New USAF Uniform

[Nick Critelli]

Thought you would like to see the new USAF ABU uniform.  You'll be seeing them near the close of 2006 with mandatory wear date of 2011.

For more info see: 

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,91425,00.html?ESRC=airforce-a.nl

For a full photo see:

http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/060317-F-0000R-001.jpg


Lt.Col. Nick Critelli CAP
Chief of Staff
Iowa Wing

[Becks]

Wow I really like it.  :clap: The fact that you wear it straight out of the dryer is pretty sweet as well.  Think CAP will ever see it?

[alexalvarez]

I really like the new ABU. I hope CAP will be able to wear it in the future.

[shorning]

The fact that you wear it straight out of the dryer is pretty sweet as well.

Much like a flightsuit.  Can still look good if you take it our of the dryer right away.

[Matt]

It's better than the orginal designs I saw.  Although, I'm still partial to the Woodlands because ALL OF THE SERVICES WERE THEN UNIFORM, I still am diggin' it.

[biZarre]

If we ever get permission to wear this uniform, it sure will look silly with the blue and white name tapes 

[Matt]

If we ever get permission to wear this uniform, it sure will look silly with the blue and white name tapes 

Don't the regular BDU's?

[Viper]

What's CAP going to wear when there is no more Woodland BDUs?

BTW, I find the Marine Corps' MARPAT Utilities to be the nicest of the new 'BDUs,' if you will.  JMHO.

[shorning]

What's CAP going to wear when there is no more Woodland BDUs

The field uniform...just like you can now.

[Viper]

What's CAP going to wear when there is no more Woodland BDUs

The field uniform...just like you can now.

YAY!!!!  Now I can play SWAT on the way to CAP Meetings.  Fun!

[shorning]

What's CAP going to wear when there is no more Woodland BDUs

The field uniform...just like you can now.

YAY!!!!  Now I can play SWAT on the way to CAP Meetings.  Fun!

None of the SWAT guys any where I've lived since being in the military have worn blue BDUs.  In fact, everytime I've seen them on TV, they've been wearing woodland BDU pants if not the entire ensamble.

Personally I think it looks a lot sharper that wearing full color patches on woodland camouflage.  But then, I don't have to wear BDUs to be cool, because, 1) let's face it, I'm just not that cool, and 2) I get my fill of wearing them outside of CAP.

[MIKE]

I would hope that CAP would not decide to replace the woodland BDU with the CAP Field Uniform when the woodland BDUs are no longer readily available.  I would prefer that we would continue to be authorized the currently authorized Air Force utility uniform... ABU and beyond, in much the same way that we are authorized the current Air Force style service uniform.

Obviously, if the USAF says no dice on the ABU... Or no longer lets us wear other Air Force style uniforms, I would shut up and color.

[Nick]

I would hope that CAP would not decide to replace the woodland BDU with the CAP Field Uniform when the woodland BDUs are no longer readily available.  I would prefer that we would continue to be authorized the currently authorized Air Force utility uniform... ABU and beyond, in much the same way that we are authorized the current Air Force style service uniform.

Obviously, if the USAF says no dice on the ABU... Or no longer lets us wear other Air Force style uniforms, I would shut up and color.

*IF* we were ever authorized the ABU, it would be several years after they roll out before we would get our hands on them.  Like we saw with the new Army PT uniform, then the new AF PT uniform, and then with the ACU, MCSS shelves were empty for at least a year after the uniform was released.  It'll play the whole priority game: 1) Personnel in or preparing to deploy to AORs, 2) Active duty, 2.5) Cadets fixin' to commission, 3) Reserve/Guard, 4) Everyone else

[shorning]

I would hope that CAP would not decide to replace the woodland BDU with the CAP Field Uniform when the woodland BDUs are no longer readily available.  I would prefer that we would continue to be authorized the currently authorized Air Force utility uniform... ABU and beyond, in much the same way that we are authorized the current Air Force style service uniform.

Obviously, if the USAF says no dice on the ABU... Or no longer lets us wear other Air Force style uniforms, I would shut up and color.

Or CAP decides to scrap the AF-style uniforms for the "distinctive" corporate uniforms.  It won't surprise me when we adopt the new corporate uniforms (the so called "corporate blues") in place of AF-style uniforms.  It's just a short step from there to blue field and utility uniforms.

[MIKE]

Or CAP decides to scrap the AF-style uniforms for the "distinctive" corporate uniforms.  It won't surprise me when we adopt the new corporate uniforms (the so called "corporate blues") in place of AF-style uniforms.  It's just a short step from there to blue field and utility uniforms.

Yeah... That too I suppose. I just like my Air Force style uniforms... Been wearing them since I was a cadidiot, and don't currently own any CAP distinctive stuff. 

[shorning]

Yeah... That too I suppose. I just like my Air Force style uniforms... Been wearing them since I was a cadidiot, and don't currently own any CAP distinctive stuff. 

I"m trying to switch to all corporate, but it's like shooting at a moving target.  I wish I knew what they were "thinking" of for the future of uniforms.  I don't need to wear AF-style uniforms.  I get to "play" Air Force enough as it is.

[Viper]

What's CAP going to wear when there is no more Woodland BDUs

The field uniform...just like you can now.

YAY!!!!  Now I can play SWAT on the way to CAP Meetings.  Fun!

None of the SWAT guys any where I've lived since being in the military have worn blue BDUs.  In fact, everytime I've seen them on TV, they've been wearing woodland BDU pants if not the entire ensamble.

Personally I think it looks a lot sharper that wearing full color patches on woodland camouflage.  But then, I don't have to wear BDUs to be cool, because, 1) let's face it, I'm just not that cool, and 2) I get my fill of wearing them outside of CAP.

IIRC, the guys I've seen on Dallas SWAT have been wearing the Blue 'BDUs.'  I've seen otherrs wearing them as well, sir.

EDIT: As I sit here watching Dallas SWAT on A&E, that is what the SWAT Team Members are wearing.

[shorning]

IIRC, the guys I've seen on Dallas SWAT have been wearing the Blue 'BDUs.'  I've seen otherrs wearing them as well, sir.

EDIT: As I sit here watching Dallas SWAT on A&E, that is what the SWAT Team Members are wearing.

Never said they didn't.   What I said was:

None of the SWAT guys any where I've lived since being in the military have worn blue BDUs.

I've never lived in Dallas.  So I wouldn't know what they wear. 

But why would you "play SWAT" because you're wearing the field uniform?  Do you "play Army" on your way to meetings now because you're wearing BDUs?  I don't see where a change in behavior comes in. 

[Viper]

IIRC, the guys I've seen on Dallas SWAT have been wearing the Blue 'BDUs.'  I've seen otherrs wearing them as well, sir.

EDIT: As I sit here watching Dallas SWAT on A&E, that is what the SWAT Team Members are wearing.

Never said they didn't.   What I said was:

None of the SWAT guys any where I've lived since being in the military have worn blue BDUs.

I've never lived in Dallas.  So I wouldn't know what they wear. 

But why would you "play SWAT" because you're wearing the field uniform?  Do you "play Army" on your way to meetings now because you're wearing BDUs?  I don't see where a change in behavior comes in. 

No, sir I sure don't./  I quit that like six years ago, lol.  BUT---the SMs 'play' Air Force.  Especially now that black t-shirts can now be worn with the BBDU, we'll look more like SWAT.  I just think that it's funny that CAP wears a uniform similar to SWAT, that's all sir.

[shorning]

I just think that it's funny that CAP wears a uniform similar to SWAT, that's all sir.

No funnier than CAP playing "military" by wearing BDUs...

[Matt]

hmm, SWAT...

Can I be Hondo... from the orginal SWAT TV Show?

*SWAT Theme Plays*

(And for the younger ones than I... yes, there was a TV Show...  In fact, it's on DVD, just waiting for anything past Season 1)

[MIKE]

I saw SWAT on TV Land a few times.

[mikeylikey]

The new AF uniform has little or no functionality.  They changed the colors, and added  pockets.  The uniform is the same as the BDU's with a new color pattern and new pockets, which are placed in positions that very few people will use.  How much more useful is this uniform than say the current BDU.  Have we become so lazy, that we can not take 5 minutes to iron a shirt and pants.  Lets not forget, that pressed uniforms in AOR's or forward positions add little to the warfighting operation.  I do commend the uniform board for selecting new footwear.  Now we will not have to carry around both dessert and leather boots.  That reduces the costs to tax payers.  It does put the smaller sized leather boot manufacturers that supplied the Fed Government out of work...in terms of switching production lines. 

[Matt]

I just looked over the pic again.

I'm guessing based on the color patterns of all the services, with the exception of the Navy, who I believe, but I'm not positive, in combat wears the MCUs, are all Urban/Desert colors.  Tans and lighter greens.  Just moving from Jungle Warfare to urban and mechanized warfare.

As for the extra pocket.  It's useless in general, however, if you're sitting, kneeling, or crouched, it's a nice spot.  But, I'm not sure everyone is going to like the ankle weights.

[AlphaSigOU]

hmm, SWAT...

Can I be Hondo... from the orginal SWAT TV Show?

*SWAT Theme Plays*

(And for the younger ones than I... yes, there was a TV Show...  In fact, it's on DVD, just waiting for anything past Season 1)

Time to wonder... what it must be like... to strap on a gun... pin on a badge... and become... a LAWMAN!!!!! 

[Nick]

Time to wonder... what it must be like... to strap on a gun... pin on a badge... and become... a LAWMAN!!!!! 

Feh, do it every day... it loses its zeal after a while.

[Matt]

Feh, do it every day... it loses its zeal after a while.

Book 'em Dano!

[Pylon]

Book 'em Dano!

 

[Slim]

Time to wonder... what it must be like... to strap on a gun... pin on a badge... and become... a LAWMAN!!!!! 

Did you by chance live in the DC area sometime in the late 80's-early90's?  That sounds an awful lot like a radio DJ named Greaseman.

Can you hear it.....Off in the distance.....that sy-rene wailin'?

[AlphaSigOU]

Time to wonder... what it must be like... to strap on a gun... pin on a badge... and become... a LAWMAN!!!!! 

Did you by chance live in the DC area sometime in the late 80's-early90's?  That sounds an awful lot like a radio DJ named Greaseman.

Can you hear it.....Off in the distance.....that sy-rene wailin'?

Yup... I lived in the 'Sodom-on-Potomac' (ahem, DC) area from 1986-89. The Greaseman's still plying his trade on the airwaves in DC. At least I can still catch his 'bits' online!

[Slim]

Sorry for the topic drift.....

A friend of mine (a now retired AF SP) made me a copy of a few of the Greaseman's pieces, which I lost somewhere along the way.

I don't remember much, but I do remember them being hilarious.  Can you PM me a link to his webiste (or probably his stations)?

[Eclipse]

Actually, I don't think it looks that bad:



However notice I didn't put on any of the christmas decorations.  All of this talk about being too "colorful" has a few people around my parts "deblinging" - pluto, wing, tech rating - gone.

Just a flag, unit, and tapes / quals.

Looks pretty good , actually.

[Chris Jacobs]

The new AF uniform has little or no functionality.  They changed the colors, and added  pockets.  The uniform is the same as the BDU's with a new color pattern and new pockets, which are placed in positions that very few people will use.  How much more useful is this uniform than say the current BDU.  Have we become so lazy, that we can not take 5 minutes to iron a shirt and pants.  Lets not forget, that pressed uniforms in AOR's or forward positions add little to the warfighting operation.  I do commend the uniform board for selecting new footwear.  Now we will not have to carry around both dessert and leather boots.  That reduces the costs to tax payers.  It does put the smaller sized leather boot manufacturers that supplied the Fed Government out of work...in terms of switching production lines. 

Actualy the pockets will be easier to get into.  They changed them so that you can get into them with your body armor on.  This uniform is far more usefull.

[SKYKING607]

Read where the new "digital" uniform will not be totally phased-in until the year 2011. 

Gawd I miss my ol' "greens" which I still have in cold storage!

Looking for a set of 1505's for my collection!

[Nick]

Actualy the pockets will be easier to get into.  They changed them so that you can get into them with your body armor on.  This uniform is far more usefull.

Changed what pockets?  The detail photo the AF released shows the exact same pockets as the existing BDU's (which I can personally attest you cannot access the pockets at all... I have pictures to prove it), except they added a pen-pocket on the sleeve and one or two pockets on the lower legs that someone here dubbed as essentially leg weights.

[mikeylikey]

I have seen this uniform upclose, let me say that it is more useless for current and future deployments than the woodland BDU's.  The only pocket that is of added value is the one for pencils and pens.  however, do you realy think that any commander will allow thier Airman to place anything in these "new" pockets.  The pockets on the lower legs are the most useless of the whole design.  As for the guy who said that the new uniform allows for easy access to the pockets with body armor on, I suppose you have never seen body armor before.  The only pocket you may be able to get into on the shirt would be the one for the pens and pencils.  I guess I am biased, I have worn both BDU's and ACU's, and must say the Army got the whole "lets design a new uniform" right.  The Air Force should focus more on functionality than appearance.

[Nick]

I guess I am biased, I have worn both BDU's and ACU's, and must say the Army got the whole "lets design a new uniform" right.  The Air Force should focus more on functionality than appearance.

Hooah.  Heck, I'm in the Air Force and I'd rather wear ACU's than this new [poop].

[shorning]

I guess I am biased, I have worn both BDU's and ACU's, and must say the Army got the whole "lets design a new uniform" right.  The Air Force should focus more on functionality than appearance.

Hooah.  Heck, I'm in the Air Force and I'd rather wear ACU's than this new [poop].

Wannabe...   You wanna pink bow for your hair too?

[Chris Jacobs]

What i had read on this new uniform is that the pockets were going to be changed to be similar to the new ACU.  I must have read wrong.  Yes i have seen body armor and yes i have worn it too.  My uncle thought i would be a nice bet to see if i could wear his interceptor body armor all day.  I know as of now you can't get into any of the BDU pockets with it on but i thought that was one of the things changing on this one.  Maybe not.

[Nick]

I guess I am biased, I have worn both BDU's and ACU's, and must say the Army got the whole "lets design a new uniform" right.  The Air Force should focus more on functionality than appearance.

Hooah.  Heck, I'm in the Air Force and I'd rather wear ACU's than this new [poop].

Wannabe...   You wanna pink bow for your hair too?