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From the company that is making the new AF uniform.
http://www.tigerstripeproducts.com/airforcetiger.htm
Worth reading. This part is about halfway down on the right side.
If you read more they say how the AF pretty much ignored all feedback and just went with what \"leadership\" had decided on from before \"testing\".
Damn, this thing is so bad even the company that makes it doesn't seem to like it.

I'm so glad I don't have to put that uniform on...I just don't like it at all.

Took the Thought Right out of my mind!

_________________
\"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week. \"

George S. Patton

Who in the Hell, reappointed McPeak?????????
This is the BIGGEST SNAFU YET in the on going USAF uniform saga .
You would be better off with the OD green utility pajamas then these things.

How much does anyone want to bet, that SOP's and PJ's dont wear these things?
I'm with you Dice, I'm glad I dont have too wear them let alone PAY for them.

Goose

Oddly enough, they get first draw when their rotations come around after the initial release. In the meantime, those attached to Army units will wear the ACU, and the other more \"combat involved\" career field will stick to DCUs.

None of this stuff surprises me, though...just that point in the Air Force's cycle...

--Raven

I just read that there will be 236 size combinations for the new uniform. Clear up to 48 inch waist!!!!
Currently there are 57 for BDU's.
Like the BDU, they are not to be pressed, starched or dry cleaned. I am waiting to see that.
In our \"Compliance is Mandatory\" world, that has to be the most ignored rule in the AF.
Unfortunately I won't retire soon enough.
db

Clear up to a 48 inch waist? SO we did away with the Fat Boy Program? LOL

I would have stayed my 20 and retired had that been the case! I used weight control as a way out!
My unit was closing and it looked as if I migt go to Alamagordo with the stealth, not something I wanted! RIvet work force was getting started with the combining crap and that didnt sound like something that was going to be good either!
So I gained a few ppounds and asked the commander to boot me for failure to follow wieght standards!
With his request, I did get the boot as I requested, but also got a complete honorable just as if I had served my time like normal.

Hell with uniforms in fat boy size they could have kept a bunch of us around that were great guys, who kept their birds flying and tossed a bunch of the bookworms who werent worth a shit on the line! We all know the ones who were only there to get a college education paid for!

Due to bs politics, 30MM Jr is seriously considering not re-upping in June. this may very well be the straw.

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

Snort,

I bet atleast 1/4 of us were \"Over weight\" and the \"Scale\" always had us under
Midnite Calibration on the AMU's scale before weigh-ins.

When they told us that we were going to Saudi the 23rd AGS CC took everyone off the program, stuck you on one of the first waves and said
\"If you come back over weight, your OUT!\"
I sure in the Hell wasnt overweight when I came back

I always pressed my BDU's, had the Ex sew Velcro on all my pockets, had my Shirts bottom pockets sewn shut, had the pleats taken out of the pockets except for my leg ones. Because they wanted you to look Sharp and the \"Un-made\" bed look didnt cut it.

Then I had 3 sets that just had velcro pockets just encase.

Goose

Thank GAWD I retired when I did. Those things would be great for hiding in a field of SAGE. Plus they've got all kinds of pockets that, on ATC bases and MAJCOM bases, will HAVE to be sewn shut. That'll cost an arm and a leg.

As if the other services don't give us enough $hit over living the life of a college co-ed while they are living in foxholes, now we have a uniform just for life in the barracks.

What total

_________________
Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option

Everytime I see those uniforms, the words frikkin gay run through my mind.

_________________
YGBSM !

I’m still not sure how I feel about the new uniforms because I haven’t seen them after field use in the maintenance career field. However, from the looks of it they are a very light color shade, which IMHO will make keeping them clean and free of noticeable grease stains next to impossible, unlike the current battle dress uniform which actually help hide those stains.

As for them being maintenance free uniforms, boy that sounds familiar. I remember them telling us the exact same thing about the BDU. However as Goose said, if you were opposed to that \"Sgt. Joe Bag O’ Doughnuts” look, you had to alter you’re uniforms by taking the pleats out of the pockets and a trip to the dry cleaners for some heavy starch was a must for maintaining that professional image. I’m sure this next generation uniform will be no different and those who want to set the example will always find a way to look sharp no matter what the \"experts\" say.

_________________


Faugh ah Ballaugh ~ Clear the Way

Dont worry, they'll make you get them as soon as your squadron can and then they'll make you \"FALL-OUT\" for a 35-10 inspection and if your uniform isnt pressed and your boots shined your ASS will be Grass.
Right after we got the BDU's we got to spend a Saturday Morning at attention drilling our \"Open ranks,Dress right Dress, etc.....\" the stuff the Chief forgot how to do, The LT hadnt a real clue, so it finally came down to one of the TSgts out of the Academy, and those of us Staffs that had leadership school in the last 6 months or been over working as a Guard at CC complex..
It was a real fun morning.
Goose

Well you won't have to worry about shining boots anymore as the new ones will be similar to the desert boots.
For maintainers, I wonder what they'll look like after they've been stomping around the flightline for a month.
Getting oil a grease stains out of them will be a real trick. I guess the uniform fairies forgot what we do for a living.
db

From what I gathered reading the article, Higher-Higher seems to think that we just hang out in the Barracks, or at most walking around the flightline.

The whole concept irritates me to no end. Thank GAWD I don't have to put up with that CF anymore.

_________________
Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option

good god... its like a tie-dye company got ahold of a bunch of surplus BDU's....

I'm Sorry guys... I'll quit bitching about ACU's

_________________
\"One of you is gonna fall and die, and I'm not cleaning it up\"

Hey,

A Old Trick getting stains out of your BDU's (grease, hydro fluid, ) all that nasty crap is use
\"Pert Shampoo for oily hair or Dawn dish soap\"
Shout, the rest of those stain removers too $$$$ not as good.
take some of either rub it into the stained area and then put a cap full in with your with your laundry soap depending on how much you used to begin with.
I use to at times just put a 1/4 cup of Pert in without soap and wash them , especially after wash rack (PD-680) or Fuel Cell work.
The stains come out, worked on the Old \"Utilities \" uniform Great!
Learned it from \"Good Housekeeping \" waiting at the Airport coming home on leave (Hey nothing else to read at 0345)

Goose

Oh come on you guys just like to gribe. Most of us that have gone the way of retirerment all wish to be back from time to time. I love what I do now but to be back working a combat aircraft in some far off land just sounds good. We all talked crap while we where there but we still all enjoyed it and you all known it. I know its not our AF any more but remember Gumby is our hero. As far as 30MM jr goes does he realy have the time on the line to start talking politics yet you know kids will be kids.

Granted, goob, he's only done his first 6yr hitch, but in that time he's become their \"go-to\" weekender, pulling extra man-days when asked, was the first mantainance \"Airman of the Year\" for the unit and 2nd place in State. He was made several verbal assurances (yeah, worth the paper they're written on) that disappeared when others of higher rank had their own golden children to reward. He played by the rules, did an outstanding job (this from several senior NCO's). He can't raise a family on \"hang in there\". So, he's in railroad school in KC and will essentially be a crewchief for BNSF when he gets out. >shrug< Life's like that. Fish or cut bait; Cut your losses, etc.

On the other hand he wouldn't have traded the experiences, the majority of the people or the chance to serve his country for anything.

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

Here is the AF offical stance on the ABU. BTW, the mandatory wear date is 2011. I will be long since retired by then.



Theme: The new ABU meets the original goals of providing Airmen with a distinctive Air Force uniform that fits better and is easier and less costly to maintain
Messages:
§ The new ABU is the culmination of many months of research and development and is the uniform of choice by an overwhelming majority of Airmen
§ The ABU is designed for all Airmen, to include active duty, Guard and Reserve
§ During initial fit and wear testing, 97 percent of the participants said it was less expensive and easier to maintain while 82 percent said it fit better
§ The ABU has 236 different size options in both male and female sizes
§ The permanent press finish, which is wash and wear, will be easier to maintain and will decrease out-of-pocket expenses for our Airmen since it cannot be starched, hot pressed, or dry-cleaned

Theme: The production ABU is a robustly-tested new weapon system that is designed to help Airmen survive and win on the battlefield
Messages:
§ ABU was evaluated on camouflage blending effectiveness and camouflage detection in day and night conditions
§ Camouflage testing confirmed the ABU is a better pattern than we currently use
§ ABU was also evaluated on its suitability for use without modification by Special Operations Forces (SOF)
§ SOF testing raised issues about uniform fit and performance in austere conditions
§ Permanent modifications have been incorporated into the production version of the ABU to correct many of the suitability issues
§ We will treat the ABU like any other weapon system by continually upgrading our capabilities in blocks as we learn from the emergence of new technologies
· We’re currently surveying Airmen wearing an improved version of the ABU to validate that we have correctly addressed fit and performance issues identified during SOF testing
§ The ABU will be issued to all our Airmen deploying in AEF 7 and 8 (May - Aug 07) and to Basic Military Trainees (BMTs) in Oct 07
§ Based on projected production capabilities (ramp-up time) the ABU will be available for sale in military clothing sales stores by late summer 2007
§ Mandatory wear of the ABU is 2011

Attachment C: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Q1: When is the mandatory wear date for the ABU?
A1: October 2011 (FY12).

Q2: Will we wear patches (e.g. Wing or Squadron) on the ABU?
A2: No patches will be worn on the ABU. Only functional, duty and occupational badges will be authorized on the ABU.

Q3: Will we still be able to wear baseball hats?
A3: Organizational baseball hats are not authorized with the ABU. Only the ABU hat (looks like the current BDU style with the ABU print) and currently authorized berets will still be allowed.

Q4: Can I wear sister services badges on the ABU?
A4: No.

Q5: Can I wear my black combat boots?
A5: Black boots will not be authorized at anytime with the ABU. Tan boots can be used until the green boots become readily available. A phase out date will be announced at a later date.

Q6: Will other Air Force-issued items change to match the pattern and/or color of the ABU?
A6: Yes, some items (hat, socks, & T-shirts) will be introduced concurrently w/ the ABU. As mentioned above (Q.5), tan boots are authorized until the green suede boots are available.

Q7: Why didn’t we use Velcro® for the attachments to the ABU?
A7: The Research and Development branch of the Air Force Clothing Office at Wright-Patterson AFB looked into using Velcro®, since it appears to be easier and less expensive for our Airmen. However, research indicates otherwise and the majority of the Airmen in the test did not want Velcro®.

Q8: Will the jacket commonly known as the Gortex® jacket be available?
A8: Yes, AAFES will be selling the new Air Force All Purpose Environmental Camouflage (AF APEC) Parka.

Q9: Can I wear any of my over garments with the ABU until a new ABU jacket becomes available?
A9: No, you cannot mix and match patterns (BDU, DCU and ABU). The only exception to this policy is field items, i.e., body armor, helmet cover, molleys and canteen covers, which will only be available in the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) pattern and the DCU Gortex® jackets which can be worn with the ABU in the AOR ONLY.

Q10: Will the clothing allowance be increased since the cost of the uniform will go up?
A10: Yes, the clothing allowance will reflect the increase effective October 2007 (FY 08). If you choose to purchase the ABU before your anniversary date in FY08, you will absorb the cost differences until you receive your clothing allowance. If you choose to buy a set early, you must have an entire set of ABUs and accessories, i.e. tan boots, belt, hat, green socks, tan t-shirt, etc.

Q11: Will officers be given a clothing allowance to cover initial costs?
A11: Officers only receive an initial allowance upon commissioning.

Q12: How many uniforms will be issued at basic training?
A12: The Basis of Issue for the ABU will be the same as the BDU. Four (4) ABUs will be issued to new Airmen in Basic Military Training (BMT) Oct 07. These replace the four sets of BDUs currently issued in the initial issue clothing bag.

Q13: What is the estimated lifetime of the ABU?
A13: The ABU has an estimated wear life of twelve months.

Q14: Does the ABU require dry cleaning and/or pressing?
A14: The ABU is literally a wash and wear item. In fact, starching and hot pressing of ABUs is prohibited. Also, one should not dry clean the ABU. Dry cleaning, starching and hot pressing will deteriorate the fiber in the uniform and shorten the wear life.

Q15: What are the washing and care requirements for the ABU?
A15: In order to maximize service life and maintain optimum performance, the following instructions should be followed when caring for the ABU: Wash in warm water with detergent containing no optical brighteners or bleach. Tumble dry at low heat. The use of starch, sizing and any process that involves dry-cleaning or steam press will adversely affect the treatments and durability of the uniform and is not authorized.

Q16: How could starch damage the uniform?
A16: Starching of the ABU is prohibited. Starching uniforms makes the uniform material more brittle and subsequently reduces the wear life. The permanent press and nIR (near Infrared) features of this uniform will be damaged by starching, commercial pressing and additives in the washing process. The permanent press feature will allow Airmen to look sharp and wear the ABU without incurring the costs of commercial dry cleaning or pressing.

Q17: I hear the ABU is a better fit. Can you explain?
A17: Yes, it is a better fit for men and women. The ABU has 236 (118 trousers and 118 blouses) sizes that will accommodate both men and women, unlike the 57 sizes of the current BDU. The ABU sizes follow commercial clothing standards. The most common sizes will be available on AAFES shelves and the total 236 sizes will be available by order through AAFES. The green suede boots will come in women’s sizes unlike the current black boot in the Air Force inventory, which does not.

Q18: How much does an individual set of the ABU cost? What about accessories like the jacket, t-shirts, socks, etc.
Q18: The cost of one set of ABUs is $81.37 plus badges and rank. The following is a complete breakout of costs for the ABU and accessories:

ABU Hat - $5.98 EA
 
Men's Trouser - $41.96 PR
 
Men's Coat - $39.41 EA
 
Women's Trouser - $41.96 PR
 
Women's Coat - $39.41 EA

Sand T-shirt - $4.35 EA
 
Green Boot Socks - $2.30 PR
 
Sand Riggers Belt - $3.15 EA
 
Desert Tan Boots - $97.50 PR
 
AF Green Boots - $100.55 PR
 
AF APECS Parka - $173.25

Q19: What does it look like?
A19: We plan to have a website linked through the Air Force Portal and other popular Air Force sites, including Reserve and Guard sites with pictures and frequently asked questions by Jan 07.

Q20: When can I buy an ABU?
A20: The ABU will first be issued to our deploying war fighters in AEF 7 and 8 (May - Aug 07) and then to our Basic Military Trainees (BMTs) in Oct 07. Depending on availability, the ABU will begin to flow into AAFES Military Clothing Sales Stores with AEF 7 & 8 rotation bases first and then to subsequent AEF rotation bases.

Q21: Who will pay for the ABU?
A21: Initially the Air Force will fund: 1) Initial issue of 2 sets of ABUs and 2 sets of DCUs to all deploying total force war fighters; 2) Battlefield Airmen career fields will be issued 4 sets of ABUs when deploying; 3) BMTs will be issued 4 sets of ABUs. All others will purchase ABUs individually as replacements are needed (using clothing allowance if authorized).

Q22: Will the reserve component wear the ABU?
A22: Yes, the Total Air Force will wear the ABU – Active, Reserve and National Guard.

Q23: If I am in the Guard or Reserves, how do I get my new ABU?
A23: ABUs will be issued to the Guard and Reserve in the same manner in which they currently acquire their uniform. However, if you fall into a category of not being issued clothing, then you can purchase them the same way you do now, e.g., go to nearest clothing store or on-line at www.aafes.com when sufficient supplies are available.

Q24. Why is the ABU available to a movie production company, before it's available to AF personnel?
A24: Iron Man, based on the Marvel comic book character, is scheduled to release in 2008. A lead character in the storyline portrays an AF officer. The production company was allowed to purchase an extremely small quantity of the ABU fabric to make the few sets of ABUs needed in the movie for early 2006 filming. The company is handling their own tailoring of the ABU for the few uniforms they need. There is absolutely no impact to AF production or distribution.


Q25: Why did you borrow the pattern from the Army and Marines?
A25: We did not borrow the pattern. The Air Force created it’s own pattern with the inspiration from the Vietnam-era tiger stripe. The AF did use colors based on the Army’s new ACU with the addition of slate blue.

Q26: Why a new uniform now?
A26: We developed our own pattern that is compatible with the patterns of the other services. The services have recognized the need to have a uniform better suited to the environment in which we operate, that is easy to care for and that fits better. The ABU accomplishes that.

Q27: What happens if I need a new uniform and I can’t find a BDU in my size and the ABU isn’t available in my AAFES yet?
A27: Speak with a Military Clothing Sales Stores (MCSS) sales associate and they can inquire about having your BDU size shipped from another MCSS store.

Q28: What is the stop-wear date for the people in the “ABU test uniform”?
A28: Airmen currently wearing test uniforms can continue to wear them as long as the uniforms are serviceable.

Q29: Was the new ABU field-tested as it was developed?
A29: The Air Force Uniform Board (AFUB) directed a combined initial fit and wear test in 2004 for the new utility uniform. The uniforms used in the follow-on Operational Utility Evaluation (OUE) during 2005 were made from patterns that incorporated the best data available from the combined fit and wear test. We received both positive and negative feedback and incorporated changes to the uniform based on that feedback. As with any new item, ABU refinements will be made, based on continued feedback from the field.

Q30: Why doesn’t the Air Force just adopt the Army’s ACU? Isn’t it wasteful for the Air Force to develop, produce, and distribute a new uniform in today’s constrained fiscal environment?
A30: The goal for the ABU was to develop a distinctive AF uniform that is better fitting and easier and less expensive to maintain. These goals were developed in response to input from Airmen across the force. The Air Force Clothing Office created a matrix of all the suggestions and complaints sent to the AFUB for several years.  The current BDU received the most complaints and suggestions.  Because the BDU is an Army owned uniform, the AF could not make changes to it. When the Army decided it would discontinue the current BDU and DCU, they did not have any designs to share with the AF either.  This provided a unique opportunity for the Air Force to take input from Airmen and develop a uniform that can meet the specific needs of the Air Force while retaining the flexibility to adapt to changes as they occur over time.

Q31: The slanted cargo pockets on the blouse and trousers of the ACU are much more accessible than horizontal pockets. Why didn’t the Air Force incorporate slanted pockets into the design of the ABU?
A31: The senior leadership of AFSOC considered the use of slant pockets, but ultimately decided there was no advantage to them. In fact, we specifically sought and received input on pockets, which resulted in the lower arm and leg pockets on the latest version of the ABU.

Q32: The Army designed a two-piece aviation variant of their ACU. Why isn’t the Air Force designing a replacement flight suit based on the ABU?
A32: For several reasons, Air Force senior leadership decided that it would be premature, at this time, to move forward with development of a two-piece flight suit. Many Air Force pilots must wear a one-piece flight suit due to ejection seat requirements. As a result, it is imperative to continue with some variant of a one-piece flight suit. The AF is studying the possibility of a two-piece suit for some flight specialties; however, there is currently insufficient data to warrant moving forward with development. From a technical perspective, the Nomex fabric currently being used in the ABDUs is very difficult to print on, which would cause long delays in procurement.  The ABDU is also more expensive than the one-piece flight suit.

Q33: The ABU is going to be issued to Airmen deploying in AEF 7 and 8. Will members in follow-on AEFs also be issued the ABU?
A33: Members in follow-on AEFs will be issued ABUs. Airmen not deploying will replace their BDUs with ABUs using their clothing allowance. The mandatory wear date is not until 2011 and the clothing allowance increase is effective Oct 07.

Q34: I’m in a Battlefield Airman Career field. Am I going to be required to wear the ABU or can I still wear the ACU?
A34: Starting with AEF 7/8, Air Force personnel currently authorized to wear the Army’s ACU will be issued ABUs when they deploy to the AOR and will no longer be authorized to wear the Army’s uniform.

Q35: Will SOF forces be issued the ABU?
A35: The SOF were among the first to test the ABU. Absolutely, they will wear the ABU. We are committed to continuous improvement with regard to the ABU. We plan to continually upgrade the ABU as we learn more about its effectiveness – we’ll do this in spirals. We will incorporate new fabrics and new technology as appropriate. SOF forces will continue with their current ROE when deployed but are authorized to purchase ABUs when available at their duty stations.

Q36: Who is the contractor making the ABU?
A36: The Defense Supply Center of Phil (DSCP) is procuring uniforms through their normal supply chain. AAFES will then purchase their stock of the uniforms from DSCP.


Q37: If airmen are scheduled to deploy with AEF rotations 7 and 8, on what date will they be able to obtain their new ABUs? Where will they be able to get them? If they have them, say, a month before they deploy, can they wear them to work or must they still wear the woodland BDUs? 
A38: This is a four part answer.
1. No, ABUs and DCUs are issued as deployment uniforms and can not be worn until AOR deployment commences.
2. When the members return stateside can they wear their DCUs? No, current AFI 36-2903 policy remains in effect. No wear of DCUs outside of the AOR.
3. When the members return stateside can they wear their ABUs? Yes, if they are still functional -- however they must comply with AFI 36-2903 wear policy e.g. no mix and matching
4. AAFES and DSCP are the only authorized sources of ABU items at this time. Nametapes, functional badges, chevrons, rank, hats and most importantly the uniform, itself bought from outside sources are UNAUTHORIZED. Items from outside sources may not be near Infra Red (nIR) adjusted and again, are unauthorized.

Q38: Have any deployed personnel already been given the ABU?
A39: A few personnel from the initial wear test have deployed with the ABU. Additionally, a small number of “outside the wire” deployers during AEF 5/6 have been provided the ABU ahead of the normal issuance schedule.

Anyone seen what shade green this is?

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

Railroad job GOOOOD money I think I to would think about it. I am not saying any thing about your boy he sounds like he is one of the few with a clue but I have see way too many of these young troops that have no grip on reality that cry politics ( the mean old Sgts are picking on me). I know most of us have has a airman cry foul to us and wanting to slap the piss out of them. As far as the uniform I will say this we now have the JSF to save money and stream line the supply system the same should be done with BDUs. I know the out there is one of Uncle Sams Misguided Children saying they have differant requirerments for the troops but remember we are all ground pounders if we do not have aircraft and we also have the responibility to repell boarders if need be. Yes we should be pissed off about the uniform change but not because it looks gay but that it is taking money away from the budget and compicating the supply system. What happens if we have a group get stuck at a forward site that belongs to another branch now you have two or more differant uniforms that you have to supply.

30MMm
The pictures I have seen show the overall color to be simialr to the new USMC utilities, and the green is a kind of jungle green. The look of the uniform is not as terrible as the earlier attempts, and looks like it could be bearable for home station use. Like everyone has mentioned, it doesn't actually blend it with ANYTHING.

If they want to camoflauge us maintainers, we need concrete-grey coveralls, and after a few weeks of, wear, we will blend in perfectly with the airfield!

--Raven

Goob:
We all know the supply system has been broken for years, and it is getting worse. The cost of the new uniform is only going to have minor effects on the supply system.

In order to \"fix\" the supply system, we need to stop abusing the MICAP, number crunchers need to start looking at items that were required less commonly, but are being required much more often doing to aging fleets (not only aircraft, but vehicles and facilities as well), and stop focusing so hard on the 22 and JSF.

I recall a few weeks ago, being 1A for a brake, and we had two sitting at backshop memo-MICAP. At that very same time, the F-22 Parts Store had 20+ brakes on their shelves, even though they couldn't find that many bad in one week.

--Raven

Roger that, goob. His original goal was to be CMSgt of the IL Guard. Ah, well. As long as he's happy and gainfully employed, eh?!

Raven, I think he'd agree with you on the color selection. His opinion was that they should've been blue-grey, grey, black with touches of hydraulic red.

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson