Re: New uniforms
It is nice to see that Air Force senior leadership has taken notice of the deficiencies identified with the ABU. The solutions mentioned in the article will make the ABU a better product for all warfighting Airmen. We are all warfighters; however, all of this warfighting is done in different environments. What may work for someone in an office environment may not work for someone on the flightline, just as that same uniform might not work well for Security Forces, TACP, CCT, PJ and EOD. I do, however, leave the article with a question. Why wouldn't the ABU tops and bottoms be made out of the new lighter fabric, i.e., the same material?
I'm not claiming to be an expert in the making of a clothing item, well not since home economics in the 10th grade, but it seems like it would make sense for the following reasons. One of the biggest reasons would be that they would match, not only in color, which has been a major problem since distribution has begun, but the wear would be then same if made with the same lighter weight fabric. Also if the fabric weight was left the same for the bottoms the "too hot" issue would only be half fixed, for I believe that the lower half of the body retains just as much heat as the upper. I trust that the leadership will not make any hasty decisions and get it right this time around.
Senior Master Sgt. Gabe Amory
Iraq
5/18/2009
Re: New Uniforms
FINALLY!!! I was worried that nothing was being done about the heavy weight of the ABU. I was not going to buy the new uniform unless one of two things happened. 1. A new lighter weight ABU was being introduced 2. I was forced to wear them. Hawaii is a hot and muggy area. I understand that not all bases have this climate, but I hate walking from my car to the office and sweating to a point where I'm drenched. Caving in to pressure I did buy the ABU and decided to go back to the BDU which is much more comfortable and climate compatible.
I am very pleased that General Schwartz has listened to the issues of every Airman and has understood exactly what our complaints are. The PT uniform needed change, simple as that. With all the changes that they will implement it actually makes me excited to go out and use the new uniforms. Ok. I may be old school, even though I have not been in the Air Force as long as some, but am I the only one that thinks the new "Heritage Coat" looks ridiculous? Please tell me I am not the only one. I understand that our service coats look like something a valet attendant would wear, but it doesn't mean we have to go back to the 1940s to prove a point. But if we do end up using a version of the heritage coat, PLEASE, PLEASE LOSE THE BELT!!!
Senior Airman Deborah Kienzle
Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii
5/18/2009
Re: New uniforms
What is with the misplaced infatuation for a unique battlefield uniform? Instead of fielding a common uniform for all branches of service -- remember BDUs? -- each service has run its own course to the detriment of dollars and "sense." In August 2008, the cost for a set of men's ABUs was $74.95. I just checked AAFES.com, and the cost for a set of men's ABUs has increased to $77.45 ... $2.50 more than it cost less than a year ago. I guess I wouldn't mind paying more **IF** the blouse/pant shades actually matched!
As a concerned taxpayer, I would love to hear why each the services and the Air Force in particular are ignoring one of the most basic principles of economics, economies of scale, which posits that as more units are produced, cost per unit decreases. Understanding this principle, economies of scale could certainly be achieved through the adoption of a common battlefield uniform. Finally, multi-service teams have become the predominant norm in the AOR, but these teams are forced to operate under an awkward constraint – they are not afforded a common uniform. If the mantra is "one team, one fight," then let that be more than mere lip service. Adopting a common battlefield uniform will generate logistical, safety, performance, and economic benefits -- at a time when we need them most.
1st Lt. Joe Wilson
Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
5/18/2009
Re: Airman spots aircraft fuel leak at 35,000 feet
I was traveling on UA 881 from ORD to NRT on April 18, the aircraft that diverted to SFO. I met Sergeant Bachleda on the jetway while walking off the aircraft in San Francisco. He was talking about his air refueling work and how he knew that there was a problem with the aircraft, and how he worked to convince the flight attendants of the issue. It is due to his diligence that I am safe today, and that a potential life-threatening issue was avoided. Thank you, Sergeant Bachleda! It is clear to me that the U.S. Air Force is working 24/7 to keep America safe!
Don Strimbu
Itasca, Ill.
5/18/2009
Comment: Lackland chosen as cyber numbered Air Force headquarters
Choosing Lackland makes pretty good sense, for a change. They can take over the old crypto tech. school training building. Its brick, three levels, and no windows. Also, there is no freezing snow and ice there. Barksdale doesn't have that either, except occasionally, but Barksdale is running out of room. They already have 8th Air Force, and now also will have the Global Strike Command. View story
Civ. Contractor Jesse Cummings
Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
5/15/2009
Re: Airman spots aircraft fuel leak at 35,000 feet
Sergeant Bachleda's alertness saved the lives of the entire crew and passengers. His attention, despite the brush-off by the flight attendant, should be commended by his commander and the airline. Without him, the entire flight would have been lost.
Dr. Andrew Mossberg
5/15/2009
Re: New uniforms
Awesome to see General Schwartz taking a serious look at our uniform programs. For far too long, Battlefield Airmen have had to either make do with sub-standard uniforms or adapt commercially available tactical uniforms to meet mission requirements. The ABU may work great in the office or on the flightline, but is terrible for work in the field. The battlefield deficiencies are numerous: poorly designed pockets, poor camouflage pattern, inability to tuck in the blouse, open collar, buttons instead of zippers or Velcro, and huge sewn-on rank chevrons. The evidence is in the field…throughout my combat deployments I have seen CCT, TACP, and PJ personnel wearing everything from multi-cam, digital MARPAT, ACU, desert camo, to plain desert tan uniforms. However, I have never seen any of them wearing an ABU. Just take a look at the cover of the previous Airman magazine and you'll see a CCT Airman wearing a multi-cam uniform specially tailored for combat duty.
It’s time to properly equip our Battlefield Airmen with a functional uniform ensemble that meets their needs and is adaptable to the combat environment. It would be great to look into the cabin of my helicopter and identify everyone on the team as an Airman. Much like the current ABU, the USAF issue 27/P flight suit is dysfunctional for combat rescue helicopter crews directly supporting our Battlefield Airmen. These crews continually fly lengthy missions in extreme temperatures wearing full body armor and tactical gear with a flight suit developed for the fighter plane cockpit. I would love to see a functional helicopter flight duty uniform similar to the Army Aircrew Combat Uniform worn by my helicopter brethren in the Army approved for use in the Air Force.
Master Sgt. Kristopher Angone
Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
5/15/2009
Comment: Operation Uniform Delta highlights heritage
Deployment ops tempo has been high and growing since 2001. Airmen are retiring at record numbers, mostly due to multiple and extended deployments. I find it disturbing that Airmen at the 379th have time to sport vintage uniforms and put on a fashion show. Aren't Airmen busy supporting the forward deployed warfighter? If not, perhaps AFCENT needs to re-evaluate the numbers of Airmen pouring into the 379th and either reduce deployments or relocate to more critical locations. View story
Senior Master Sgt. Megan St. Clair
U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.
5/15/2009
Re: New uniforms
With AAFES stocking and selling military clothing items one wonders what profit percentage the exchange makes? With spirling cost increases, prehaps the service should reinvent the "Clothing Sales Store" where uniform items were sold at cost.
Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Jay Phillips
Tulsa, Okla.
5/15/2009
Comment: Airman spots aircraft fuel leak at 35,000 feet
Great job, Sergeant Bachleda. Your actions very well could have saved the lives of all passengers on that flight. Thank you taking action and making a difference. We are all very proud of you. Our Airmen continue to amaze me every single day. I am proud to serve with all of you. View story
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley
Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
5/15/2009
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