Action Line #100209–APECs & Rain Gear

  • Published
  • By 39th Air Base Wing
  • Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint:

I would like to know when the wing is going to start issuing the APECs suit or the rain gear with liner. I am under the impression that some believe that it is included in the clothing allowance. I am sorry, but the clothing allowance does not cover the 278 + dollars for the APECs as well as maintain the Airman Battle Uniform, Blues and PT gear. I am lucky enough to required steel toed boots so at least my people do not have to purchase those as well (sometimes).

The main thing that gets me a little heated is the fact, we as leaders are told to enforce the no Battle Dress Uniform mix match, yet we do not have any funding to properly equip our Airmen. And I am not talking about the E-6 and above that should be able to afford it (not that I agree we should have to).

That brings me to the sad part; we from top down are encouraged to dip in to our pocket for everything under the sun from CFC, ACE, 56, Sergeants Association, First Shirts, Top 3, ALS, let's make award banquets cheaper, the Haiti Relief fund and all of the other organizations. Most of these endeavors are worthwhile, but it hurts me to say that maybe we need to create the "lets Equip our Airmen Fund". I would applaud the Security Forces Squadron leadership for making sure their troops at least received the fleece.

While Turkey may not be the coldest climate, something needs to be done. Thank you for your time and patience in reading my rant.

Response:

Thank you very much for taking time to submit an Action Line input expressing your concerns. As you know, identifying ways we can improve our processes or take better care of our Airmen are critically important to me. However, please note that the wing is not responsible for issuing the APECS. In fact, the only time the APECS or any other individual clothing item is issued is when an Airman deploys or when an individual clothing item's wear is mandated/approved by the organizational commander. Commanders typically only approve unit funds for purchasing clothing items in the extreme cases that the preponderance of duties are performed while exposed to the elements or because of exposure to materials that prematurely destroy personal clothing items.

Additionally, the Standard Clothing Allowance is an annual entitlement you receive on the anniversary of your enlistment. Its purpose is to cover the replacement costs of issued uniforms, based on normal wear and tear, not to purchase individual clothing items. Furthermore, please note that since Oct. 2007 all Airmen entering the AF have been issued the appropriate uniform items during Basic Military Training to include four sets of Airman Battle Uniforms, a pair of Sage Green boots, four pairs of socks and the APECs.

Finally, although our Airmen are encouraged to support their private organizations and AF- and DoD-wide fundraising campaigns like CFC, CFC-O and AFAF, it's never been mandatory for anyone to donate money to them. While our private organizations and fundraising campaigns directly benefit our Airmen and their families, at no time should you or any of our Airmen feel compelled to donate money to them; especially if doing so would cause you a financial hardship.

Again, I thank you for taking time to share your concerns with me and applaud you for your "take care of Airmen" focus. I look forward to your continued commitment to our Airmen and to the wing.