New, lighter ABU available in June

News > New, lighter ABU available in June

New, lighter ABU available in June

Posted 5/22/2012

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by Tech. Sgt. Jess Harvey
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

5/22/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The new, Rip-stop Airman Battle Uniform (RABU), featuring a lighter nylon-cotton blend, will be available to Airmen at 16 U.S. bases and through AAFES online starting in June.

The wear policy for the light-weight RABUs will be exactly the same as for the ABUs. The only difference between the ABU and the RABU is the material.

The new material may be familiar to Airmen who remember the old summer-weight battle dress uniform or are familiar with the Army's combat uniforms, said Senior Master Sgt. Kecia Uyeno, Air Force Uniform Programs and Policies superintendent. That's because it is the same material.

The change to the new material will make the RABU lighter and cooler, but it's also treated with a wrinkle-resistant finish, she said.

The RABU will completely replace the old, heavier ABU.

"All industrial resources are now producing only the light-weight ABUs with no plans to go back and produce the heavy weight ABUs," said Uyeno.

The shift in production and distribution plans will enable Airmen to purchase the uniforms more quickly than in the past.

Instead of stockpiling them until there was enough stock to line shelves world-wide before they were shipped, "The inventory will be available to Airmen next month through AAFES on-line sales at http://www.shopmyexchange.com/ and at various state-side locations," according to Uyeno.

"As a result, Airmen will be able to order and receive them during the summer months when they need them the most," said Uyeno.

In-store priority was given to state-side bases based on their climates, mission and number of Airmen by the Uniform Executive Working Group, according to Uyeno. The group is made up of representatives from various agencies and receives input from the chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

The clothing sales locations to receive the uniforms first are:
Cannon AFB, N.M.
Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.
Eglin AFB, Fla.
Goodfellow AFB, Texas
Holloman AFB, N.M.
Joint Base Andrews, Md.
Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Keesler AFB, Miss.
Kirtland AFB, N.M.
Luke AFB, Ariz.
MacDill AFB, Fla.
Maxwell AFB, Ala.
Moody AFB, Ga.
Nellis, AFB, Nev.
Patrick AFB, Fla.
Tinker AFB, Okla.

"The plan for world-wide distribution is currently in development," said Uyeno.

Comments

9/26/2012 3:29:58 PM ET
Pre 911 - Everyone wanted to be different when it came to operations but have the same uniformPost 911 - Everyone wants to be different when it comes to uniforms but not operations.Why not just wear the same as we did before I wonder how much money was saved on that.

AJ, AU

9/19/2012 2:28:18 PM ET
I wonder if the RABU has the pink tint in it also Is that part of the infrared countermeasure

RWG, Youngstown ARS

7/27/2012 3:40:52 PM ET
Making these uniforms available is a step in the right direction. For those of you who prefer other services' uniforms to our own, I'd offer that the grass is always greener on the either side... ACUs for instance rip far too easily, that's why they and OCPs come with patching material and the velcro wears out after 1-2 washes.

JAK, Maryland

6/28/2012 2:18:41 PM ET
Is this an authorized uniform or is it only by commanders approval. If it is approved can anyone actually show me where it says this so i can bring it to my command.I guess you didn't read the 2nd paragraph mentioned the same wear policy. Agreed with the SMSgt about the whining. Get over it. This is a positive change.

G, USA

6/20/2012 1:20:38 PM ET
What about the ppl who work on the line in heat stress category 5 at all the other bases like GA NC SC..... I guess the ppl who work in offices at those 15 named bases need it more

Angela, Pope AAF NC

6/11/2012 9:25:11 PM ET
How about getting this uniform out to Osan. Korea is ridiculously hot and humid in the Summer. Wearing the ABU there is just plain nasty.

Matt, Buckley AFB CO

6/8/2012 10:16:46 AM ET
I am currently on a tour that allows me to wear multicamsOCPs. We should just ditch the ABU and go to the OCP. I swear, on my ABUs I only use my front two pockets and a cargo. On my OCPs I use every pocket to include the chest pockets. Everything pocket is smartly placed and convient to use. Even velcroing on everything is better and more cost effective. I really dread the day I have to wear my ABUs again....

Kay, Deployed

6/6/2012 9:44:51 PM ET
Is this an authorized uniform or is it only by commanders approval. If it is approved, can anyone actually show me where it says this so i can bring it to my command.

AL, Hill

6/6/2012 8:49:38 PM ET
Being TDY with our sister services really make me think about how the AF uniforms look out of place. I would love to just have a uniform that looks are serious and functional as the Army's or Navy's. Give us the the ACU in a different shade. And a cover that does not look like trash -- berets anyone? I'm not familiar with the struggles of the other services, but it's always the AF that can't get the uniform straight and it not just the ABU our service coat has been rumored to be revised to. hopefully something that makes us look like warriors and not salesmen.

Rick, Mcguire

6/4/2012 11:40:31 AM ET
I'm glad that we have finally switched over to a lighter uniform. I have been to Iraq many times myself and when you work outside constantly in the heat, the old ABU just doesnt cut it. Yes, some of you may think oh you can handle it well you have to think of where you are currently located and what AFSC you're in. When stationed in Germany and deploying downrange, we had individuals falling out and I can't help but think it was the uniform. I definitely welcome this uniform.

Jeremy, Columbus AFB

6/2/2012 11:52:17 AM ET
Really shocked by the amount of whining on this article, especially about a positive development. A hot weather uniform was asked for and now you have it. The ABU is the ABU, get over it. There were rational reasons why the AF had to come up with a new uniform, one being the BDU, a Army uniform, was no longer available when that service moved to the ACU. So my point is stop whining wear the uniform properly no starching and understand major decisions are not made without thought behind them. By the way I wore the ABU in Iraq during the hottest time of year there sleeves down of course and had no problems. Matter of fact I preferred wearing ABUs versus PT gear because it kept the sun off my skin and I stayed cooler. Again stop whining

SMSgt Roberts, JBSA Randolph

5/31/2012 5:25:06 PM ET
new uniform best yet comfy stretchy and it looks super sharp. for those that are mad that the uniform isn't for sale at your base you can still order I ordered from (hyperlink removed) and had my pockets sewn down name tapes sewn on rank sewn on and badge. don't forget to order a hat ... like I did

SSgt Roark, offutt

5/31/2012 10:12:11 AM ET
I ordered a set of these through Kellac and I have to say they're a LOT lighter and cooler than the older version. Way more comfortable.. finally.

SrA Olsson, Hanscom AFB

5/30/2012 11:22:52 PM ET
Another change of uniform When is the AF going to realized that they need to stop making changes on the uniform every 2 years. Why can't they be like the other services contract somebody who know's what they're doing. Don't get me wrong I am proud to be AF but I'm just glad I retired and don't have to deal anymore of this.

Just Recently Retired, CA

5/30/2012 5:10:43 AM ET
I had the opportunity to ask the CMSAF about the new ABUs and he said he does not want them to be like the BDUs. Which is fantastic to me. That ironing and having black leather boots to shine on a COMBAT UNIFORM makes zero sense. We are warriors, please read the Airmans Creed. Warriors do not put dress shirt creases on BATTLE uniforms. This is what our Blues are for. ABUs are not meant to make you look pretty. I am excited for the new ABUs. I am worried that as soon as we buy them there will be a new uniform out.

SSgt Gonzalez, All around the world

5/29/2012 9:44:40 PM ET
I just recently purchased the new summer Wright. Best money I've ever spent. I ordered from kellac.com. I was given the options to sew down pockets add name tapes badges and even blousing It looks super Sharp The new material is awesome Also Kel-lac won't ship if the top and bottom shades don't match. They'll find a match I'm telling you it is awesome

lynds, offutt

5/29/2012 11:29:07 AM ET
No one says you can't iron the ABU, you're just not allowed to starch it because in doing also negates the advantage the uniform has in infrared. There's no point in wearing camouflage if you light up like a glow-in-the-dark pinata in infrared. Personally, I'd rather have a functional uniform that fits my job than one for award ceremonies and I don't really care if it's multi-cam or the RABU.

Dustin, Joint Base MDL

5/28/2012 9:07:58 PM ET
Why is Kadena and Guam not on that list Anyone who has been to those two bases in the summer know what I am talking about.

Shawn, Kadena

5/27/2012 2:34:50 PM ET
Do those of us who are already in locations where as soon as the sun comes over the horizon we are in black flag have to buy these or will they be issued as once rumored

Deployed as well, undisclosed location

5/25/2012 11:08:01 PM ET
All these uniforms have done is make our Airmen lazy. The uniforms look like crap the boots look like sht makes the troops look like they slept in these things. It is as if the AF doesn't care about image. Yes we are way too busy to iron and shine boots right Whatever thats crap Bring back a functional uniform that shows an Airman has pride. I hope the new boss brings back black boots and allows us to iron our uniforms

MSgt Joe Baggadonuts, Calif

5/25/2012 4:07:48 PM ET
Why do we in a time of constant cuts to our budgets man power end strength and losing airframes do we even worry about this with the ABU or RABU. This uniform change from the BDU has cost millions of wasted dollars when could have use another services uniform and put our tags on it. Biggest waste ever with zero return. Go to multi-cam and solve everything sense everyone downrange is using it now anyways.

Bewildered , Southwest

5/24/2012 1:17:15 PM ET
@ concernedNCOYou think it is cool at Andrews in the Summer No it gets hot and very humid there as well.

Someone, MD

5/24/2012 8:02:52 AM ET
I love the Air Force but the Uniform Board should have a meeting with the Marines. Their uniforms rolled out with no problem there havent been a million changes to them and they were able to make a homestation and deployed version. Also their PT gear is well above ours. Nothing like running down the street wrapped in a blue tarp with the AF Logo on it.

Baffled, MD

5/23/2012 5:51:12 PM ET
I guess I'm one of the few that like the current ABU. The quality and thickness of the current ABU means I dont have to buy as many over my career. I wore the current ABU on a 365 to Afghanistan and it held up way better than uniform of my Army counterparts. The Marines uniforms are very similar to the ABU and they too held up in Afghanistan. I guess I should go out and purchase more of the current ABU before they stop selling them.

Spot, Lackland

5/23/2012 4:26:07 PM ET
Just got mine from uspatriottactical.com yesterday. They are literally pounds lighter than the current uniform. I think the weight factor alone is worth it. They seem very breathable and even though the weather is not cooking out here in the desert yet they feel like they will be a nice change when it heats up this summer. Only issue is the cold - may need to invest in some warm layers when the winter comes around.

Eric, Edwards

5/23/2012 4:19:51 PM ET
I love this decision The ABUs were basically a winter-weight. Not the best idea for working on aircraft in the 118 degree Arizona summers.

Toney, Phoenix AZ

5/23/2012 4:03:27 PM ET
This fabric isnt new to the ABU just new to the rest of the AF. Additionally no where does this article say this a required purchase.

Brian, FL

5/23/2012 10:39:27 AM ET
I also think this is a money making scheme from AAFES. You don't have to get them from AAFES I know my base won't get them for a while. httpwww.uspatriottactical.com has had the option to preorderorder them for a while now. Just give us the multicam or let us buy our own multicam.

Mike, Sheppard

5/23/2012 10:27:54 AM ET
Stop crying you get a yearly allowance. Nothing says you have to buy these now wait for your allowance and get yourself a couple summer weight uniforms. @ Jeremy your post looks as if it was written by a elementry student and you should think about what you are posting next time or better yet simply do not make a post.

Stop Crying, USA

5/23/2012 6:37:08 AM ET
Still can't polish a turd. Just ditch the ABU...please

Dan M, Afghanistan

5/23/2012 5:20:03 AM ET
I hope this is for real. and those of you who have commented negatively shoudl find something to complain about. Just be happy you won't have to wear an incubator suit in the summer anymore.

Nick, Undisclosed

5/23/2012 5:14:15 AM ET
I noticed all the bases with warmer temps during the summer get their issued first but i laughed at JB Andrews. I know it only makes since because of leadership location but im pretty sure those guys marching daily in San Antonio would love to have them there like right now. Poor decision if you ask me. Well if you want them order online or drive to that base JB San Antonio Airmen or complain tactfully with the bigs at JB Andrews where they will feel nice in their cooler uniforms. Weather is way cooler there by the way.

ConcernedNCO, Germany

5/23/2012 4:56:44 AM ET
AAFEES making more money off our horrible uniform program. Why can't we get with it and make real useful uniforms. It shouldnt be this HARD to make uniforms that actually do what we need but thats just me thinking too much. All this money being wasted on uniforms when we could be spending it somewhere else that really matters ridiculous Multicam is definitely the way to go right now.

ALBERT, UK

5/23/2012 1:57:45 AM ET
I am getting tired of the millions of dollars we put into the implementation and making of these and we are the ones who end up paying mad money out of pocket for these things. Our benefits keep getting cut but we can put millions into making new uniforms Really Yes I know we get a clothing allowance but those figures don't add up to what this will cost us we have figured that out in the past. Will they also change up the gortex to match the new pattern We all know it won't match.

Frustrated, FLO RIDA

5/22/2012 9:29:52 PM ET
Suspicious....I agreeHow about all that money we all spent on new awesome PT gear Just to find out that the pants shorts and shirts we all got just plain SUCKED As in.. Adidas and Nike didn't make anything similar or close to that crap and for a reason it sucked and nobody in the world would have bought it because it SUCKED. And so then guess what they came out with an improvement several years ago and we ALL bought it because guess what it was BETTER now Yay Right But only after we'd all had time to buy the new mandatory CRAP.Well now that we've all bought the ABU crap and it's conveniently past the mandatory date it's nice that we finally get the summer-weights. A milestone we could have really had YEARS AGO because COME ON...it's not that hard to make a lightweight version of something. This crap could have been out TWO YEARS AGO. They could have replicated a lightweight STARFLEET uniform two years ago But no...they needed to wait until we all had

Jeremy, Texas

5/22/2012 9:25:47 PM ET
I don't see where it says you have to change from the ABU you have. Unless you need new uniforms because yours are unservicable or faded there's no need to go out and buy the new one as soon as it hits the shelves. Even when you do need new ones is the price really going to be that different Eventually they might change to multicam and I could see that being like the change from BDUs to ABUs but unless these actually look different from the current ABU I don't see how this is a money making scheme.

Jacq, Nellis

5/22/2012 7:58:02 PM ET
The ABU has been a disaster. It's not a tactical uniform. It can't be worn out of garrison too heavy and uncomfortable for the SWAtropics far too many pockets. Time to ditch it and take a serious look at multi-cam.

Steve, OK

5/22/2012 5:56:36 PM ET
Why isn't Lackland one of the first priorities with the summers being so hot How long will it be before the other bases recieve the option of purchasing this uniform and can you order them through any base Thanks

Nancy Eastman, Lackland

5/22/2012 4:10:50 PM ET
That wrinkle-free coating wont last. AAFES is going to get even more out of us when everyone starts dry-cleaning their uniforms again.. Extra starch please

JF, Cali

5/22/2012 3:53:17 PM ET
RABU or ABU they both are a nightmare we need to wake up from. What's the point of the ABU other than to be a fashion statement

James, AK

5/22/2012 3:16:48 PM ET
Personally I think it's a money making scheme for AAFES. Everytime the uniform changes AAFES has to make a mint.

Suspicious, DC

5/22/2012 3:07:33 PM ET
How about those people who are currently deployed and seeing triple digit temperature. By the time it reached 10AM flag condition is already BLACK

Deployed, Southwest Asia

5/22/2012 2:34:41 PM ET
Also can we get the colors to match on the pants and the top That would be impressive also.

Caveman, Bedrock

5/22/2012 1:59:55 PM ET
I give it 12 months Shawn

Dan, Lackland

5/22/2012 1:55:19 PM ET
gotta love how it took ages for them to realize the current ABU kinda sucks...wait for it as soon as everybody gets the new super improved RABU or whatever its called their gonna makes go to the multicam. lovely.

FB, My Basement

5/22/2012 12:46:33 PM ET
Only five years to accomplish this? Amazing!

Caveman, Bedrock

5/22/2012 12:00:24 PM ET
How soon before starch and pressed become the ABU standard?

Shawn, Lackland

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