Top leaders within the United States Air Force have announced a significant change in the frequency of readiness reviews for airmen. Effective starting in 2026, airmen will only be required to undergo a standards and readiness review once annually, a departure from the previously announced quarterly assessments.
In a memo released on Wednesday, Acting Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Scott Pleus confirmed the decision, which was subsequently validated by the Air Force. This memo was shared on the unofficial Facebook page Air Force amn/nco/snco. Pleus indicated that unit commanders will have the authority to determine the uniform airmen will wear during these annual reviews.
The reviews will focus on evaluating an airman’s overall readiness, including the completion of necessary physical fitness evaluations and ensuring compliance with military standards for dress and personal appearance.
Earlier this year, on January 30, 2024, Pleus had issued a directive mandating quarterly reviews, with one review requiring airmen to don their full service dress uniform and another in operational camouflage. At that time, Pleus was serving as the Air Force’s director of staff before assuming his role as acting vice chief.
The decision to revert to annual reviews comes amid ongoing discussions about military personnel standards. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has emphasized the importance of maintaining military grooming and fitness standards since his appointment in January.
In a social media post on Thursday, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe acknowledged the feedback from personnel regarding the frequency of reviews. “We’ve heard your feedback from the field, and we listened,” Wolfe stated, addressing concerns over the imposition of quarterly reviews. He added that the change reflects a belief in the capability of leaders to manage readiness and address issues on a daily basis, rather than solely during scheduled assessments.
“Annual reviews will balance the time and energy we spend to focus on what matters most: the mission and our people,” Wolfe concluded.
This shift marks a notable evolution in the Air Force’s approach to readiness assessments, aiming to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the standards expected of its personnel. As the new policy approaches implementation, airmen and commanders alike will prepare for a new framework in evaluating readiness and standards within the service.
