Military Uniform Gouge
The latest US Military Uniform News, Information and Updates
Military Uniform Gouge

Air Force switching to lighter ABU blouse

  

Complaints from Airmen that the current Airmen Battle Uniform (ABU) blouse is too hot have caused the Air Force to make the decision to switch to a lighter, more breathable fabric.  The current ABU is a cotton-nylon blend that is built to last.

Responding to complaints from Airmen all over the world, the Air Force's uniform lab at Brooks City-Base in San Antonio is designing a lighter ABU Blouse.  The new blouse will be indistinguishable from the current blouse.

Airman should start seeing the Lighter ABU blouse on shelves in approximately one-year.

Notes: 

-Air Force Officials stated are no plans to replace or change the ABU trousers.
 

-Airmen are not required to wear the ABU until 2011.

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Airmen Authorized to travel in Utility Uniform

Air Force officials have authorized wear of the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU), the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and the Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU) for commercial travel while in an official capacity throughout CONUS.

Airmen traveling in the Utility Uniform are reminded to keep a professional appearance as public opinion is paramount to confidence in the Air Force.

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1st Air Force "Virtual" Uniform Board Update

Approximately 800 responses were received by the first Air Force Virtual Uniform Board since March of this year.  Airmen were able to submit uniform change requests via the IPDS between 5 March and 14 April.  Change requests are reviewed by the Uniform Enterprise Working Group. The group acts as non-voting advisor's to the Uniform Board. 

The 98th Air Force Uniform Board convenes during May to review the submissions and advisor's comments.  The board then votes to determine if suggestions from Airmen should be approved, disapproved or recommended for further action. 

Uniform Board voting membership is made up of Officers and enlisted Airmen.  Members are tasked with evaluating recommendations and voting on behalf of their major command.  The Air Force Manpower Agency developed a module which allows Virtual Uniform Board Members to log in from around the world.  Results are consolidated and an overall board recommendation is forwarded to the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Master Sergeant of the AIr Force, for review.  The Chief of Staff of the Air Force will then be briefed on the board results and determine final disposition of uniform board recommendations.

NoteAirmen can continue submitting recommendations year round out of cycle. Recommendations not considered on the current board will be considered during the next scheduled uniform board.

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Navy wear tests new Serivice Dress Khaki Uniform

The Navy Uniform Wear matters office is reporting that wear tests of the Navy's new Service Dress Khaki Uniform are underway at six locations.  The "Throw-back" uniform for E-7's and above resembles the popular WWII Navy uniform that former CNO Adm Elmo Zumwalt did away with.

Officers and Chiefs will test the Uniform at Washington D.C., Norfolk, Millington, Pearl Harbor, Newport and Yokosuka Japan.  Tests will run through 25 August 2008.


                  
                   Photo from Navy Times

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New Navy PT Uniform on the Street in Spring of 08



Sailors will start seeing the New Navy PT uniform in Navy Exchange uniform centers  this spring.  The uniform consists of a gold t-shirt with dark blue shorts.  The design includes the word "NAVY" in reflective letters on the front and across the back of the shirt as well as on the PT shorts.  Sailors uniform allowances included $10.99 for one shirt and $13.99 for one pair of shorts in FY 08.
  
Sailors should refer to NAVADMIN 217/07 for more information.

                       
                        Photo from Navy Times

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Air Force Announces new "Virtual Uniform Board"

 
Beginning in May of 08 the Air Force Uniform Board has been renamed to the Virtual Uniform Board and will consist of 25 Air Force representatives from around the Air Force.  Suggestions for uniform changes or additions can now be directly submitted by Airmen online.  Airmen who submit proposals that are approved by the Chief of Staff and save the Air Force money, are eligible for cash incentives of up to 15% of the 1st year savings of the adopted proposal. 

The Virtual Uniform Board website allows Airmen to submit their drawing and sketches of their uniform changes.  Airmen who have uniform suggestions and ideas should vist
https://ipds.csd.disa.mil
 

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Coast Guard Uniform Catalog

                                       
The 
Coast Guard Uniform Distribution Center (UDC) has an online catalog.  The catalog has a huge selection of mens and women's Coast Guard Uniforms (ODU Uniforms, Dress Uniforms, Coast Guard Auxiliary specific items and Uniforms and Coast Guard Uniform accessories to name a few).   Prices and instructions for ordering are provided. 

Coast Guardsmen should
click here for more information. 
  
                                                    


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Marine Corps Seasonal Uniform Change



ALMAR 007/08
 announced that effective immediately USMC seasonal uniform change while in garrison will occur world-wide in synchronization with change to, and from Daylight Savings Time (DST) in the US.

  • SUMMER SEASON (Begins with the change to DST): 

    -Blue Dress A/B Uniform (NCOs and below)/D
    -Blue -White Dress A/B Uniform (SNCOs and Officers)
    -Service Alpha A/C Uniform
    -Desert MARPAT Combat Utility Uniform with sleeves up
  • WINTER SEASON (Begins with the change from DST):

    -Blue Dress A/B/C Uniform
    -Service Alpha A/B Uniform
    -Woodland MARPAT Combat Utility Uniform with sleeves down

Marines should refer to the ALMAR for more information.

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USMC Temperate Weather Combat Boot Info

The Marine Corps Temperate Weather Combat Boot replaced the black combat boot with significant improvements that include: infrared and visible light signature reduction, improved shock attenuation, injury reduction and improved traction.  The Marine Corps Combat Boot is lined with a Gore-tex membrane that water proofs the boot.  The boot provides greater comfort, better support and protection from the elements.  It has better breathability, durability and cushioning than the older black combat boot.  All boots have an embossed Eagle, Globe and Anchor on the outside heel.

Marine Corps Combat Boot (Temperate Weather) Features:
  • Weight, approx 2 lbs per boot
  • Partial speed lace closure system
  • Boot leather is breathable, water-resistant, flesh out and mildew resistant

Temperate Weather Combat Boots sizes range from 3N-16.5XW in mens, and 4RF-11WF in women's.

The boot is produced by 3 Manufacturer's.

Bates Uniform Footwear, Rockford, MI
www.batesfootwear.com

Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Co, Belleville, IL
www.bellevilleshoe.comfederal/federal_4.htm#6

Danner, Inc, Portland, OR
www.danner.com/home.do



Bates Combat Boots        Bellivelle Combat Boots            Danner Combat Boots                  

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New Marine Corps Running Suit Update



The New Marine Corps Running Suit will be comprised of a jacket and matching pant.  The design will be compatible with other PT uniform items and comprise the complete PT uniform system in the seabag.  The current t-shirts, sweatshirt and sweatpants will remain in the seabag.  The final USMC running suit design was selected based on performance of the suit and overall acceptance by Marines through various surveys, limited user tests and field user testing. 

USMC Running Suit Fielding Status

FY08: 124,999
FY09:124,999

Planned Distribution Priority

Phase 1 - Wounded Warrior Regiment
Phase 2- Recruiters, DI's, Recruits
Phase 3- All Hands (Introduction to all hands 4th Qtr 2008)
Phase 4- Reserves

                                               

Marines should refer to Program Manager Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE) for more information.


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