Commentary: Don’t forget the basics: Cell phone etiquette

link U.S. Air Force graphic: Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

With technology continuously advancing, we have all seemed to develop some very poor cellphone habits.

From texting at the dining facility table, to overly loud personal phone conversations in the finance office, many are guilty of improper cellphone etiquette.

Age of Airmen at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico has little to do with who perpetrates these rules; the culprits range from the most junior enlisted to our commissioned counterparts.

While you may be aware that you are not authorized to text while driving on base, you may not realize the following rules also apply. Recent updates to Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, approved by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, outline use of personal electronic devices while in uniform.

While cell phones no longer have color restrictions, they still cannot be worn on the uniform or attached to a purse. One thing that hasn’t changed according to the AFI is an expectation of professionalism.

While walking in uniform, use of personal electronic media devices, including ear pieces, speaker phones or text messaging is limited to emergencies or when official notifications are necessary. The important thing to remember is that military customs and courtesies always take precedence.

The regulation leaves little room for interpretation or dispute.

In celebration of July’s Cellphone Etiquette Month, let’s not forget to abide by the Air Force standard while also respecting our wingman’s technological boundaries.

Enforcing these simple standards is nothing more than a mark of excellence for the quiet professionals privileged enough to call themselves Air Commandos.

For more information, please review Air Force Instruction 36-2903 at http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2903/afi36-2903.pdf