MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --
Keeping in line with AFI 36-2903, Dress and Appearance of Air Force Personnel, and the Air Force Uniform Board's upcoming uniform changes, questions regarding the new Airman Battle Uniform have arisen and below is information all servicemembers should know about the new gear.
Question: Will we wear patches (e.g. Wing or Squadron) on the Airman Battle Uniform?
Answer: No patches or unit emblems will be worn on the ABU. Mandatory badges (aeronautical and chaplain), and mandatory duty shields for force protection and fire protection are required. No other duty badges will be authorized or worn. Occupational badges are optional, but encouraged.
Question: Will we still be able to wear baseball hats?
Answer: Organizational baseball hats are not authorized with the ABU. Only the ABU hat (looks like the current Battle Dress Unfiorm style with the ABU print) and currently authorized berets will still be allowed.
Question: Can I wear sister services badges on the ABU?
Answer: No.
Question: Can I wear my black combat boots?
Answer: Black boots will not be authorized at anytime with the ABU.
Question: Will other Air Force-issued items change to match the pattern and/or color of the ABU?
Answer: Yes, some items (hat, socks and T-shirts) will be introduced concurrently with the ABU.
Question: Why didn't we use Velcro® for the attachments to the ABU?
Answer: The Research and Development branch of the Air Force Clothing Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, looked into using Velcro®, since it appears to be easier and less expensive for our Airmen. However, research indicates otherwise and the majority of the Airmen in the test did not want Velcro®.
(Information courtesy of the Air Force Portal at
www.my.af.mil)