ABU moving full-speed ahead

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jennifer Isom
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Officials at the Air Force Uniform Program at the Pentagon announced recently that manual production of the Airmen Battle Uniform will soon make way for automated production. This change in production methods would mean an increase from 7,000 ABUs produced per month to over 100,000 per month by summer.

The Airmen deploying in Air & Space Expeditionary Forces 7 and 8 and Battlefield Airmen currently have priority, and are issued either two or four sets of ABUs depending on their specialty code.

For those Airman holding down the home front, ABUs will be available in the fall.

"As soon as we're given the permission to order (the ABUs), we'll be on top of it," said Carol Chilenski, the Sheppard Military Clothing Sales manager.

The All Purpose Environment Clothing System parka will be available for purchase on a limited basis in April for $175, the same cost of the Gortex, said Maj. Randall Smith, the Air Force Uniform Program chief.

"The APECS will be the only authorized outergarment to wear with the ABU," Major Smith said. He added that with the exception of the desert tan boots, there will be no mixing-and-matching of the woodland or desert camouflage BDU with the ABU. The embroidered slide-on rank will be worn with the APECS.

Although clothing sales does not yet have an availability date for the ABUs, patrol hats or APECS parka, they are able to order various uniform items now.

The new green ABU boots, rank insignia, badges, name tapes and Air Force tapes can be ordered now, Ms. Chilenski said.

"The Air Force and name tapes are $2 each and the Belleville boots are $99.95," she said. "The cost of the rank insignia and badges varies. Those interested can see any of the sales associates to order these items."

Some uniform items, such as the sand colored T-shirt and riggers belt, are currently available for in-store purchase.

The enlisted clothing allowance will increase beginning in October to help offset the cost of transitioning to the new uniform.

The official message outlining the ABU wear policy is available on the Air Force Uniform Program website accessible through the Air Force Portal.