What were they thinking...New USAF BDU's

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First thought - Well, it's some incarnation of the 'urban camo', currently fashionable, which has nothing to do with camo.
Then I read there'll be little Air Force logos in the pattern, I'm thinking Marine envy. At least the new Marpats are functional (comfortable, more pockets), and actually provide camoflage.
As far as the boots go, I don't think the tan roughout desert boots will go well with the blue theme, so I don't know what they're gonna do. Elvis, Blue Suede Boots?
Semper Fi
 
Without a doubt the "tiger-stripe" pattern is the coolest looking pattern out there, but is it practical?

There's a couple of things to consider here. What will the uniforms be used for: garrison or field? Pilots will be wearing flight suits anyway, so they don't count. I think this pattern is useless for the field. It stands out too much and it's far too bright. The old-school OD green uniforms were better! Even the German light gray style from WW2 probably is better than this one. Although it would complicate logistics, it might make sense to have 2 uniforms: one for garrison & one for field. The garrison uniform would be worn, washed and abused. The field uniform would be packed away in your A bag or whatever to be grabbed for a field problem or deployment. This way it would not suffer from repeated washings, starching, etc. Look at how servicemen super-starch their uniforms so they can look squared away, only to have their clothes lose their durability and fall apart in the environment!

For those air force MOS that require humping with the army or something similar, the army's BDU's should be used. FACs and PJ's and combat controllers should stick to that pattern. If it were up to me, the "splotches" or bands of green-brown-black would be smaller but still it's hard to beat the woodland BDU for general all-round camo. Supposedly the new USMC uniform is computer designed to blend better using tiny pixels. Sounds good to me. There's also a kind of urban camo out there: a leporous gray and off-green that seems to blend will against building materials.

One more thing: When are they going to make body armor & load bearing equipment in desert-like colors?
 
I don't know if this is still than plan or not, but a few months ago they were saying this new uniform wold replace the BDU's and Desert uniforms.

Yeah, I really want to go to Iraq wearing Blue tiger stripes...can't wait.

As for the web gear, I would assume by the black belt she is wearing, the AF will transition to black gear. Now that will really make you stand out!
 
At present (always subject to change), the new pattern is to be used as a Garrison uniform.

BDU's (in woodland) and DCU's (in desert camo) will still be used in specific theaters, as necessary. White snow camoflage oversuits are also available for conditions where needed. As well, the sage green or desert tan flightsuits will be used by where appropriate.
 
Flipster,

Where di you hear/read that information. It is opposite what I have read and heard.

Makes more sense to me, but that's not how the AF operates.
 
Glockster35,

I retired last year (Security Forces), still have many friends serving. Heard it from a friend who's a Chief, also from others.

Kind of like how it is now, BDU's are the default uniform, DCU's issued when appropriate. Snow camo made available when appropriate. Only, the new uniform would be the default.

Always important to look stunning when strolling to the BX, Burger King, or work center........:rolleyes:
 
web_030709-F-3050V-247.jpg


:confused: :rolleyes: :confused:

Wasn't it about ten years ago when some general decided that officeer uniforms were going to start using a Naval style rank? All officers were given a year to purchase said new uniforms, only to have that confused general retire six months after uniform deadline and his order was recinded. (At least thats what I remember from AFROTC)


GinSlinger
 
Ah, Schuey, as a crew dawg...

I can honestly tell you, we don't fly wearing BDU's. I ain't making this stuff up, really. Nomex flight suits, in either olive or tan.

Funny thing is, Chief of Staff came down with a mandate a month ago that stated if you're not in a duty location that precludes it, you must wear your service (blue) uniform. Good infusion of money for the AAFES dry cleaners and AAFES clothing sales stores. Burlington Fabric has even announced a long-term shortage of Air Force Blue fabric for the trousers. Big morale boost, that was.

As for Lendsringer's smug post, if we're gonna be cutesy about it, I'd rather my camouflage pattern mimic TF-33's, CFM-56's, and the usual colors of the 55th Wing aircraft I'm assigned to. And I didn't see too many vending machines when I was billeted in a nice, tan-colored tent in Riyadh, gas mask strapped to my thigh. Which makes me curious as to how much time he spent there, Bundeswehr or otherwise, as he comments about the vending machines and rec rooms? :scrutiny:

If not, at least let it mimic the foliage of the location where the troops see their deployment.

I wonder if Glockster is thinking the same thing I am? I have just over two years to go before retirement, I'll wager by the time they figure out what they want folks to wear in garrison, the mandatory wear date will be sometime AFTER my retirement date. :D
 
Okay, okay.. I'll admit that I had a slight brain fart on the whole BDU/flight suit issue, but what about these guys.. You know, the Air Force's "PJ's"and CCT's , are they going to switch over to this new camoflauge too?? :confused: ;)
001115-F-3677G-088.gif
 
They need a pink version for the folks at Eglund AFB, Hurlburt Field and Keesler AFB so they can hide in the Azaleas. :rolleyes:
 
Okay, distinctiveness is good ...

I see why they want some blue in there. Okay, no problem. But, I DO NOT get why is has to be camo AND blue/grey?! Let's face it--the large majority of the USAF never get out of their offices or the flightline. It's a small minority of the USAF that actually operates in a field environment. This uniform looks confused in purpose to me.

I am not sure what this is going to do for Airman Joe Snuffy other than cost a LOT of money buying the new uniforms when they come out. And, where is the rank!?

BTW, we just spent money to have all of our patches sewn BACK on to the BDUs, only to see them go right away again with this new 'thing'. Seems the only real tradition is the USAF is changing things endlessly ...
 
Gewehr98,

It must be nice only having to wait 2-3 years. Me personally I have 5 years remaining until I can punch ous, so unless things go totally wrong, I will likely have to wear this uniform.

Like you I am not looking forward to this uniform. Very little seems to be known in the Air Force right now about hte uniform changes. Last night I heard there is actually another version of White, Grey and dark Green tiger stripes, which would be worn in a wooded environment.

Who knows.
 
Speaking of Marpat. . .

are these new Marine BDU's available yet for civilian sale? Ya know from folks like Brigade Quatermaster or US Calvary?
 
I have not located a place to buy the new Marpat design anywahere. Kind of wish I knew someone in the Marines to get me a pair though.

My wife has a cousin that can probably do it, but he just got out of boot, so I don't want him to get in trouble yet.

I had heard they were hard to come by, and it was frowned upon to allow them outside Marine channels.

But I do want a closer look at the Marpat BDU boots they have designed...
 
So the new theory I've been reading is that they're blue for the UN takeover in the New World Order...

Glockster, the new Marine Corps Combat Boots are basically Belleville 700s in the desert pattern, with Gore-Tex and an Eagle, Globe and Anchor embossed on the ankle. There's also a jungle version with no Gore-Tex and a couple of drain holes in the instep, also made by Bates.
 
I was in the Air Force in the early 1960's. I liked the Air Force. The Aerospace team decided I needed to go to SE Asia. When I got there I was assigned to an outfit that issued a goofie cowboy-bushhat and regular OD fatigues which had the sleeves chopped off. One side of the hat was pinned (snapped) up. With our pressed fatigues and highly shined boots that the hooch maids kept up, we were the terror of Bien Hoa. The local debutantes liked our spiffy attire. Later, I noticed the Air Force renamed its ranks and if I would have stayed in I would not be a Sgt but I would be a Superientendant. Wow. They even came out with an assnine semi civilian suit. Then, later, in order to turn the Air Force in "soldiers" they began issuing a beret. Not just any beret but (I think) one like the Army Rangers wore. The beret for everyone was such a great idea the Army adopted it.

My suggestion for the Superintendent (sp) would be to change the camoflage pattern to one with alternate wrenches, desks, typewriters and BX items.
 
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