What is the history of US Air Force tradition of tacking on stripes?

-- OP

Is tacking on stripes in the air force authorized? If not where in what regulation does it state that?

--Answer

It isnt specified anywhere that it isnt authorized. At promotion ceremonies that happen every month, everyone being promoted usually chooses 2 people of a higher rank or the rank they are currently receiving to come up on stage and punch their stripes into their arms. The idea behind it is encouragement for you to not get in trouble and lose your stripe. If someone doesn't want their arms punched, I'm sure they can request to not be hit. If they are just weenies about it, they can ask the people they choose to hit them not to hit them hard so they can still be part of the tradition. Often, more people in their workcenter will hit them after their ceremony as part of it. Obviously, bruises are not uncommon. Some people may feel that it is hazing and then it becomes a problem after they report it. It all depends on the person; most of the time, people don't fuss.

Hope it isnt cold enough for you to wear a fleece or other cold weather gear with your rank on your chest! ;)