Action Line 80201 - Wear of gortex with ABUs

  • Published
  • By Anonymous
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Question: I usually keep my comments to myself regarding uniform wear here at the 'Lik.' 

I didn't say anything when I heard the security forces were being harassed about how they cuff their sleeves while the rest of the base has a hard enough time keeping their shirts on while at work. 

However, this Incirlik policy about not being able to wear the Battle Dress Uniform gortex while in the Airman Battle Uniform is a slap in the face to every Airman on this base who doesn't work in an office, and to Air Force leadership who decided that they had to figure out how to fix their screw-up regarding not getting enough warm weather gear to Airmen who work outside. 

I would ask for all of us who tried to do the right thing and bought the ABUs and work outside, change the policy on the gortex. Please let me wear my gortex with my ABUs ... it's cold out here. 

Answer: Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns. 

While I appreciate your passion, I am saddened that you view setting and maintaining standards as harassment or a slap in the face; I see it as an essential part of leadership and good order and discipline. 

While Air Force leaders did make provisions for ABU/BDU gortex wear, I would remind you that the message providing this guidance also instructed us to avoid mixing and matching uniforms unless other approved cold weather options were unavailable or unsuitable. 

We asked Airmen arriving from technical school what uniforms they were issued and discovered they were all issued either BDUs and gortex, or all ABUs with the APECS or ABU rain jacket. 

We made the decision not to mix uniforms based on this fact and the assumption that older Airmen would still have serviceable BDUs and gortex jackets. 

We will gladly work with anyone who arrives from technical school with only ABUs and no cold weather outer garment as we understand the intent is to keep our Airmen warm. 

The Airmen who leaned forward and purchased ABUs are setting a great example; however, they should wear the BDU and gortex with pride during periods of inclement weather as they always have. 

We are not in the business of picking and choosing which rules to enforce, we must be consistent, fair, and make the tough calls when required. 

I respectfully ask your help as we continue to do so.