge Figueroa. “In just a few weeks, we've seen a definite improvement in morale and attitudes as people feel happier and more in control of their civilian identities.”
ARTs spend most of their duty time in federal civilian status while the rest is spent in Reserve military status, so it’s important to distinguish their different roles. The Air Force is also required to treat dual-status ARTs as civilians during the work week, which is an important workplace protection.
“This change not only clarifies their status based on their duties and compensation—whether civilian or military—but also represents a significant step forward in differentiating between their dual status,” said Stephen Booth, chair of the AFGE Defense Conference (DEFCON) Police and Security Working Group Chair and Local 1737 Steward.
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