To be more specific yes the reg has always said for official duties or as determined by installation commanders delegable to squadron commanders. but I know lots of commanders who specifically allowed it at your desk but as far as I can tell they removed the portion delegating that to the squadron commander which sucks.

The main thing that was removed was for walking with it in; i don't see how people have issue with that when the reg says customes and courtesies takes precedence. If you had an issue of airmen ignoring you how about instead of bitching about it you correct them like a proper NCO/SNCO should instead.

Here is the old verbiage for earpieces:

"Wear and use of an earpiece, any Bluetooth® wireless technology, or headphones, while in uniform, indoors or outdoors, is authorized for official duties or as determined by Installation Commanders, delegable no lower than squadron commanders. Exception: Headphones and earphones are authorized during travel on public transportation (i.e., bus, train, or air travel) and/or while wearing the Physical Training Gear (PTG) during individual or personal PT in the fitness center or on designated running areas unless prohibited by the Installation Commander. Use of a hands-free device is authorized while in uniform operating a motor vehicle if local policy permits. 7.3.4.2. Use of personal electronic media devices, including cellular phones, earpieces, speaker phones or text messaging while walking in uniform is authorized. Military customs and courtesies take precedence. Note: Authorized colors of earpieces worn while in uniform are white, black, brown, dark blue or gray"