Recently published in the Air Force Times, titled "Give Me Back My Patches," there are some that believe that unit, US Flag, and morale patches should be permitted for wear on the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU). On the same token, Airmen completing flight operations continuously display their unit, US Flag, and morale patches without any flak from above. For some, the ABU (outside of comfort) was a welcome uniform for ease of cleaning and less clutter over the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). For others like Special Forces, Airborne, those that have pride in their units, and so forth welcome another look at a "uniform change."
Key word here, "uniform change." Uniform changes have been occurring for many years now and most are well aware of changing out of the 4-button dress blues to the 3-button airline dress blues. Nametapes to black-leather name-patches and then back to nametapes on the BDU's. BDU's to ABU's. Creases on flightsuits. Circle, non-circle U.S. insignia and the list can go on. It's been a long ride for those serving from the late 80's, early 90's to present. Yet, Air Force Staff leadership refuse to re-visit uniform changes and initiating the uniform board to consider changes. Why is this?
I know, there are those that don't want the patches and those that want the patches. The Air Force wants to separate themselves from the other branches--didn't this happen on 18 Sept 1947? The only branch without vehicle window decals, now re-instating decals (a whole other issue reserved for later discussion), the Air Force is in constant change or is it one putting their stamp on history? If anything, how about rolling out summer weights, replacing the buttons with a zipper on the ABU blouse (like the Army Combat Uniform) and at minimum, allow subdued US Flags on the ABU's. Another thing, make the boots like the desert boots and rid Airman of the baby puke boots currently in clothing sales!
I say allow those that continuously wear ABU's to have patches. Let's first figure out if the ABU is going to be our uniform :-)
ReplyDeleteAs stated in the main post, things are always changing. That is the only tradition the AF knows. In my 20 years, every possible uniform I have worn has changed. Even our symbol. That one really chaps my butt.
ReplyDeleteWhat was wrong with the Hap Arnold symbol? Now we have the geometric piece of garbage that is somehow supposed to entice kids into the AF. Really? That was the one thing that was tied us to our creation and they changed it to be more in touch with the current generations.
Uniforms, we got the ABU because the Marine Corps/Army changed to the pixelated pattern. I guess we could not be out done. Well, that is my opinion, but it sure is snazzy. Oh but wait, its not actually a "battle uniform" as they will issue you one if you go beyond the wire. However, when you return to home station, you better not wear it. Duh, its for battle. The ABU is to look cool next to the other services.
Flight suits. I think I have one of them fancy shmancy ones hanging in the closet somewhere. It's waiting for its chance to "come out of the closet" but that will never happen. You know the one I am talking about. It had those sharp pleats sewn into the pant legs and the classy epaulets. Even deep calf pockets so that silly hat you wore wouldn't poke out of the pocket and look unprofessional. You see, at that time in the AF, when you were killing people and breaking things, you better look sharp. That was one time that with enough complaining, and the Lord knows aircrew can complain, that we got the good one back.
Since we had just changed the flight suit, of course the service dress uniform had to go. It looked too much like the Army's, but blue. That was the McPeak thing back then, the guys was all over the place. I really don't think it looks bad, so lets leave it alone. M-kay?
I am glad that I am retiring. I will miss the folks, mission and deployments, but not too much of the rest of the AF. The AF has really taken a liking to brow beating its folks. Things have changed way too much for my liking. I often wonder how we managed to survive in the hostile conditions of Eskan Village with out PT gear, reflective belts and we wore flip flops. Nobody to my knowledge was run over. (I have seen the carnage of a DUI there, but no one was hurt)
Uniforms will come and go, I wish one would stick around for a while. I think it is owed to the taxpayer to leave it alone. We are so far into debt that the next guy that suggests a major change should be fired. There's some change for ya.
Hear! Hear! I sure wish they would stop changing the uniforms. It is to the point I can hardly tell if someone is out of uniform. I have to constantly check the regs or reference one of the many interim changes/supplements from the uniform board.
ReplyDeleteThey [USAF] spent tons of time and money on surveys in an effort to identify what Airman needed in a uniform. Unfortunately, they decided that some of the most mentionable items really were not what Airman wanted...go figure!
It was an overwhelming opinion among Airmen, and according to the surveys, to place pockets on the sleeves so that when you have body armor on you would still have access to your pockets...but that made to much sense. Then there is the green boot. Initially it seemed to have a fair chance at being a worthwhile investment. Obviously more field testing was needed. And do not even think of taking them things to the desert with you because you will just end up with purple boots. As for the flight suits, who needs to make changes to that? If you make it to snazzy or more professional looking you will just end up with a snazzy and professional looking flight suit that aircrew will never wear correctly. They should just change wear policy for the current flight suit that allows sleeves to be rolled/pushed up, zippers to be at whatever position desired and hats optional.
I believe those that wear the ABU's should be allowed to wear patches. For someone that received an Airborne patch for instance, worked very hard to earn the right to wear the patch. Other services allow the use of the patch.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think the Air Force needs to quit "finding itself" and concentrate on other issues. I personally thought the BDU was sharp. The creases, all the same color, shiny black boots made the case for sharp Airmen. I know that when we went overseas we didn't use the BDU's, but when in Garrison, you looked good. The ABU's are just that, blending into the rest. I understand the ease of use, washing and starch causes NVG's to spot you from several miles away, but who really used those BDU's when they were outside the wire? You were issued DCU's that were not starched, and accoutered all up. Seriously. Now there is scuttle about the Flight Suit changing yet again. Really? I'm thinking there are better things to do with our time and money to keep messing around with our uniforms. Pick one, make it the Air Force standard and tradition....because if we don't, we'll keep blending in with the rest, and one of these days, someone may get the wild idea that we didn't need to be a separate service. (disclaimer on that last statement, the uniforms alone won't cause that but the continuing thought processes currently going through the Air Force)
ReplyDeleteThe ABUs have been a big issue in many units because of the patch issue as well as other traditions. The 421st Combat Training Squadron was well know and identified by their black Cadre hats. Not only was the "black hat" an instructor tradition but also a safety measure when out on the range. Originally the cadre was not allowed to wear their black hats with their ABUs, so naturally many of the cadre stuck with the BDUs. The Expeditionary Center's commander finally got AMC to agree that the cadre could wear the black hat on the range and at the school house...but nowhere else. Well, with new leadership at AMC come new changes. Once again the black hats are not allowed with the ABUs. Now that most of the cadre has switched to the ABUs you hardly ever see a black hat. This was not only a tradition and safety measure but a piece of pride that belonged to this fantastic group of individuals. I myself earned my black hat with my instructor tab. It was very disheartening to have this taken away. I thought the Air Force was supposed to hang on to it's traditions...
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree that at the least allow a subdued U.S. Flag to be on the ABU!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSince the current leadership on AF Staff will not re-visit or reconvene the Uniform Board ("...wear-rule recommendations would come from future Uniform Boards."), you can safely assume patches on the ABU's is mute point. If Airmen will keep this alive whether being shot down or not, the Uniform Board could possibly consider this in the future.
ReplyDeleteDid you realize that the GAO reported that the design and development cost of the ABU was approximately three million dollars? Yet, there is something significantly wrong with the ABU. It's not the right uniform for the Air Force! For those of you that are unaware of this, Congress proposed mid-last year to standardize an across the board uniform and I can guarantee you that it is not far from anyone's mind. As the military's budget dwindles, leadership will once again try to cut budgets and save money. Kind of sounds like the story of the BDU, doesn't it?
Every day we get another "uniform update" over email or via the portal. If I have to wonder if I should be tucking in my boot strings or tucking them under my pants, I am obviously not thinking about something more important. Unfortunately with the AF having to reimburse the Army with funds and personnel, we are losing our own identity in the process. In another 50 years it would not surprise me if we had a complete re-org of services. As for patches on or off the uniform, anything that we can do at this point to increase morale, isn't that a small price to pay?
ReplyDeleteI think the ones that put on the actual ABU's ought to be in a position to wear sections. For someone in which received a good Airborne patch for instance, worked hard to create the right to put on the spot. Additional solutions allow the use of the spot.
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