Tapes for ABU's

[Hawk200]

I think you're underestimating the "cool" factor.  Peer preassure is also a bit of an issue. 

True enough. It can be a strong motivator.

I wonder about cadets though.  With them cost is more of an issue (as well as growth), but they would probably be even more stoked to wear the new uniforms when they can. 

Also true. I may hold off on them then, for that reason. I don't want cadets to think that they have to have them. If it takes time for some seniors to wear them, cadets may be a little more thoughtful about it.

Now if the peer pressure results in more uniformity, that's always a good thing.

[jimmydeanno]

^but then they may think you're just out of uniform like the other seniors...

[Eclipse]

Even if we don't see ACU's in the near future, I think that we need to be proactive in getting the entire uniform done right the first time.  Very few uniforms are created in months, right?  I believe that if we take this slow and well planned, we might be able to influence what uniforms we get, instead of just getting what is handed down.  I understand that not all uniforms will be acceptable to CAP/CC or USAF, but why not give it a try?

Give what a try and who's we?

There is constant chatter on this board and other places that the 10 or so people who actually contribute (as in argue in circles on end) actually influence anything at NHQ.

Also, a major complaint here, other boards, and even the RealMilitary® is too many uniform changes, yet we've got those same people pushing more change needlessly.

The woodland camo is already arguably inappropriate for most of our missions, but its serviceable, lokos good when dirty. and there's a whole munge-load of them in the world.

If you guys want to drop the "wannas-bees" tag, start concentrating on something that's actually important.

[Hawk200]

^but then they may think you're just out of uniform like the other seniors...

I've educated a few of my fellow senior members on what uniformity actually is. I got told one time that I was out of uniform because I was wearing a brown T-shirt instead of black like everyone else. I took care of that real quick.

I know black is authorized, but I have 14 brown T-shirts that are perfectly serviceable, I don't see any reason to go buy black ones.

[ddelaney103]

I would like a "White on Charcoal" option for the poll.

I think we should avoid subdued tapes and badges.  The RM(tm) wears subdued because they're splitting the difference b/w tactical and command/control considerations.  Since we don't have to worry about tactical considerations, visibility should be our main concern.

[Hawk200]

Since we don't have to worry about tactical considerations, visibility should be our main concern.

Do you really honestly believe that a nametape with some white or other bright color on it is going to make you completely visible? You should have an orange vest on during missions, regardless of what you're wearing. There's your visibility.

This idea that bright colored patches and namtapes are going to be what makes a person totally visible in all environments, or somehow renders them incapable of getting lost is a little ridiculous. Let that idea go, nobody that thinks about it in a logical manner is going to buy it. Even people wearing orange vests or the "gasoline" colors get lost, but those colors can go a long way in helping you get found, provided of course that you don't panic and wander aimlessly.

We as members may be able to influence the next uniform. But it's going to take a package that is well written, and delivered to the appropriate people. Just talking about it here is not going to magically make it happen. What say we work on it? Anyone game? I'll put my name on it.

[RogueLeader]

I'm ready to rock, been ready to rock- just looking for others to roll along with.  I'm your wing Hawk200.
Hooah.

[Hawk200]

I'm ready to rock, been ready to rock- just looking for others to roll along with.  I'm your wing Hawk200.
Hooah.

Cool. Anyone that would like to work on a package submission to National to work with, PM me. Maybe we'll come up with some kind of working group. If we want change, let's make it happen.

[ddelaney103]

Since we don't have to worry about tactical considerations, visibility should be our main concern.

Do you really honestly believe that a nametape with some white or other bright color on it is going to make you completely visible? You should have an orange vest on during missions, regardless of what you're wearing. There's your visibility.

This idea that bright colored patches and namtapes are going to be what makes a person totally visible in all environments, or somehow renders them incapable of getting lost is a little ridiculous. Let that idea go, nobody that thinks about it in a logical manner is going to buy it. Even people wearing orange vests or the "gasoline" colors get lost, but those colors can go a long way in helping you get found, provided of course that you don't panic and wander aimlessly.

No, I meant "visibility" as in "can read name or grade at a range of over 10 feet."  Subdued tapes, esp the MARPAT/ACU/ABU patterns, leave a lot to be desired from a readability standpoint.

You're going to hurt your knees if you keep jumping to conclusions like that.

[Hawk200]

No, I meant "visibility" as in "can read name or grade at a range of over 10 feet."  Subdued tapes, esp the MARPAT/ACU/ABU patterns, leave a lot to be desired from a readability standpoint.

I can see that viewpoint. White on some kind of dark color would probably work best in that case. I just hope noone wants to put orange lettering on one though.

You're going to hurt your knees if you keep jumping to conclusions like that.

Not much of a jump, you did have to explain it after all.

[RogueLeader]

Here are some rank color options that I thought of:

[RogueLeader]

It has been pointed out to me that the Blue on OD will still be used by USAF.  Therefore, it is not viable.  I appreciate any comments.

NOTE: I did these in MS paint for Color Comparison, and not as actual rank insignia.

[Hawk200]

It has been pointed out to me that the Blue on OD will still be used by USAF.  Therefore, it is not viable.  I appreciate any comments.

Based on the recent information that the Air Force has disseminated on the ABU, rank insignia will be subdued (brown or blue) on an urban grey background. OD is not a complimentary color for the ABU.

[LtCol White]

It has been pointed out to me that the Blue on OD will still be used by USAF.  Therefore, it is not viable.  I appreciate any comments.

Based on the recent information that the Air Force has disseminated on the ABU, rank insignia will be subdued (brown or blue) on an urban grey background. OD is not a complimentary color for the ABU.

USAF rank and insignia will be midnight blue on the urban grey background.

[Hawk200]

USAF rank and insignia will be midnight blue on the urban grey background.

Except for 2LT and MAJ, which will be brown. It looks funny, but you get used to it.

[SARMedTech]

I vote for just about anything but ultramarine. I still think thats a punishment. I dont actively complain about them, but they are ugly. Ive had "civilians" as me what the ultramarine was meant to signify, as in GT, Pilot, etc. Its probably moot because we are probably going to see ABUs about the time they arm us and give hum-v's and boonies.

[SARMedTech]

Even if we don't see ACU's in the near future, I think that we need to be proactive in getting the entire uniform done right the first time.  Very few uniforms are created in months, right?  I believe that if we take this slow and well planned, we might be able to influence what uniforms we get, instead of just getting what is handed down.  I understand that not all uniforms will be acceptable to CAP/CC or USAF, but why not give it a try?

Give what a try and who's we?

There is constant chatter on this board and other places that the 10 or so people who actually contribute (as in argue in circles on end) actually influence anything at NHQ.

Also, a major complaint here, other boards, and even the RealMilitary® is too many uniform changes, yet we've got those same people pushing more change needlessly.

The woodland camo is already arguably inappropriate for most of our missions, but its serviceable, lokos good when dirty. and there's a whole munge-load of them in the world.

If you guys want to drop the "wannas-bees" tag, start concentrating on something that's actually important.

Double BZ!!!