First wave of ABUs lands at Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It was a scene reminiscent of a blockbuster release - people arm-to-arm, swimming through a flood of other patrons.

A small number achieved their goal after struggling against the crazed current of customers.

Those handfuls of Airmen can be seen walking around Sheppard in the Air Force's new Airman Battle Uniform. Sheppard Military Clothing Sales began selling the ABUs in limited number Aug. 6, giving the sales associates there one busy week.

"It was a madhouse all week," said Aniette Stavely, a senior sales associate with Sheppard MCS.

Mrs. Stavely said word of the arrival of the ABUs quickly spread, with the hordes of customers starting to arrive the afternoon of Aug. 6 and not stopping the entire week.

In fact, Mrs. Stavely said they had received calls from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, inquiring about the ABUs. One person even drove down from Tinker AFB, Okla., - though she had no word on whether they were able to see the fruits of their journey.

This is in addition to the Sheppard regulars the associates at Sheppard MCS have gotten to know, some who seemingly spend their lunch hours camping out for the coveted uniforms, Mrs. Stavely said. She also said the members of Team Sheppard have been extremely patient and nice with the staff, understanding they have a limited supply of uniforms, in limited sizes.

The uniform was shipped to 14 Air Force bases the week prior to Aug. 6. All Air Force bases will be receiving the ABU in time, but initial distribution is being done in waves - Sheppard was part of wave one.

"Because Sheppard is such a large training base it was one of those selected," said Carol Chilenski, Sheppard MCS manager.

Mrs. Chilenski said they knew Sheppard would be receiving the uniform, but not when or how many. While the first question has been answered, the latter is still ongoing. She said Sheppard MCS has been receiving shipments almost daily since Aug. 6, but they never know what will be in any given shipment until it arrives. Those wanting to procure the ABU should stop by regularly to see if their size may have come in.

Unfortunately, Sheppard MCS is unable to special order blouse, trousers, hats or boots at this time. Mrs. Chilenski said as soon as all Air Force bases have received their initial shipments, they'll be able to place orders for the items they need.

Though, Team Sheppard members are allowed to order occupational badges and name tapes.

With such a demand for the name tapes and other accessories - with sometimes as much as a one month wait on name tapes - Team Sheppard may be tempted to go off base and procure imitation name tapes or other things. Mrs. Chilenski warned against this.

She said the material used in all ABUs and accessories, whether name taps and occupational badges or backpacks, is specially treated to be less-visible to night vision equipment. Anything not specially treated will stand out when viewed in night vision.
Unfortunately, she said only the officially produced material is coated with this treatment.

"You're wearing these into battle," she said. "It's important anything worn on the battlefield is... compatible."

For more information on the ABU, please visit the U.S. Air Force Uniform Program frequently asked questions here. For questions regarding Sheppard MCS, please call 676-2110.