Can't you wait awhile? I have not finished buying all the BBDUs that I need, and there is still time to wear ABUs.Wait to post this thread when CAP announces a new uniform.
This will be another opportunity for CAP to adopt it's own, distinctive field uniform, and get off the USAF carousel of clothing, that CAP will ignore in favor of affinity and affectation.CAP does not need a camouflage uniform, for any reason whatsoever, and it actually decreases mission effectiveness in every phases of CAP operations except for recruiting, and point is debatable, since the inability of the organization to enforce its regulations works against the very affinity it seeks.The rhetoric should be "now's the time to fix this once and for all", not start discussinghow awesome OCPs would be.
I do understand where you're coming from, but from the discussions I've heard in person, the AF doesn't want us in our own distinctive uniform. I'm trying to steer clear of the camouflage pattern debate though for that very reason. It doesn't really matter what the pattern is, because it's whatever our parent org has.
The AF did not goto the OCP because the Army is already wearing it. There is more to that decision.
The ABU is the most uncomfortable uniform ever. I miss the old, old plain OD 'fatigues' that we used to wear.
Quote from: OldGuy on August 05, 2018, 02:09:40 PMThe ABU is the most uncomfortable uniform ever. I miss the old, old plain OD 'fatigues' that we used to wear.Are you wearing the "original" design that we got for free or the much more comfy Ripstop ABU's?There is a big difference, at least to me.And yes I miss the OG-507 Fatigues too.
Quote from: abdsp51 on August 05, 2018, 02:23:42 AMThe AF did not goto the OCP because the Army is already wearing it. There is more to that decision.Actually, that is the EXACT reason the Air Force went to it.The ABU wasn't working and a replacement was desired. Adopting the OCP was seen as an economical way to do it since the Army had already spent the money needed to field it. And the Air Force had some experience wearing it already since by order of CENTCOM everybody in the AOR had to wear it.
The large Velcro sleeve patches would make up for the loss of the pockets. You could actually put two patches on each side, and for those with more than that, its Velcro! You could wear different patches every time.
Quote from: Dwight Dutton on August 06, 2018, 05:06:00 PMThe large Velcro sleeve patches would make up for the loss of the pockets. You could actually put two patches on each side, and for those with more than that, its Velcro! You could wear different patches every time.I can't say it'd really be a loss of pockets as I'd be more likely to use the pockets on the sleeves for things like cell phones, small items etc, than I've ever been to use the lower pockets on the ABU/BDU top.But I do agree, with the large panels, it makes some things easier to do like change out wing/unit/NCSA/other patches. You could even make the argument that we'd see better use of surplus uniforms being able to be recycled because the nametapes and ranks would also be velcro. Constant sewing would basically be eliminated for cadet officers. I will say though, I REALLY like the idea of throwing unit patches on the arms, maybe below the flag (if we went back to wearing it) and then wing patch on the other side or NCSA patch.
Quote from: DocJekyll on August 06, 2018, 06:27:27 PMQuote from: Dwight Dutton on August 06, 2018, 05:06:00 PMThe large Velcro sleeve patches would make up for the loss of the pockets. You could actually put two patches on each side, and for those with more than that, its Velcro! You could wear different patches every time.I can't say it'd really be a loss of pockets as I'd be more likely to use the pockets on the sleeves for things like cell phones, small items etc, than I've ever been to use the lower pockets on the ABU/BDU top.But I do agree, with the large panels, it makes some things easier to do like change out wing/unit/NCSA/other patches. You could even make the argument that we'd see better use of surplus uniforms being able to be recycled because the nametapes and ranks would also be velcro. Constant sewing would basically be eliminated for cadet officers. I will say though, I REALLY like the idea of throwing unit patches on the arms, maybe below the flag (if we went back to wearing it) and then wing patch on the other side or NCSA patch.Wouldn't the occupational/aviation badges still be sewn on?
Quote from: I_Am_Twigs on August 06, 2018, 06:40:00 PMQuote from: DocJekyll on August 06, 2018, 06:27:27 PMQuote from: Dwight Dutton on August 06, 2018, 05:06:00 PMThe large Velcro sleeve patches would make up for the loss of the pockets. You could actually put two patches on each side, and for those with more than that, its Velcro! You could wear different patches every time.I can't say it'd really be a loss of pockets as I'd be more likely to use the pockets on the sleeves for things like cell phones, small items etc, than I've ever been to use the lower pockets on the ABU/BDU top.But I do agree, with the large panels, it makes some things easier to do like change out wing/unit/NCSA/other patches. You could even make the argument that we'd see better use of surplus uniforms being able to be recycled because the nametapes and ranks would also be velcro. Constant sewing would basically be eliminated for cadet officers. I will say though, I REALLY like the idea of throwing unit patches on the arms, maybe below the flag (if we went back to wearing it) and then wing patch on the other side or NCSA patch.Wouldn't the occupational/aviation badges still be sewn on?Well sure, but how often do you change/upgrade your badges? I'm not sure so I'd have to look but isn't it optional to sew or velcro those on too?
(Add) 5.4. Accoutrements. Airmen will wear a basic configuration until organizational patchesand badges are developed or reconfigured. Organizations are required to contact The Institute ofHeraldry TIOH) for assistance on development or reconfiguration of organizational patches andbadges (see paragraph 10.8 ). Airmen may sew-on or use velcro backing for USAF tape, nametape, and rank. Tapes and rank must be either all sewn-on or all velcro; Airmen are notauthorized to mix sew-on and velcro tapes or rank. [NOTE: only velcro patches areauthorized on the left and right sleeves of the OCP coat.
Quote from: DocJekyll on August 06, 2018, 07:09:13 PMQuote from: I_Am_Twigs on August 06, 2018, 06:40:00 PMQuote from: DocJekyll on August 06, 2018, 06:27:27 PMQuote from: Dwight Dutton on August 06, 2018, 05:06:00 PMThe large Velcro sleeve patches would make up for the loss of the pockets. You could actually put two patches on each side, and for those with more than that, its Velcro! You could wear different patches every time.I can't say it'd really be a loss of pockets as I'd be more likely to use the pockets on the sleeves for things like cell phones, small items etc, than I've ever been to use the lower pockets on the ABU/BDU top.But I do agree, with the large panels, it makes some things easier to do like change out wing/unit/NCSA/other patches. You could even make the argument that we'd see better use of surplus uniforms being able to be recycled because the nametapes and ranks would also be velcro. Constant sewing would basically be eliminated for cadet officers. I will say though, I REALLY like the idea of throwing unit patches on the arms, maybe below the flag (if we went back to wearing it) and then wing patch on the other side or NCSA patch.Wouldn't the occupational/aviation badges still be sewn on?Well sure, but how often do you change/upgrade your badges? I'm not sure so I'd have to look but isn't it optional to sew or velcro those on too?It doesn't specifically say that you can't in afi 36-2903 but it also doesn't say you can. So I'd assume that they'd be sew-on, either way I think sewing them on looks better.
It specifically says you can use either. You just need to be consistent and do the same with all. http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2903/afi36-2903.pdf