Military Uniform Gouge

Air Force may authorize Black Boots for certain industrial career fields

2008-07-05T09:56:12Z

Air Force link is reporting that the Air Force Uniform Online Board is recommending that Airmen in certain industrial career fields, such as maintainers or civil engineers, be allowed to wear black boots with ABUs on a permanent basis. ABU sage green boots can be ruined bycertain stains that are often impossible to remove.

A decision will be made on exactly which career fields will be allowed to wear black boots with the Airman Battle Uniform and the recommendation is being staffed and the Air Force Chief of Staff is expected to make a final decision in early fall.

Airman can refer to the Air Force Link Article for more information.

Navy Working Uniform Overview

2008-07-05T09:42:58Z

The Navy Working Uniform has an eight point with rank/rate insignia centered and embroidered collar, name, Navy and Warfare devices sewn on the uniform blouse.

The blouse may be worn with just the authorized blue tee-shirt.   Sleeves are rolled up in a manner that allows them to immediately pulled down to a button fit (same as U.S. Army). The blouse should fall half-way to the top of the trouser cargo pocket.

Trouser has an elastic in waist band for better fit and should be bloused over the 2nd-3rd boot eyelet.

The prescribed boot is the speed laced leather boot with option suede.

Sailors can find detailed pictures of the Navy Working Uniform on the Navy Uniform Matters website.

AIR FORCE ABU BOOTS REVIEW

2008-07-03T13:04:12Z

There are several brands of approved USAF ABU sage green boots authorized for wear with the new Air Force ABU uniform. Two major manufacturers are Belleville and Corcoran. This information may be helpful to some of you in determining the differences between manufacturers, costs and deciding which ABU boot to buy. According to Air Force Instruction 36-2903 Desert sand-colored boots are authorized for wear with the ABU until the mandatory ABU wear date of Oct 2011. The links will take you directly to sites where you can find more information about the new ABU boots.

BELLEVILLE ABU BOOTS

BELLEVILLE 675ST USAF 600 GRAM INSLULATED SAFETY (STEEL) TOE BOOTS

Air Force approved for wear with the new Airman Battle Uniform. The Belleville 675ST steel toe boot meets ASTM
F2412-05 and F2413-05 standards. Sage Green all leather for cold and wet work. Vanguard running sole provides all day comfort with lasting tread. The VANGUARD Sole System provides a high performance, premium cushioning experience, which distributes impact from heel to toe just like your favorite running shoe. Construction combines a thick polyurethane cushion midsole with a durable VIBRAM premium rubber outsole. Optimum cushioning and excellent durability.

VANGUARD® Sole Construction
Sage Green All Cowhide Leather
600g THINSULATE™ Insulation
Steel Toe - Meets ASTM F2412-05 and F2413-05 Standards
GORE-TEX® Fabric Bootie
Cushion Midsole – Polyurethane
Outsole – VIBRAM® FIRE & ICE™ designed to improve traction in icy conditions
Polyurethane Removable Insert
Height – 8” (Standard Military Height)

BELLEVILLE® 600 USAF ABU APPROVED MEN’S HOT WEATHER SAFETY STEEL TOE BOOTS
BELLEVILLE® F600 USAF ABU APPROVED WOMEN’S HOT WEATHER SAFETY STEEL TOE BOOTS

Bellevilled models 600 and F600 are approved by the Air Force for wear with the new Airman Battle Uniform (ABU). Steel toe meets ASTM F2412-05 and F2413-05 standards.
• 8" standard military height
• VANGUARD® Running Shoe Construction
• Sage Green cowhide leather and CORDURA® nylon upper
• Steel safety toe meets ASTM F2412-05 and F2413-05 standards
• Polyurethane cushion insole
• Polyurethane removable insert
• VIBRAM® Sierra 100% rubber outsole
• USAF Sage Green only
• Made in USA
• Wt: 4 lbs.

BELLEVILLE® 650 USAF ABU APPROVED MEN’S WATERPROOF COMBAT BOOTS
BELLEVILLE® F650 USAF ABU APPROVED WOMEN’S WATERPROOF COMBAT BOOTS

Belleville models 650 and F650 are Air Force approved for wear with the new Airman Battle Uniform (ABU). GORE-TEX® bootie lining keeps moisture out.
• Upper Material: USAF Sage Green Leather / Nylon Fabric
• GORE-TEX® Fabric Bootie
• VANGUARD® Running Shoe Sole Construction
• Outsole: VIBRAM® 360° FIRE & ICE™ compound designed to improve traction in icy conditions
• Midsole: Polyurethane cushion
• Removable polyurethane insert
• Height: 8” (Standard Military Height)
• Made in USA.
• Belleville Models: 600 (men's), F650 (women's)

CORCORAN ABU BOOTS

CORCORAN 8795 MEN'S USAF ABU HOT WEATHER SAFETY TOE 8.5" BOOTS

USAF approved. Dryz® insoles change the environment inside your boots from damp to dry and fresh. Made with high traction Vibram® Sierra outsoles and Goodyear patented Flex-Welt™ stitch-down construction for a top-of-the-line platform. Steel Safety Toe meets ASTM F2413 Standard for Protective Footwear.

• 8.5" upper
• Steel Safety Toe meets ASTM F2413 Standard for Protective Footwear
• Fleshout leather and Cordura® nylon upper with padded collar
• Speedlace barrel and eyelet lacing
• Dryz® moisture-wicking comfort cushion insert, powered by X-Static® antimicrobial fabric for odor and anti-microbial control
• Fiberglass shank
• Goodyear patented Flex-Welt™ construction
• Vibram® Sierra outsole
• Patented, shock-absorbing midsole
• ABU Green
• Corcoran Style #8795
• Extended widths available
• Made in USA.

CORCORAN® 8700 MEN'S USAF ABU HOT WEATHER 8.5" BOOTS
CORCORAN 8705 WOMEN'S USAF ABU HOT WEATHER 8.5" BOOTS

USAF approved cool comfort in tough conditions. Dryz® insoles change the environment inside your boots from damp to dry and fresh. Made with high traction Vibram® Sierra outsoles and Goodyear patented Flex-Welt™ stitch-down construction for a top-of-the-line platform.
• 8.5" upper
• Fleshout leather and Cordura® nylon upper with padded collar
• Speedlace barrel and eyelet lacing
• Dryz® moisture-wicking comfort cushion insert, powered by X-Static® antimicrobial fabric for odor and anti-microbial control
• Fiberglass shank
• Goodyear patented Flex-Welt™ construction
• Vibram® Sierra outsole
• Patented, shock-absorbing midsole
• ABU Green
• Corcoran Style 8700 (men's), 8705 (women's)
• Extended widths available
• Made in USA.

CORCORAN® MEN'S USAF ABU MARAUDER™ 10” BOOTS
CORCORAN® WOMEN'S USAF ABU MARAUDER™ 10” BOOTS

USAF approved Sage Green fleshout leather/1000 denier Cordura® upper. Falcon lightweight polyurethane comfort system outsole is oil-resistant and non-marking with athletic shoe traction and the support you need for long days on the flight line. Reinforced ankle support, extra-firm, heavy-duty military counters and toe box for excellent foot protection.
• Meets NIR requirements
• USAF-approved
• 10" height
• Fleshout leather and 1000-Denier Cordura® upper
• Munson last for superior fit
• Webbing reinforcement for ankle support
• Speed lace eyelets
• Dryz® moisture/odor control shock-absorbing insert with X-Static® anti-microbial fabric
• Fiberglass shank
• Oil-resistant, non-marking Falcon outsole
• ABU Green
• Made in USA
Corcoran Style # 87146 (men's),# 87257 (women's).

Navy Running Suit Prototype Unveiled

2008-06-16T12:57:48Z

The Navy Uniform Matters Office and NEX unveiled a prototype of the Navy's PTU Running Suit on 30 May, 2008 at the Arlington, VA Navy Uniform Center. The Navy expects the Final Running Suit to be ready for wear during calendar year 2009.

The PTU Running Suit still needs to undergo wear testing. Final pricing and wear instructions have not been determined according to Navy Officials.

Sailors can click here for more information.

Great Deals on Current Issue Military Uniforms

2008-06-16T03:38:23Z

Is an eBay store that specializes in current issue military surplus clothing. They have 100% postive feedback rating (over 2000). You can find really good deals on Army and Marine Corps Dress Blue Uniforms, Navy and Air Force Uniforms and other uniform items. They have lots of bargin items that tend to sell out fast.

Click on the link below to check out their items.

Iraq and Afghanistan Deployment Checklist Recommendations

2008-07-05T10:05:41Z

When I got orders to deploy to Iraq I had to ask several people to get a good idea of what extra gear I should take in addition to the unit deployment checklist, that would make my trip and deployment a little easier. There wasn't one person or place that I could go to quickly find what additional deployment items I needed. Once I figured out what I needed I had to visit several places to purchase all the gear I had on my personal checklist.

While this isn't all inclusive, it is based off what I ended up taking and what I wished I had taken. I also got input from several friends who all have multiple deployments under their belts. Hopefully this will be a useful resource that helps you figure out what you figure out and find what you need to put together your personal pre-deployment checklist.

If you find you're maxed out with all your deployment and personal gear, consider putting the stuff you won't need while traveling in a pre-addressed box and mailing it to yourself.

Brigade Quartermasters and MilitaryClothing.com both have a large selections of tactical gear. They ship to APO/FPO and I've never had, or heard of, any problems with them shipping in CONUS or the AOR.

If you're looking for just about any electronic equipment (external hard drives, thumb drives, cameras etc.) TigerDirect.com is another really good company that ships to APO/FPO. I got several items from them before and during deployment without any issues.

You may be limited by unit requirements, but I deployed with a Sea Bag, a Flyers Kit Bag, and a 3 Day Backpack. The Sea Bag contained things (extra uniforms, socks, 782/TA-50 gear etc.) that I wouldn't need until I got into the AOR. You may get delayed a few days enroute (we did) so keep your sleeping bag on top for easier access if you need it. Vacuum packing your clothing will help you save to lot of space. Also, if you mark your bag on the side and bottom (I used red duct tape) so it stands out it will be easy to find among hundreds of other bags. The Marines and Sailors who had the rolling duffel bags had an easier time moving all their trash, but I managed to get by with a standard issue Sea Bag.

Anything that I couldn't cram in the Sea Bag (flak jacket, canteens, helmet etc.) went in the Flyers Kit Bag. It has a zipper, making access easier. I kept my poncho liner and other items I thought I might need enroute on top.  (We got delayed in Kuwait over night and I ended up needing my poncho liner)

A colleague recommended I purchase a 3 day expandable backpack to use as my carry-on bag. What ever you purchase, make sure the bag has a waist support strap and is very solidly made. I purchased a "Bug Out" bag which doubled as a field pack in country. All your travel items (iPod, camera, shaving gear, extra skivvies and socks, towel, Gortex parka, travel pillow etc.) should be packed here. Make sure you water proof everything in Zip Loc bags, including shampoo, to prevent leakage.

Here's the list (click on the links below to view the items).

Backpack: My carry-on bag was the BUGOUT GEAR THREE DAY PACK . It was durable and provided plenty of room for everything I needed to carry into the AOR. If you are traveling once you're in country the bag should be able to double as an assault pack. I lived out of mine for up to 7 days in the field on several occasions. The BUGOUT GEAR® LONG RANGE BAG also has a really good reputation. Brigade Quartermasters has a good selection of carry-on/backpacks.

Sea Bag/Duffel Bag: You should be able to travel with up to three Bags, so one should be a Large Duffel Bag . When empty you can load it in another bag for easy storage. It would have been much easier moving all my gear if I had something with wheels. The MONSTER ON WHEELS DUFFEL BAG holds a ton of gear and I'm told it is good to go. You may also want to consider The PELICAN® PROTECTOR CASES™ MODEL 1660 DEPLOYMENT CASE .  They are a little expensive, but are supposed to be indestructible.

Flyers Kit Bag:  Also called the Parachute Cargo Bag is a relatively inexpensive option that provides enough space and easy access should you need it.  Easy to store as it folds up and doesn't take up much space.

Helmet Bag: A Helmet Bag is a useful item if you've got more than you can carry in your backpack or you think you might need something smaller to carry once you're in country. I had enough space in my carry on to include this and kept all my important stuff in it.

Tactical Laptop Case: If you're taking a computer (DVD playing) or a portable DVD player you may want to consider a TACTICAL LAPTOP CASE . In addition to protecting your laptop/DVD player in has plenty of extra storage for additional gear. Pelican makes a HARD COMPUTER PROTECTOR CASE if you're looking for a lot of extra protection for your electronic equipment.

Rigger's Belt: A heavy duty RIGGER'S BELT will stay secure on your body and is capable of supporting a drop leg holster and other equipment. The Marine Corps issue martial arts belt would not stay secure or support my pistol holster.  Worth the investment.

Drop Leg Holster: I used the BLACKHAWK OMEGA® VI ULTRA UNIVERSAL MODULAR LIGHT HOLSTER which I found really effective outside the FOB. As many of you know you can get your PPE on and off without removing your side arm which is a big plus. If you are looking for something else, Militaryclothing.com has a good variety of TACTICAL PISTOL HOLSTERS to choose from.

Shoulder Holster: If you are on a FOB and don't have to wear your PPE all the time you may want to consider a Military Shoulder Holster in addition to your tactical holster.

Parachute (550) Cord: Has 1001 uses and is one of the most useful items you'll take on deployment. Put 20-30ft of 550 CORD in your survival kit. Great for dummy cording items, lashing, boot laces, tent lines, fishing line etc.

100 MPH Tape: AKA riggers tape. Another really useful item that can be used for just about anything. 100 MPH TAPE sticks to just about anything and is great for repairs on the fly.

Bungee Cords: BUNGEE CORDS were useful to secure my sleeping bag to my pack and used to secure my pack to the outside of vehicles while traveling in the AOR.

Utility Tool: A GERBER or LEATHERMAN is a must for your survival kit and will open almost anything. Provides you a mini tool kit for on the spot repairs. Keep one on you at all times.

Folding Knife: A good quality knife with a strong blade is another must have. Both BENCHMADE and GERBER make excellent quality knives.

Bandanna/Battle Dressing: A good sized BANDANNA or BATTLE DRESSING can be worn to cover your mouth and nose and limit the amount of sand you inhale during movement and sand storms.

Balaclava: You'll find this very useful in the winter. Doubles as a watch cap to help save space. A BALACLAVA is also very useful when riding exposed as a vehicle crewman to cover your nose and mouth.

Tactical Gloves: Depending on your mission make sure you have a good pair of TACTICAL GLOVES that allow maximum dexterity while protecting your hands.

Flashlight: A MINI-MAG LITE is a very good general purpose tactical flashlight that doesn't take up much space. If your looking for something with more candle power then a SureFire® flashlight is the way to go. If you're looking for something else Brigade Quartermasters has over 90 different TACTICAL FLASHLIGHTS .

LED Micro-light: A small clip mounted personal light is another must for deployment. You should keep a MICRO-LIGHT on your belt loop at all times during deployment.

Head Light: HEADLAMPS are good if you need to keep your hands free for a long periods of time.

Lightstick: Good to have 5-6 LIGHTSTICKS in case you need emergency lighting or for signaling. Keep at least one 12 hr light in your survival kit and make sure you have one close by anytime you travel. It is a good idea to keep them close by in your quarters and work space in case you lose power.

ID Holder/Tactical WALLET: You'll need an ID holder that can either be hung around your neck or worn on your arm during your time on the FOB. The SPEC.-OPS.® NECK / ID WALLET is a good combination. Bugout gear makes a ARM BAND ID WALLET . You'll also want to consider a TACTICAL WALLET to store your critical items such as orders, credit cards, checks etc.

Laundry Bags: You'll need laundry bags to stow and carry your laundry to the laundry point. Take at least two so you can have one at the cleaners and use the other to keep your dirty laundry in. I recommend you take something other than white so you can quickly pick your bag out of a croud.

Water proofing: Make sure you water proof everything. Part of your basic gear should always be in waterproofing or in contractor trash bags.   You can pack each group of items and suck the air out with a vacuum in order to save space. Make sure you waterproof everything small including your shaving kit in order to prevent leak damage if something breaks. You can't go wrong taking several Ziploc Bags.

Ditty Bags/Carry Pouches: Ditty Bags are good for organizing your shaving gear, laundry and other small items. Carry Pouches and Pocket Organizers are good when your on the move or traveling to store flashlights, map pens, money etc.

Sunglasses/Eye Protection:  UV eye protection is a must.  Brigade Quartermasters has a huge selection of UV/Ballistic eye wear .

Camelbak: Both Blackhawk and Camelbak make good tactical hydration systems if you don't want to use a gov't issue one.
sewing kit . Soldiers may also want to pack an ACU Repair Kit as well.

Sandals: Make sure you bring a good pair of sandals that can double as shower shoes. Buy something you would wear at the beach and outside. The shower shoes sold at the exchange will not hold up outside on gravel etc.

Energy Bars: Good size for travel and for your survival kit. Energy Bars are good choices if you need something quick.

PT Gear: Don't forget your running shoes. As you'll have limited access to laundry you should bring PT Gear that wicks away moisture and dries quickly so you can use it in between laundry runs.

Civilian Clothing: Take a maximum of two days change of clothes. Remember they'll be stored most of the time, but you'll need something you can wear on R&R or home if you're going on leave. If you're stopping for training or processing at a CONUS base for several days I recommend you take more and mail what you won't need home(along with your cell phone etc.) the day before you depart.

Locks: Bring 3-4 locks. I recommend combination locks (make sure you write down the combo in a secure place you can get to). If you don't use combination locks, get locks that use the same key and wear the key on your dog tags.

Alarm Watch: Wear at watch that illuminates at night, has 24 hour time, a stop watch and an alarm. Timex Ironman has several versions that are inexpensive and work well.

USB Flash (thumb) Drive: Flash Drives are great for saving space and you can use them to store personal data (URLs, addresses, music etc.). They are also good to store your extra pictures when your camera card is full.

MP3 Player/Case: A must for anyone deploying these days.  An iPod or MP3 Player will help pass the time with music, video, books on tape and podcasts, especially during movement.  Pelican makes a MP3 Case for PDAs, Electronics etc.

Portable DVD Player: You may want to pack a Portable DVD Player or a Personal Media Player to help pass the time when your traveling or have down time.

Digital Camera: Don't forget to take a digital camera and take lots of pictures. Make sure you waterproof it and bring extra storage. Tiger Direct has good prices and a really good selection of digital cameras.

General Notes

Email: Make sure you open a hotmail, yahoo or gmail account before you deploy and load the address book with all the email addresses you think you'll need.

Cell Phone Suspension: Contact your cell phone company and ask them if they will suspend your cell phone for the duration of your deployment. I saved almost $250 with Sprint. All they needed was a copy of my orders to suspend my phone service while I was deployed.

Insurance: Call your insurance company and ask them about reducing your auto coverage while deployed since you won't be driving. You should be able to save a significant amount on your premium. If you are looking into purchasing additional life insurance I highly recommend Navy Mutual Aid (www.navymutualaid.org). They are a non-profit insurer and also a financial counselor approved by SECNAV.

Calling Stateside: Take the DSN numbers to several CONUS base operators near home and the locations you might be calling. If the number you are calling is local ask the operator to give you a local line. If not, you should be able to dial a 1-800 calling card number.

Phone Cards: Make sure you take at least one phone card with plenty of minutes on it so you don't have several numbers (see above). You can get good deals at Sam's and COSTCO.

Personal Journal: I kept a daily personal log of everything significant that I did or that happened that day. My father kept a personal record in Vietnam and recommended I do this. You'll be glad you did.

Reading: Make time to stay caught up on your personal and professional reading. Make sure you take Reading Material with you when you travel for down time.

I'll be adding more in the coming days and weeks but wanted to get this started.

If you've got recommendations please feel free to comment and I'll add them as appropriate.

The below link has hundreds of pre-deployment, tactical and other service items.

Regular Detergent OK for use on ABUs

2008-05-28T22:06:06Z

The Air Force has authorized Airmen to use regular detergent, regardless if it contains optical brighteners, when washing the Airmen Battle Uniform (ABU).

The Army released a memo on 25 March concluding that optical brighteners do not pose a detection threat to the wearer in operational environments. After conducting follow-on evaluations the Air Force determined detergents containing optical brighteners caused no damage to the uniform.

Any detergent can be used to launder the ABU, but fabric softeners and bleach should be avoided.

Airmen can find more information on Air Force Link.

Regulations for wear of the new USMC Running Suit and PT Gear

2008-06-16T22:28:32Z

ALMAR 019/08 published regulations for wear of Marine Corps PT uniforms and the Marine Corps Running Suit. The running suit is meant to compliment, not replace, existing PT uniforms.

Except for the conduct of PT, USMC PT Gear is not authorized for wear during leave and liberty with the following two exceptions.

The USMC sweatshirt may be worn during leave and liberty as an outergarment or a a layering garment (under a jacket).
The USMC running suit jacket may be worn during leave and liberty as an outergarment. When worn, the running suit jacket should be zipped at least halfway to the top of the zipper.

The USMC running suit can be worn in any combination with green PT shorts and Green PT Shirt, however the running suit is not authorized for wear in any form with the USMC sweat suit.

Marines should refer to ALMAR 019/08 for further information.

Air Force Considers Reinstating Good Conduct Medal

2008-05-23T21:40:21Z

The Air Force Awards Summit, held in January of this year, has recommended that the Air Force Good Conduct Medal be reinstated. The Secretary of the Air Force is expected to make a decision within the next 30 days. The medal was discontinued in 2005. If approved the medal would be retroactively awarded from the date it was discontinued making tens of thousands of Airmen eligible for the award.

The medal's historical value, linking it to the heritage of the Air Force, was the key factor in the recommendation to bring back the award.

If approved it would be the first time in the history of the Air Force that an award has been discontinued and later reintroduced.

Good Conduct Award criteria remains the same per AFI 36-2803.

Awarded to Active Duty enlisted Airmen who:

-Demonstrate exemplary conduct (behavior, efficiency and fidelity).
-Complete three years of continuous federal military service, with no breaks of 24 hrs or greater.
-Complete a single year of service if the nation is at war during the entire year of service (OIF and OEF do not meet this definition).
-Subsequent medals are awarded for every three years of continuous service thereafter, denoted by a bronze oak leaf cluster or a silver oak leaf cluster for five awards.
-At the end of each month, the Military Personnel Element for each unit publishes a list of Airmen who have qualified by completing three years of continuous service, either total or since their last GCM.
-Unit commanders may deny the award to anyone whose conduct has been less than exemplary. The commander will consult the Airmen's immediate supervisor and submit a memorandum detailing why the award is being denied and setting a new start date on the three year clock.

Air Force Good Conduct Anodized Medal

Air Force switching to lighter ABU blouse

2008-07-05T10:08:04Z

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.

Airmen Authorized to travel in Utility Uniform

2008-07-03T13:15:54Z

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.

1st Air Force "Virtual" Uniform Board Update

2008-07-03T13:09:32Z

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.

Note: Airmen 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.

Navy wear tests new Serivice Dress Khaki Uniform

2008-07-05T10:07:33Z

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

New Navy PT Uniform on the Street in Spring of 08

2008-06-16T12:54:12Z

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

Air Force Announces new "Virtual Uniform Board"

2008-06-16T03:05:46Z

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

Coast Guard Uniform Catalog

2008-05-30T22:04:42Z

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.

Marine Corps Seasonal Uniform Change

2008-05-23T22:05:58Z

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.

USMC Temperate Weather Combat Boot Info

2008-05-23T22:17:24Z

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

New Marine Corps Running Suit Update

2008-05-17T22:49:23Z

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.

Army Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS)

2008-05-10T17:18:35Z

The Army Generation III ECWCS was designed to be functional in multiple cold weather climates and activities. It is a multi-layered system that allows Soldiers to adapt to environmental conditions. The new materials allow a greater range of breathability and protection. The GEN II ECWCS is more compatible with body armor, weighs 12.85 lbs total, and comes in 12 components.

Lightweight undershirt and drawers
Midweight shirt and drawers
Fleece cold weather jacket
Wind cold weather jacket
Soft shell jacket and trousers
Extreme cold/wet weather jacket and trousers
Extreme cold weather parka and trousers

Photo from PEO Soldier

Soldiers should refer to PEO Soldier for more information.