Manufactured with Mil-Spec materials in accordance with United States Air Force regulations, this 5/8”-wide black chin strap is designed for the Service Caps worn by Enlisted Airmen, all Commissioned Officers (including Generals), the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, and the Air Chief of Staff. It is an ornamental chin strap, as opposed to the functional black chin strap found on the Ceremonial caps worn by members of special Ceremonial units (USAF / Base Honor Guard, Color Guard, Drill Team, etc.).
The chin strap is secured to the cap
with screw-in buttons that are embossed with the “wing and star” design, also known variously as the “Hap Arnold device,” “Hap Arnold star,” or “Hap Arnold wings.” Originally, it was the insignia of the United States Army Air Corps; its use was discontinued when the Air Corps transformed into the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942. It was reintroduced into Air Force uniform design in 1991 by Air Force Chief of Staff Merrill McPeak, who settled on it as button ornamentation for use on the new Service Dress uniform. In addition to coat buttons and cap screws, the design remains authorized for cuff links and belt buckles.