Do's and don'ts for decorating dorms

Published Sept. 9, 2011
By Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- For most, moving from place to place is hard to do and military members become very familiar with this particular hardship very quickly. For young Airmen living in dormitories, the dorm is their home and comfort is a priority. Personalizing rooms is encouraged; however, there are guidelines to keep in mind while redecorating.

Guidelines:

· Paint changes: While living in the dorms, Airmen may paint their rooms. This requires an approved Air Force Information Management Tool 332 before accomplishing. The dormitory manager will inspect before and after painting. Government-furnished paint is available at the self-help center at DSN 238-7019. If any other color is used, Airmen must return the room (at their own expense) to its original color prior to leaving.

· Animals: All animals are prohibited, with the exception of fish.

· Cooking appliances: Approved cooking appliances are permitted in dorm rooms, including coffee pots, hot-air popcorn poppers and microwave ovens. Rice cookers and crock pots are permitted, but must be placed on a low setting.

· Wall decorations: Temporary wall decorations including pictures, posters and plaques are permitted but must not display profane or pornographic images, words or symbols. This rule also applies to personal computer screen savers. What is considered profane or pornographic is determined by the command chief master sergeant and first sergeants. Seasonal decorations are allowed.

· Sound equipment: Items including stereos, radios and iPod docking stations are permitted but quiet hours are in effect 24-hours-a-day to accommodate shift workers.

For more information, refer to Mildenhall Instruction 32-601, contact a dorm manager or the unaccompanied housing office at DSN 238-5736.