CAP Talk

General Discussion => Uniforms & Awards => Topic started by: majdomke on July 11, 2019, 11:05:37 PM

Title: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: majdomke on July 11, 2019, 11:05:37 PM
Has anyone else discovered their base has no or next to no ABUs in stock? Although the AF has given a 3-year phase in that hasn't stopped local commanders from implementing or authorizing wear of the new style. As a result, the aisle at the Travis AFB uniform store went from all ABUs, to 1/2 ABUs, and now just last month about a 12' section of male/female combined. Most were crazy/odd sizes like Extra Tall which we know will never help us. Others were just big sizes teens generally won't fit. I move to my backup Kel-Lac that now is discounting their ABUs with small sizes sold out. That leaves Vanguard that now has Tru-Spec but sold in generic sizes. My concern is that all other options are drying up and how long will Vanguard get these uniforms. Eventually, very soon I imagine, they will be the only customer for Tru-Spec which means less demand and higher prices. In just three short years, CAP has gone from BDUs that continues to be regularly available, to ABUs worn only by USAF who is now phasing them out. Since it's not likely in the 5-10 yrs we're going to be approved for the new uniform, we're about to run into trouble outfitting our cadets and ourselves.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Kayll'b on July 12, 2019, 01:30:29 AM
Yup, noticed that a year ago.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: PHall on July 12, 2019, 02:40:13 AM
March ARB, LA AFB and Edwards AFB still have lots of ABU's.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: majdomke on July 12, 2019, 06:16:17 AM
Send them up to us Phil. Last time we got anything from Edwards it was all female sizes and small.


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Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Shuman 14 on July 12, 2019, 01:27:50 PM
As I've said before, time to get the OCP ball rolling.

Get ahead of this escalating problem BEFORE it becomes a real problem.

Dark Blue tapes and insignia will look just fine on OCP... as will black boots.  ;)
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: RangerConlin on July 12, 2019, 05:36:53 PM
I've found lately that EBay is a good source for ABUs. Can find used ones for a decent price as well.

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Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: N6RVT on July 12, 2019, 08:31:05 PM
Quote from: majdomke on July 12, 2019, 06:16:17 AMSend them up to us Phil. Last time we got anything from Edwards it was all female sizes and small.

When I picked up the supply we got from El Segundo it was:

1. Maternity uniforms
2. Tops we could use, but with no pants that matched.
3. Pants we could use but no tops.
4. Complete uniforms, but not in a size anyone in CAP was actually authorized to wear.

We had put out to the groups to provide us with a spreadsheet of just what sizes they needed.  I was able to outfit exactly one female cadet 1st LT with ABU's that fit.

I think 80% of that stuff is still crammed in storage.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Fester on July 13, 2019, 05:05:06 AM
Is the ABU supply at Vanguard drying up? Why not just buy from Vanguard?
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: I_Am_Twigs on July 13, 2019, 07:31:17 AM
Quote from: shuman14 on July 12, 2019, 01:27:50 PM
As I've said before, time to get the OCP ball rolling.

Get ahead of this escalating problem BEFORE it becomes a real problem.

Dark Blue tapes and insignia will look just fine on OCP... as will black boots.  ;)

+1

I think OCP's would be our best bet, not because of "oh they look cool," or "let's follow the USAF because total force," rather, it'd be because it's cheap, readily available, presents a good picture to the public (if worn right, but that's what clear regs and reg enforcement is for), and because it would maintain, if not help our R&R rates.

The dark blue nametapes, Velcro fleece nametapes available through scamguard vanguard specifically, would look perfectly fine on OCP's. I am not a huge fan of the black boots with OCP's, although, they would look better than black boots and ABU's.

Quote from: RangerConlin on July 12, 2019, 05:36:53 PM
I've found lately that EBay is a good source for ABUs. Can find used ones for a decent price as well.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk



The only problem with that is that the uniforms, in the right sizes, are often few and far between. For you they may be easy to find, but for someone like my brother, who is fairly short and skinny, those uniforms will be extremely hard to find.

Quote from: Fester on July 13, 2019, 05:05:06 AM
Is the ABU supply at Vanguard drying up? Why not just buy from Vanguard?

The ABU's that scamguard vanguard provides are not true ABU's, and from what I have heard they are not very durable.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: abdsp51 on July 13, 2019, 12:56:38 PM
OCPs are not by any means cheap.  It would have cost me about 300 bucks to outfit myself with one set.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Ozzy on July 13, 2019, 01:37:02 PM
Quote from: abdsp51 on July 13, 2019, 12:56:38 PM
OCPs are not by any means cheap.  It would have cost me about 300 bucks to outfit myself with one set.

$300? I'm assuming that is adding in the boots and getting a bunch of patches sew onto them rather than velcro'd on. I bought two sets  (No boots) when the Army started allowing them and both cost me less then $250. And that included all new velcro patches.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: SAREXinNY on July 13, 2019, 06:22:29 PM
We should be wearing whatever the Air Force is wearing, for numerous reasons. Just add 2 (or so) years onto the phase out date of the older uniform and call it a day. Stop the guessing games. Stop the "we should switch to..." nonsense. Make it simple and automatic...when they change, we change.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: etodd on July 13, 2019, 06:42:40 PM
Quote from: SAREXinNY on July 13, 2019, 06:22:29 PM
We should be wearing whatever the Air Force is wearing ...when they change, we change.


Hopefully the polo will not change anytime soon. Relatively cheap even with my name and Senior MP wings on them.  I have four that I alternate that still look brand new. Hoping to get several years out of them. :)
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: MSG Mac on July 13, 2019, 07:23:32 PM
Problem is that the AF won't allow CAP to have OCPs until they have outfitted every AF member first.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: abdsp51 on July 13, 2019, 11:07:28 PM
Quote from: Ozzy on July 13, 2019, 01:37:02 PM
Quote from: abdsp51 on July 13, 2019, 12:56:38 PM
OCPs are not by any means cheap.  It would have cost me about 300 bucks to outfit myself with one set.

$300? I'm assuming that is adding in the boots and getting a bunch of patches sew onto them rather than velcro'd on. I bought two sets  (No boots) when the Army started allowing them and both cost me less then $250. And that included all new velcro patches.

300 including 1 top 1 bottom a hat boots etc
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: CAPed Crusader on July 14, 2019, 12:35:13 AM
Hanscom AFB has TONS of ABUs!
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: PHall on July 14, 2019, 01:25:22 AM
Quote from: Fester on July 13, 2019, 05:05:06 AM
Is the ABU supply at Vanguard drying up? Why not just buy from Vanguard?

Because they sell crap, that's why.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: etodd on July 14, 2019, 02:39:42 AM
OK. I'm the guy who doesn't know jack about uniforms, so I'll ask the question that pops into mind. Has the AF at any time pondered the idea of just coming up with specific CAP outdoor uniform, so that we would not have to chase what they wear and have these issues? And maybe while they are at it, make it reflective orange, instead of the non-sensible camo?  Design it to be the uniform for the next 50 years, no matter what the enlisted AF members wear?
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: PHall on July 14, 2019, 03:50:58 AM
No they haven't. Why would they?
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: etodd on July 14, 2019, 03:54:41 AM
Quote from: PHall on July 14, 2019, 03:50:58 AM
No they haven't. Why would they?

Well for one .... so we wouldn't continually have these shortage issues every time the AF decides to change "theirs".  And could eliminate hundreds of threads about the problems of finding uniforms. LOL
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: JayT on July 14, 2019, 04:08:28 AM
Quote from: etodd on July 14, 2019, 03:54:41 AM
Quote from: PHall on July 14, 2019, 03:50:58 AM
No they haven't. Why would they?

Well for one .... so we wouldn't continually have these shortage issues every time the AF decides to change "theirs".  And could eliminate hundreds of threads about the problems of finding uniforms. LOL

BDU's lasted from the late 80s to very recently, Air Force wise. ABU's were kind of an aberrant thing. I imagine that the USAF will be sticking with OCP's for a good while now.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: MSG Mac on July 14, 2019, 04:19:32 AM
Quote from: etodd on July 14, 2019, 02:39:42 AM
OK. I'm the guy who doesn't know jack about uniforms, so I'll ask the question that pops into mind. Has the AF at any time pondered the idea of just coming up with specific CAP outdoor uniform, so that we would not have to chase what they wear and have these issues? And maybe while they are at it, make it reflective orange, instead of the non-sensible camo?  Design it to be the uniform for the next 50 years, no matter what the enlisted AF members wear?

There is an alternative "Blue" BDU uniform available.
Title: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Mitchell 1969 on July 14, 2019, 07:41:04 AM
Quote from: etodd on July 13, 2019, 06:42:40 PM

Hopefully the polo will not change anytime soon. Relatively cheap even with my name and Senior MP wings on them. 

A pet peeve, if I may:

I don't know why people keep calling wings by names that don't fit their actual description. There are no "Senior MP" wings, for example. They are "Senior Pilot" wings. One does not need to be a MP in order to be a Senior Pilot. Anyway, thanks for reading.



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Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: PHall on July 14, 2019, 04:04:46 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 14, 2019, 04:19:32 AM
Quote from: etodd on July 14, 2019, 02:39:42 AM
OK. I'm the guy who doesn't know jack about uniforms, so I'll ask the question that pops into mind. Has the AF at any time pondered the idea of just coming up with specific CAP outdoor uniform, so that we would not have to chase what they wear and have these issues? And maybe while they are at it, make it reflective orange, instead of the non-sensible camo?  Design it to be the uniform for the next 50 years, no matter what the enlisted AF members wear?

There is an alternative "Blue" BDU uniform available.

Not for cadets. The only time cadets can wear "corporate" uniforms is if they don't meet the height-weight standards and they are 18 or older.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Eclipse on July 14, 2019, 05:20:20 PM
Which could be simply and easily changed with another improperly published memo.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: etodd on July 14, 2019, 11:24:07 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 14, 2019, 05:20:20 PM
Which could be simply and easily changed with another improperly published memo.

.... in a Dropbox.  ;)
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Shuman 14 on July 15, 2019, 06:26:14 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 13, 2019, 07:23:32 PM
Problem is that the AF won't allow CAP to have OCPs until they have outfitted every AF member first.

Which, by my observation, should be about the end of this year.

Seriously, if you go to any Army Exchange you will not find any ACU or ABU pattern... anything... left on the shelves. It's OCP only now. Been to Knox, Hood, Drum and Camp Atterbury in the last six months and it's all the same... OCP only with ones-twoies left in ABU or ACU.

So if you can access an Army Base, same issue CAP has getting on Air Bases applies, the Army Clothing and Sales will happily sell you OCPs.

Now, someone needs to authorize CAP to wear OCPs... but I digress.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Eclipse on July 15, 2019, 06:43:35 PM
Since MCSS and AAFES are non-factors for the majority of CAP members, whether or
not you can get ABUs at those locations, vs. CAP's official supplier, should be irrelevant to
any decisions about changing the uniforms.

Considering you can buy them on Amazon, and have them delivered next day, it's not
exactly a crisis.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: PHall on July 15, 2019, 06:50:00 PM
Quote from: shuman14 on July 15, 2019, 06:26:14 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 13, 2019, 07:23:32 PM
Problem is that the AF won't allow CAP to have OCPs until they have outfitted every AF member first.

Which, by my observation, should be about the end of this year.

Seriously, if you go to any Army Exchange you will not find any ACU or ABU pattern... anything... left on the shelves. It's OCP only now. Been to Knox, Hood, Drum and Camp Atterbury in the last six months and it's all the same... OCP only with ones-twoies left in ABU or ACU.

So if you can access an Army Base, same issue CAP has getting on Air Bases applies, the Army Clothing and Sales will happily sell you OCPs.

Now, someone needs to authorize CAP to wear OCPs... but I digress.


Actually, no they won't. AAFES can not sell OCP's to Air Force personnel, and I have lumped CAP into the Air Force personnel category for the sake of argument, until a date to be determined.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: arajca on July 15, 2019, 07:16:09 PM
Actually, AAFES can sell OCPs to AF personnel. It just depends which base you're at.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: abdsp51 on July 15, 2019, 08:02:14 PM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 06:50:00 PM
Quote from: shuman14 on July 15, 2019, 06:26:14 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 13, 2019, 07:23:32 PM
Problem is that the AF won't allow CAP to have OCPs until they have outfitted every AF member first.

Which, by my observation, should be about the end of this year.

Seriously, if you go to any Army Exchange you will not find any ACU or ABU pattern... anything... left on the shelves. It's OCP only now. Been to Knox, Hood, Drum and Camp Atterbury in the last six months and it's all the same... OCP only with ones-twoies left in ABU or ACU.

So if you can access an Army Base, same issue CAP has getting on Air Bases applies, the Army Clothing and Sales will happily sell you OCPs.

Now, someone needs to authorize CAP to wear OCPs... but I digress.


Actually, no they won't. AAFES can not sell OCP's to Air Force personnel, and I have lumped CAP into the Air Force personnel category for the sake of argument, until a date to be determined.

Actually they will and have been for some time now.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: PHall on July 15, 2019, 09:54:57 PM
Quote from: abdsp51 on July 15, 2019, 08:02:14 PM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 06:50:00 PM
Quote from: shuman14 on July 15, 2019, 06:26:14 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 13, 2019, 07:23:32 PM
Problem is that the AF won't allow CAP to have OCPs until they have outfitted every AF member first.

Which, by my observation, should be about the end of this year.

Seriously, if you go to any Army Exchange you will not find any ACU or ABU pattern... anything... left on the shelves. It's OCP only now. Been to Knox, Hood, Drum and Camp Atterbury in the last six months and it's all the same... OCP only with ones-twoies left in ABU or ACU.

So if you can access an Army Base, same issue CAP has getting on Air Bases applies, the Army Clothing and Sales will happily sell you OCPs.

Now, someone needs to authorize CAP to wear OCPs... but I digress.


Actually, no they won't. AAFES can not sell OCP's to Air Force personnel, and I have lumped CAP into the Air Force personnel category for the sake of argument, until a date to be determined.

Actually they will and have been for some time now.

Depending on the base you're at. Currently AF personnel can not buy them at March ARB, Los Angeles AFB and Edwards AFB.
Subject to change if AAFES and DLATS ever get their acts together.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: abdsp51 on July 15, 2019, 10:29:13 PM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 09:54:57 PM
Quote from: abdsp51 on July 15, 2019, 08:02:14 PM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 06:50:00 PM
Quote from: shuman14 on July 15, 2019, 06:26:14 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 13, 2019, 07:23:32 PM
Problem is that the AF won't allow CAP to have OCPs until they have outfitted every AF member first.

Which, by my observation, should be about the end of this year.

Seriously, if you go to any Army Exchange you will not find any ACU or ABU pattern... anything... left on the shelves. It's OCP only now. Been to Knox, Hood, Drum and Camp Atterbury in the last six months and it's all the same... OCP only with ones-twoies left in ABU or ACU.

So if you can access an Army Base, same issue CAP has getting on Air Bases applies, the Army Clothing and Sales will happily sell you OCPs.

Now, someone needs to authorize CAP to wear OCPs... but I digress.


Actually, no they won't. AAFES can not sell OCP's to Air Force personnel, and I have lumped CAP into the Air Force personnel category for the sake of argument, until a date to be determined.

Actually they will and have been for some time now.

Depending on the base you're at. Currently AF personnel can not buy them at March ARB, Los Angeles AFB and Edwards AFB.
Subject to change if AAFES and DLATS ever get their acts together.

They can at Travis and here at Tinker. 
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: PHall on July 16, 2019, 01:34:31 AM
Quote from: abdsp51 on July 15, 2019, 10:29:13 PM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 09:54:57 PM
Quote from: abdsp51 on July 15, 2019, 08:02:14 PM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 06:50:00 PM
Quote from: shuman14 on July 15, 2019, 06:26:14 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 13, 2019, 07:23:32 PM
Problem is that the AF won't allow CAP to have OCPs until they have outfitted every AF member first.

Which, by my observation, should be about the end of this year.

Seriously, if you go to any Army Exchange you will not find any ACU or ABU pattern... anything... left on the shelves. It's OCP only now. Been to Knox, Hood, Drum and Camp Atterbury in the last six months and it's all the same... OCP only with ones-twoies left in ABU or ACU.

So if you can access an Army Base, same issue CAP has getting on Air Bases applies, the Army Clothing and Sales will happily sell you OCPs.

Now, someone needs to authorize CAP to wear OCPs... but I digress.


Actually, no they won't. AAFES can not sell OCP's to Air Force personnel, and I have lumped CAP into the Air Force personnel category for the sake of argument, until a date to be determined.

Actually they will and have been for some time now.

Depending on the base you're at. Currently AF personnel can not buy them at March ARB, Los Angeles AFB and Edwards AFB.
Subject to change if AAFES and DLATS ever get their acts together.

They can at Travis and here at Tinker.

Which is why the OP in the first post said he couldn't find ABU's at Travis.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Shuman 14 on July 16, 2019, 01:34:35 PM
Quote from: arajca on July 15, 2019, 07:16:09 PM
Actually, AAFES can sell OCPs to AF personnel. It just depends which base you're at.

Exactly.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: CAPed Crusader on July 18, 2019, 11:14:54 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 13, 2019, 07:23:32 PM
Problem is that the AF won't allow CAP to have OCPs until they have outfitted every AF member first.

Wait a minute.... does this mean CAP could get OCPs when the AF is done with the full transition to OCPs? We just got the ABUs, however, I like the OCPs better.....
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Stonewall on July 18, 2019, 11:17:36 PM
Wright-Patterson AFB started selling OCPs a few months ago. I stopped by today and the only ABU items they had were a few (like six sets) of maternity ABUs. They don't even restrict who can buy them now; ANG, Reserves, and you aren't limited to only two sets.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Spam on July 19, 2019, 03:49:41 AM

Stonewall, thanks bro.
I was wondering where I could score some maternity ABUs.
I pretty much meet weight only for those, these days!

Cheers
Spam
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: N6RVT on July 19, 2019, 12:38:30 PM
Quote from: Spam on July 19, 2019, 03:49:41 AM

Stonewall, thanks bro.
I was wondering where I could score some maternity ABUs.
I pretty much meet weight only for those, these days!

Ever visit California?  We have a semi trailer full of those, along with matching sets of ABU in sizes CAP cannot wear.  Want a nice matching set of size 52?
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: THRAWN on July 19, 2019, 12:44:06 PM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on July 19, 2019, 12:38:30 PM
Quote from: Spam on July 19, 2019, 03:49:41 AM

Stonewall, thanks bro.
I was wondering where I could score some maternity ABUs.
I pretty much meet weight only for those, these days!

Ever visit California?  We have a semi trailer full of those, along with matching sets of ABU in sizes CAP cannot wear.  Want a nice matching set of size 52?

They make great yardwork clothes. When I retired, that's what all of my ACUs ended up being used for....they also make great light jackets to toss in the trunk....
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: majdomke on July 31, 2019, 08:24:53 PM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on July 19, 2019, 12:38:30 PM
Ever visit California?  We have a semi trailer full of those, along with matching sets of ABU in sizes CAP cannot wear.  Want a nice matching set of size 52?
I'm in California. When can we come take some off your hands?
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: N6RVT on July 31, 2019, 09:36:51 PM
Quote from: majdomke on July 31, 2019, 08:24:53 PM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on July 19, 2019, 12:38:30 PM
Ever visit California?  We have a semi trailer full of those, along with matching sets of ABU in sizes CAP cannot wear.  Want a nice matching set of size 52?
I'm in California. When can we come take some off your hands?

Not kidding.  PM me.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: SARDOC on August 04, 2019, 09:45:09 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 14, 2019, 04:19:32 AM
Quote from: etodd on July 14, 2019, 02:39:42 AM
OK. I'm the guy who doesn't know jack about uniforms, so I'll ask the question that pops into mind. Has the AF at any time pondered the idea of just coming up with specific CAP outdoor uniform, so that we would not have to chase what they wear and have these issues? And maybe while they are at it, make it reflective orange, instead of the non-sensible camo?  Design it to be the uniform for the next 50 years, no matter what the enlisted AF members wear?

There is an alternative "Blue" BDU uniform available.

That was my thought exactly.  "Specific CAP Outdoor Uniform"  Yes, They already have.  All Seniors and Over 18 cadets who are outside of CAP height/weight Standards are already eligible to wear this uniform.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: THRAWN on August 04, 2019, 10:24:00 PM
Quote from: SARDOC on August 04, 2019, 09:45:09 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 14, 2019, 04:19:32 AM
Quote from: etodd on July 14, 2019, 02:39:42 AM
OK. I'm the guy who doesn't know jack about uniforms, so I'll ask the question that pops into mind. Has the AF at any time pondered the idea of just coming up with specific CAP outdoor uniform, so that we would not have to chase what they wear and have these issues? And maybe while they are at it, make it reflective orange, instead of the non-sensible camo?  Design it to be the uniform for the next 50 years, no matter what the enlisted AF members wear?

There is an alternative "Blue" BDU uniform available.

That was my thought exactly.  "Specific CAP Outdoor Uniform"  Yes, They already have.  All Seniors and Over 18 cadets who are outside of CAP height/weight Standards are already eligible to wear this uniform.

Think the point was to drop all of the combat utilities in favor of the BBDU. Make an actual uniform out of the catalog of uniforms. Got my vote.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Mitchell 1969 on August 05, 2019, 06:44:57 AM
Quote from: SARDOC on August 04, 2019, 09:45:09 PM
Quote from: MSG Mac on July 14, 2019, 04:19:32 AM
Quote from: etodd on July 14, 2019, 02:39:42 AM
OK. I'm the guy who doesn't know jack about uniforms, so I'll ask the question that pops into mind. Has the AF at any time pondered the idea of just coming up with specific CAP outdoor uniform, so that we would not have to chase what they wear and have these issues? And maybe while they are at it, make it reflective orange, instead of the non-sensible camo?  Design it to be the uniform for the next 50 years, no matter what the enlisted AF members wear?

There is an alternative "Blue" BDU uniform available.

That was my thought exactly.  "Specific CAP Outdoor Uniform"  Yes, They already have.  All Seniors and Over 18 cadets who are outside of CAP height/weight Standards are already eligible to wear this uniform.

Maybe a better name for that? Because ALL uniforms are "outdoor uniform" at some point.


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Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: N6RVT on August 11, 2019, 04:21:05 AM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 09:54:57 PMDepending on the base you're at. Currently AF personnel can not buy them at March ARB, Los Angeles AFB and Edwards AFB.
Subject to change if AAFES and DLATS ever get their acts together.

As of today El Segundo AFB (Los Angeles) does not seem to be aware that OCP exist.  The shelves are still full of RABU.  They even had some Army ACU on sale
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: PHall on August 11, 2019, 05:12:31 AM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on August 11, 2019, 04:21:05 AM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 09:54:57 PMDepending on the base you're at. Currently AF personnel can not buy them at March ARB, Los Angeles AFB and Edwards AFB.
Subject to change if AAFES and DLATS ever get their acts together.

As of today El Segundo AFB (Los Angeles) does not seem to be aware that OCP exist.  The shelves are still full of RABU.  They even had some Army ACU on sale

You do realize that Los Angeles AFB is research and development base. They don't have an "operational" mission, they have a procurement mission.
Which is why they have Northrop-Grumman, Boeing, Space X, Raytheon and The Aerospace Company for neighbors.
They'll be one of the last bases to start selling the OCP's.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: xyzzy on August 11, 2019, 10:18:56 AM
I'm responding to Mitchell 1969's comment about an outdoor CAP uniform. As another poster mentioned, dress uniforms are also worn outdoors, so perhaps "general purpose utility uniform" could describe Mitchell 1969's intent. I've dealt with uniforms of this type for volunteer fire departments and volunteer EMS. This thread is about the supply problem, so I'll limit myself to that.

Large organizations like USAF tell manufacturers what to make and they make it. Small organizations pick from what the manufacturers are offering. What's offered changes according to what's fashionable. Shades of color vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. To be thrifty and allow members to be thrifty, small organizations must specify uniforms that are flexible with respect to shades of color and pocket configuration. For additional flexibility, small brand labels and logos should be allowed.

Any outerwear should be allowed so long as it does not have offensive wording or images, or indicate affiliation with a different organization.  Just cover the outerwear with a high-visibility vest, unless its already high-visibility.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: N6RVT on August 11, 2019, 03:40:35 PM
Quote from: PHall on August 11, 2019, 05:12:31 AM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on August 11, 2019, 04:21:05 AM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 09:54:57 PMDepending on the base you're at. Currently AF personnel can not buy them at March ARB, Los Angeles AFB and Edwards AFB.
Subject to change if AAFES and DLATS ever get their acts together.

As of today El Segundo AFB (Los Angeles) does not seem to be aware that OCP exist.  The shelves are still full of RABU.  They even had some Army ACU on sale

You do realize that Los Angeles AFB is research and development base. They don't have an "operational" mission, they have a procurement mission.
Which is why they have Northrop-Grumman, Boeing, Space X, Raytheon and The Aerospace Company for neighbors.
They'll be one of the last bases to start selling the OCP's.

I've been going to this base on a regular basis since they were on both sides of the street - about 30 years ago.
Point was they have a full supply of all sizes of ABU, and I did not see a single person wearing OCP anywhere on the whole installation and I was there most of the day.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Shuman 14 on August 11, 2019, 07:12:30 PM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on August 11, 2019, 03:40:35 PM
Quote from: PHall on August 11, 2019, 05:12:31 AM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on August 11, 2019, 04:21:05 AM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 09:54:57 PMDepending on the base you're at. Currently AF personnel can not buy them at March ARB, Los Angeles AFB and Edwards AFB.
Subject to change if AAFES and DLATS ever get their acts together.

As of today El Segundo AFB (Los Angeles) does not seem to be aware that OCP exist.  The shelves are still full of RABU.  They even had some Army ACU on sale

You do realize that Los Angeles AFB is research and development base. They don't have an "operational" mission, they have a procurement mission.
Which is why they have Northrop-Grumman, Boeing, Space X, Raytheon and The Aerospace Company for neighbors.
They'll be one of the last bases to start selling the OCP's.

I've been going to this base on a regular basis since they were on both sides of the street - about 30 years ago.
Point was they have a full supply of all sizes of ABU, and I did not see a single person wearing OCP anywhere on the whole installation and I was there most of the day.

Perhaps you found the location that all other Post Exchanges are sending their remaining surplus ABU and ACU supplies as they stock their shelves with new OCPs.  ;)
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: PHall on August 11, 2019, 08:17:56 PM
Quote from: shuman14 on August 11, 2019, 07:12:30 PM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on August 11, 2019, 03:40:35 PM
Quote from: PHall on August 11, 2019, 05:12:31 AM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on August 11, 2019, 04:21:05 AM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 09:54:57 PMDepending on the base you're at. Currently AF personnel can not buy them at March ARB, Los Angeles AFB and Edwards AFB.
Subject to change if AAFES and DLATS ever get their acts together.

As of today El Segundo AFB (Los Angeles) does not seem to be aware that OCP exist.  The shelves are still full of RABU.  They even had some Army ACU on sale

You do realize that Los Angeles AFB is research and development base. They don't have an "operational" mission, they have a procurement mission.
Which is why they have Northrop-Grumman, Boeing, Space X, Raytheon and The Aerospace Company for neighbors.
They'll be one of the last bases to start selling the OCP's.

I've been going to this base on a regular basis since they were on both sides of the street - about 30 years ago.
Point was they have a full supply of all sizes of ABU, and I did not see a single person wearing OCP anywhere on the whole installation and I was there most of the day.

Perhaps you found the location that all other Post Exchanges are sending their remaining surplus ABU and ACU supplies as they stock their shelves with new OCPs.  ;)

You assume that AAFES can be efficient, you know better then that! At least I hope you know better then that! >:D
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: Shuman 14 on August 11, 2019, 08:31:28 PM
QuoteYou assume that AAFES can be efficient, you know better then that! At least I hope you know better then that! >:D

There needs to be a "facetious" emoji. Just saying.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: N6RVT on August 12, 2019, 05:34:25 PM
Quote from: shuman14 on August 11, 2019, 07:12:30 PM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on August 11, 2019, 03:40:35 PM
Quote from: PHall on August 11, 2019, 05:12:31 AM
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on August 11, 2019, 04:21:05 AM
Quote from: PHall on July 15, 2019, 09:54:57 PMDepending on the base you're at. Currently AF personnel can not buy them at March ARB, Los Angeles AFB and Edwards AFB.
Subject to change if AAFES and DLATS ever get their acts together.

As of today El Segundo AFB (Los Angeles) does not seem to be aware that OCP exist.  The shelves are still full of RABU.  They even had some Army ACU on sale

You do realize that Los Angeles AFB is research and development base. They don't have an "operational" mission, they have a procurement mission.
Which is why they have Northrop-Grumman, Boeing, Space X, Raytheon and The Aerospace Company for neighbors.
They'll be one of the last bases to start selling the OCP's.

I've been going to this base on a regular basis since they were on both sides of the street - about 30 years ago.
Point was they have a full supply of all sizes of ABU, and I did not see a single person wearing OCP anywhere on the whole installation and I was there most of the day.

Perhaps you found the location that all other Post Exchanges are sending their remaining surplus ABU and ACU supplies as they stock their shelves with new OCPs.  ;)

I actually think this may be the case.  No AAFES will want to stock both and the leftovers have to go somewhere.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: bd5av8r on September 07, 2019, 02:59:52 AM

[/quote]


Actually, no they won't. AAFES can not sell OCP's to Air Force personnel, and I have lumped CAP into the Air Force personnel category for the sake of argument, until a date to be determined.
[/quote]

Fort Riley happily sold me OCPs and I showed them an AF CAC to get them. :)
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: PHall on September 07, 2019, 04:44:37 PM
Quote from: bd5av8r on September 07, 2019, 02:59:52 AM



Actually, no they won't. AAFES can not sell OCP's to Air Force personnel, and I have lumped CAP into the Air Force personnel category for the sake of argument, until a date to be determined.
[/quote]

Fort Riley happily sold me OCPs and I showed them an AF CAC to get them. :)
[/quote]


This depends on the base you're at. Example: you can get them at Travis AFB but you can't at Edwards AFB.
AAFES is rolling out the OCP's in stages.
Title: Re: ABU Supply Drying Up
Post by: SarDragon on September 07, 2019, 07:55:51 PM
Are we done here?

Yup, done.