Rothco Flightsuits

[Shuman 14]

So it looks like I will be able to go to NESA this year for the Mission Scanner/Photographer course. I need a flightsuit for graduation.

Was thinking about the Rothco Flightsuit.

Does this meet the 39-1 standards for both USAF-Style Flight Uniform and Corporate Flight Uniform?

If I go with USAF-style should I get the Olive Drab color or the Foliage color? 39-1 says "Sage" so I'm unsure.

I'm thinking it just might be easier to go Corporate Blue.

Any help would be appreciated.

[PHall]

To my eye the OD looks the closest to Sage Green, not a perfect match but close.

[Paul Creed III]

Per 39.1 section 8.2.2, the USAF flight suit is Nomex (brand name for aramid fibers) and is olive drab, not sage. The Rothco olive drab flight suit version is cotton/polyester so it would not be 39-1 compliant.

[jeders]

Per 39.1 section 8.2.2, the USAF flight suit is Nomex (brand name for aramid fibers) and is olive drab, not sage. The Rothco olive drab flight suit version is cotton/polyester so it would not be 39-1 compliant.

Strictly speaking, the USAF FDU is not OD, it is sage green as defined in the mil-spec. Whoever wrote that section of 39-1 just used the wrong color. So, again strictly speaking, anyone wearing a USAF flight suit is out of uniform. And this is just one more reason why our uniform regs should just be a supp to the DAFI.

[Shuman 14]

Based on your replies, I think its safer to just go with the Corporate Blue, thanks for the responses.

[SarDragon]

As an addendum, my experience with Rothco products has not been good. My best description is - junk.

Look on eBay for used flight suits. It might take a bit of patience, because your size might not show up right away, but that's where I got mine.

[Slim]

I always bought my blue flight suits from Tru Spec.  They're configured just a little differently than the USAF suit in that they have no pockets on the upper legs.  They're also made of a heavier poly/cotton blend than the Rothco brand, which are in fact junk.

If I was buying one today, I would go with Propper.  They're one of the contractors for the nomex USAF flight suits.  They also make an identical, nomex flight suit in navy blue if you're hung up on having nomex and don't mind paying the price.  I noticed they are now making them in poly/cotton, are otherwise identical to the nomex suits, and considerably cheaper.

[Shuman 14]

I always bought my blue flight suits from Tru Spec.  They're configured just a little differently than the USAF suit in that they have no pockets on the upper legs.  They're also made of a heavier poly/cotton blend than the Rothco brand, which are in fact junk.

If I was buying one today, I would go with Propper.  They're one of the contractors for the nomex USAF flight suits.  They also make an identical, nomex flight suit in navy blue if you're hung up on having nomex and don't mind paying the price.  I noticed they are now making them in poly/cotton, are otherwise identical to the nomex suits, and considerably cheaper.

So I checked out Propper's Flight Suits and they look better than Rothco's on the screen, but you do recommend them?

Also, I just want to confirm the "Freedom Green" color one is not 39-1 Complient because it not Nomex, but the "Dark Blue" is fine without Nomex and is 39-1 Complient.

Thanks in advance.

[PHall]

I would not buy anything that was made by Rothco. They make nothing but junk.

[NIN]

Phil is right. Rothco is total junk for this.

"Sage Green" is a grey-green color, more grey than green (think Army ACUs color components).  I had one of my pilots owned a Rothco suit and it was non-Nomex OD Green.  Visibly bad from across the flight line. Might as well have been a set of mechanics coveralls from the motor pool.

 (I gave him one of the ones I had if he promised to never wear it again!)

Ebay is your friend, but you might need to buy a couple to land on a good one. Over the years I've bought a LOT of flight suits on ebay. I never pay more than $50 for one.

[Shuman 14]

I would not buy anything that was made by Rothco. They make nothing but junk.

I don't know, I bought two Molle compatible canteen covers, with the old-style snaps, in OCP (I HATE the "Y" strap new models) awhile back and my Blue Flight Jacket is also Rothco, and all have held up really well over the years. So I have mixed thoughts, but a 70+ dollar flight suit is a big investment and I want to buy quality that will last.

[Slim]

I always bought my blue flight suits from Tru Spec.  They're configured just a little differently than the USAF suit in that they have no pockets on the upper legs.  They're also made of a heavier poly/cotton blend than the Rothco brand, which are in fact junk.

If I was buying one today, I would go with Propper.  They're one of the contractors for the nomex USAF flight suits.  They also make an identical, nomex flight suit in navy blue if you're hung up on having nomex and don't mind paying the price.  I noticed they are now making them in poly/cotton, are otherwise identical to the nomex suits, and considerably cheaper.

So I checked out Propper's Flight Suits and they look better than Rothco's on the screen, but you do recommend them?

Also, I just want to confirm the "Freedom Green" color one is not 39-1 Complient because it not Nomex, but the "Dark Blue" is fine without Nomex and is 39-1 Complient.

Thanks in advance.

Yes, highly recommend anything made by Propper.

Honestly, from looking at both the green nomex and green poly/cotton, I highly doubt anyone is going to notice the difference.  But yes, 39-1 does state green nomex so in a literal interpretation of the regulation, it would not be compliant.

[Fubar]

I need a flightsuit for graduation

Need? They won't let you graduate without one? I mean, I get it if you want one, who wouldn't want to wear comfy pajamas all day? It's a bit silly though if they're making you buy one.

And yes, Rothco is a brand is disposable clothing, wear once and discard.

[Shuman 14]

I need a flightsuit for graduation

Need? They won't let you graduate without one? I mean, I get it if you want one, who wouldn't want to wear comfy pajamas all day? It's a bit silly though if they're making you buy one.

And yes, Rothco is a brand is disposable clothing, wear once and discard.

The student handbook said, Flightsuit required for Graduation Ceremony. I don't think they'll be requiring it for the training itself, the handbook did mention that if you were attending aircrew survivability training, you did need two flightsuits, but for the other courses, I think they simply want "uniformity" for the Ceremony.

[Fubar]

I think they simply want "uniformity" for the Ceremony.

Ah, thanks for the info. Certainly tells me everything I need to know about NESA and if I'll ever want to attend.

[Shuman 14]

Okay quoting the 2024 NESA Student Handbook (Most Recent Version online):

Complete Uniforms (At least 1 set) - Personnel attending the Mission Aircrew School may wear the following
uniforms: USAF-style or corporate-style flight duty uniform, airman battle uniform, corporate field uniform
or the corporate working uniform (see CAPR 39-1). One traditional uniform is required for the NESA
graduation and combined school events. USAF-style or corporate-style flight duty uniform is the preferred
graduation uniform for MAS, but other uniforms noted above are authorized. Personnel participating in
the Aircrew Survival Short Course should bring at least 2 uniforms as practical test requirements require
wear of a uniform (including boots/shoes) for pool and swim tests.

I guess I mis-read it the first time. A uniform is a must have, not a just a Flightsuit.

Was planning on wearing the polo and grey tac-pants for the training and wearing a flightsuit for graduation on first read, still thinking I'll do that on second read. Good to have one f you need it.

I guess the question is... green or blue.

[Fubar]

I guess I mis-read it the first time. A uniform is a must have, not a just a Flightsuit.

That's good to hear, glad it's entirely your choice.

[NIN]

One traditional uniform is required for the NESA
graduation and combined school events.

So .... mixing of terms here. "Traditional uniform?"

What is a "traditional" uniform?  I've been in CAP 44 years, I know a LOT about uniforms, and I refer to none of them as a "traditional" uniform.

Concrete terms that are backed up in the regulation are important when people are coming from all different units, wings and regions where different terminology means different things.

[Shuman 14]

One traditional uniform is required for the NESA
graduation and combined school events.

So .... mixing of terms here. "Traditional uniform?"

What is a "traditional" uniform?  I've been in CAP 44 years, I know a LOT about uniforms, and I refer to none of them as a "traditional" uniform.

Concrete terms that are backed up in the regulation are important when people are coming from all different units, wings and regions where different terminology means different things.

I read that one of two ways...

One: Uniforms are not required for the class, just for graduation. Meaning you can attend all the training in civilian attire, but to take part in the graduation ceremony you must wear a CAP authorized uniform.

OR

Two: The Polo and TAC pants are not a "traditional" uniform. They do not meet the definition of a Dress, Service, or Working/Field/Combat Uniform. They are a business casual "pseudoform" that you can wear to class but to take part in the graduation ceremony, you must be in a CAP Field or Flight Uniform.

Now that's my opinion and interpretation, which could be completely wrong from NESA's intent.

I have been told that due to the heat index at Camp Atterbury in the July-August timeframe, a modified uniform of a NESA Class T-shirt and appropriate length athletic shorts has been authorized in the past as the uniform of the day when not in the Field or at any type of training where the uniform is in fact needed as "protective clothing".

They most likely don't want that level of casualness at a formal graduation or in any possible Public Affairs photos taken of the event. Again, completely my opinion.

[PHall]

Two: The Polo and TAC pants are not a "traditional" uniform.

The Polo and TAC pants are referred to in CAPR 39-1 as the "CAP Corporate Working Uniform".
Ref: CAPR 39-1 Para 5.3

So they are a uniform and there is a prescribed way to wear it.