Officials announce new uniform wear date

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tim Beckham
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The new airman battle uniform will start making appearances in military clothing sales starting late this year and will be mandatory to wear in 2011. Below are some helpful questions and answers about the new uniform.

To see pictures of the new uniform click here.

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.

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 did you borrow the pattern from the Army and Marines?
A24: 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.

Q25: Why a new uniform now?
A25: The Army made the decision to phase out the BDU woodland pattern introduced over 25 years ago, so the Air Force needed to adopt a new uniform. This gave the AF the opportunity to include design features based on input from our Airmen.

Q26: 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?
A26: Speak with a Military Clothing Sales Stores (MCSS) sales associate and they can inquire about having your BDU size shipped from another MCSS store.

Q27: What is the stop-wear date for the people in the "ABU test uniform"?
A27: Airmen currently wearing test uniforms can continue to wear them as long as the uniforms are serviceable.

Q28: Was the new ABU field-tested as it was developed?
A28: 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.

Q29: 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?
A29: 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.
Q30: 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?
A30: It was unclear at the time the uniform was developed whether the slanted pockets could really be used when wearing equipment. We will continue to evaluate the feasibility of slanted versus horizontal pockets.

Q31: 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?
A31: 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 Army's Aircrew Battle Dress Uniform (ABDU) 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.

Q32: 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?
A32: 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.

Q33: 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?
A33: 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.

Q34: Will SOF forces be issued the ABU?
A34: We believe the ABU will soon be the uniform of choice for our SOF operators. 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.

Q35: Who is the contractor making the ABU?
A35: 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.

Q36: You mentioned that some general officers who travel routinely will begin wearing the ABU in January. Roughly how many folks are you talking about? A ballpark figure is OK. Is it safe to say they are general officers from bases around the U.S. and overseas?
A36: We will be providing an opportunity to all GOs, MAJCOM CCMs and Combatant Command CCMs to order two sets if ABUs in Jan 07.

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?
A37: 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.