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The Airman Battle Uniform ('''ABU''') is the new service-distinctive Camouflage Battledress uniform for the United States Air Force . It is currently in full production and is expected to completely replace the Battle Dress Uniform by Fiscal Year 2011 . HISTORY The first prototype of the ABU was unveiled in the summer of 2003 , based on a combination of the Marine Corps MARPAT ,the U.S. Army's ACU (Army Combat Uniform), and the Vietnam -era Tiger Stripe pattern.Columbus Federal Voice, (2003). '' Air Force personnel test new uniform ''. Retrieved April 7, 2006. The early uniform prototypes consisted of trousers, an embroidered undershirt, and a blouse. The camouflage pattern, developed by Tiger Stripe Products and based upon their popular copyrighted Original Vietnam Tiger Stripe™ was a blue/grey, tiger stripe pattern. After months of "wear testing," Air Force officials revised the color scheme and camouflage pattern due to feedback received from Airmen. The new elementary semi-pixelated tiger pattern would trade its dominant blue overtones for a more subdued palette, which still includes some blue tones.About.com US Military, (2004). '' Air Force Changes Color for Proposed Utility Uniform ''. Retrieved April 7, 2006. By October 2007, the Air Force will begin issuing the ABU to Trainees in basic military training. The ABU will become available for purchase by all Airmen some time after October 2007. Prior to that it was issued to Airmen being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Initial complaints regarding the uniform have been its inability to keep Airmen cool while working in desert conditions due to the thickness of the material and large interior pockets. FEATURES/ATTRIBUTES The Airman Battle Uniform is similar to the Army Combat Uniform (or ACU) in Colorway and similar to the BDU in layout. The ABU is to be worn with low-maintenance foliage green suede boots, mandatory until a given foliage green phase-in date. Desert boots may be worn with the ABU, and accessories such as backpacks and gloves may be black, until the foliage green phase-in date. The ABU does not have features such as tilted/slanted pockets, sleeve pockets, velcro attachment points and closures (velcro on the ACU requires cleaning, makes noise, and wears out), gusseted back, mandarin collar, etc., but it does have essential NIR (Near-infared) qualities. Unlike the ACU, the sleeves are authorized to be rolled up. Air Force Link, (2007). '' Airman Battle Uniform poster ''. Retrieved July 10, 2007.Head-to-toe overview of the Airman Battle Uniform is as follows:
The ABU boasts 236 different size options in both male and female sizes which will only be offered in temperate weight. Additionally, its permanent press finish means the uniform cannot be starched, pressed or dry-cleaned. Airmen will be able to pull the ABU from the dryer and wear it without further treatment. Any further treatment will degrade the effectiveness of the uniform and damage the NIR capability. Field items, when worn with the ABU; such as mag/utility pouches, body armor, helmet covers, knee/elbow pads, etc. are recommended to be in ACU pattern. OTHER The cost for the uniform (pants, coat, boots, t-shirt, hat, socks, and belt) totals approximately $195. Sheppard AFB Fact Sheets Separate Prices are:
The mandatory wear date for the ABU is 1 October , 2011 . NOTES AND REFERENCES SEE ALSO
History of U.S. Air Force Uniform Project - Tiger Stripe Products EXTERNAL LINKS |
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