After a three-year wait, the U.S. Air Force is set to debut its new uniforms fitted for those entering basic military training. The utility uniforms are similar to those of the U.S. Army.
The first set of Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms were distributed at the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, a week ago. All Air Force personnel will receive the uniforms over the next three years.
The new uniforms were chosen due to their superior design and fit, fire resistance material and their capability to fit in with other uniforms in the Army and other militaries around the world. The current Airman’s Battle Uniform will be phased out but the boots, socks and t-shirts will change to ‘coyote brown’ by June 1, 2020.
“Our airmen have made it clear with a resounding, ‘Hey, we want to get into this uniform as soon as we possibly can,'” Maj. Gen. Robert LaBrutta, director of military force management policy, said in May. “Downrange and in garrison, [airmen reported that] it’s a better utility uniform than the ABU.”
The OCP uniforms will come in six colors, giving its camouflage the ability to blend in better in various environments, compared to the four pixelated colors of the ABU. The cost will be $20 per set more.
Rank insignia will no longer be on the airman’s sleeves or officer’s collars, but will be displayed in the center. Organizational patches and a U.S. flag will also be featured on the uniforms as well.
