Dress, Right, Dress: When can Airmen wear the new ABU?

Published Aug. 30, 2007
341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office

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: Can we wear the green Airman Battle Uniform boot with all Air Force utility uniforms? If so, when?
Answer: Yes, you can wear the green ABU boot with all Air Force utility uniforms now. They are available for personal purchase (not issue or unit funded purchase) in AAFES military clothing sales stores. The "Safe for flying" green boot has successfully completed testing and production has begun. We expect to see these on the shelves in early Fall 2007.

Question: Why does it appear that there are shade differences with some sets of ABUs?
Answer: Some ABUs issued or purchased through AAFES, do appear to have some shade variances, but they are all within the shade tolerance specifications set by the Air Force. This is a normal development process that happens when a new uniform with a new textile is used. We anticipate that this will work itself out as the vendors formalize the process and produce more uniforms. The different shades variances are authorized.

Question: When is the mandatory wear date for the ABU?
Answer: October 2011 (Fiscal Year 2012).

(Information courtesy of the Air Force Portal at www.my.af.mil)