Airman's Roll Call: Air Force uniform issues

Published Sept. 4, 2008

SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz announced last week he's deferring a decision on the heritage service coat until summer 2009. In the meantime, he has directed Lt.

Gen. Richard Y. Newton, deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services, to look into issues with the services' current uniform items.

General Newton said he is "going to fix, improve and upgrade uniforms in our current inventory."

Air Force leaders said they owe it to Airmen to do the research, development and quality assurance necessary to guarantee each uniform item Airmen buy is right the first time.

The heritage coat isn't dead. The wear test will continue to its previously scheduled Oct. 31 end date. Air Force officials will review comments and present their findings to General Schwartz, who will make a decision next summer.

A recent Virtual Uniform Board has highlighted a number of uniform issues Airmen have. Some highlights:

Airmen said they wanted a lighter-weight Airman Battle Uniform for hot-weather climates, better-fitting physical training clothing and a quieter material for the PT jacket and pants.

Airmen also asked for a more stain-resistant and better-fitting ABU boot. Air Force officials recently certified a new manufacturer, who will also make the ABU boots in both men and women's sizes. Airmen can continue to provide uniform recommendations by going to the Air Force IDEA Program Web site at https://ipds.csd.disa.mil/IPDS/landing_page.

Airman's Roll Call is designed for supervisors at all levels to help keep Airmen informed on current issues, clear up confusion, dispel rumors, and provide additional face-to-face communication between supervisors and their teams.