Air Force officials release uniform board results, focus on current inventory Published June 18, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON -- Air Force officials have released the results of the 98th Virtual Uniform Board. While the board did not introduce new uniforms, the majority of the uniform-wear policy results improved upon existing uniforms. The service's senior leaders said they intend to provide fully functional and appropriate uniforms to support all Airmen both stateside and deployed, with emphasis on the current uniform inventory, in response to Airmen feedback. "We remain committed to fix, improve and upgrade uniforms in our current inventory," said Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, deputy chief of staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services and chairman of the Virtual Uniform Board. "Our goal is to provide the optimal uniform and equipment to Airmen in order to allow them to best carry out their mission," he said. The general explained that the uniform team is committed to ensuring Airmen have a fully functional uniform at the right time and at the right cost to support the joint mission worldwide. The Air Force's top enlisted Airman underscored the importance of ongoing analysis and constant response to wearer feedback. "Our Airmen spend their hard-earned money on these uniforms, and we owe it to them to do the research, development and quality assurance necessary to guarantee every uniform item put on the shelf is right the first time," Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley said. "The Virtual Uniform Board is essential because no one knows better than Airmen serving today what uniform changes are needed." The board convened in 2008 with Airmen voting members from all major commands and most functional communities. Representatives from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Defense Logistics Agency, Air Force Uniform Office, Air Force Logistics and Air Staff members acted as non-voting advisors. Board members forwarded their recommendations to the Air Force chief of staff for a final decision. Board members recommended and the chief of staff approved the green fleece formerly worn only as the All-Purpose Environmental Clothing System liner to be authorized Air Force-wide as an outer-wear garment. Senior leaders also approved adding the name, rank and service designators to the green fleece when worn as an outer-wear garment. Other uniform enhancements include the addition of a small surname tape to the pocket flap of the APECS left sleeve. While General Newton delegated the authorization of black-boots in industrial areas to MAJCOMs in February, the concept, like many changes, originated from a Virtual Uniform Board input. "We rely on feedback from Airmen about a wide variety of uniform issues. As such, the Air Force uniform team created the Virtual Uniform Board. The Virtual Uniform Board capitalized on available technology that Airmen are familiar with, the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness (IDEA) Program," said Ruth Ewalt, chief of Air Force uniform programs and policy. The intent of the Virtual Uniform Board is for Airmen to identify a problem and suggest an improvement, Ms. Ewalt said. "Unlike an open forum board, it's an avenue to voice an input and recommend a solution to resolve the issue," Ms. Ewalt said. "It is an opportunity for everyone wearing the uniform to bring well thought out and substantive issues, along with solid recommendations to resolve those issues, to the attention of Air Force senior leadership." General Newton shares Ms. Ewalt's sentiments. "We heard the feedback from the field and will continue to tailor our uniforms to their operational needs," General Newton said. Airmen can provide uniform recommendations by going to the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness (IDEA) Program Web site at the Air Force Portal. Airmen also can access uniform information at the Air Force Portal by typing "uniform" in the search box in the page's upper right-hand corner. Sidebars: Approved uniform changes 1) Enlisted Airmen should have their chevron rank insignia sewn on their sleeves of the lightweight blue jacket no later than Jan. 1 and eliminate the wear of metal rank. 2) Boot laces should be tucked in; laces may be wrapped around effective immediately. 3) Black boots may be worn with ABUs in industrial areas, per major command's discretion. 4) Organization caps are no longer authorized to be attached to BDU trousers effective immediately. 5) Upper sleeve pocket is approved for fire-resistance ABUs only in the area of responsibility. 6) Airmen who are authorized the U.S. Army parachute riggers badge may wear the badge permanently on all authorized uniform combinations. When wearing the subdued riggers badge on ABUs/BDUs, the badge should be blue, not black. The badge should be brown when worn on the DCU. 7) The Black U.S. Army Air Assault Badge is permanently authorized on the BDU regardless of duty assignment, upon graduation from Air Assault School. 8) The Air Force Office of Special Investigations duty badge is authorized on the service dress uniform and subdued cloth duty badge on the ABU. 9) It is now authorized to use personal cellular phones while walking in uniform. The cellular phone should be conservative in color. Wear of hands-free devices while walking in uniform is prohibited. Cell phones may be worn on either the left or right side of uniform. Military customs and courtesies still apply and take precedence. Approved changes that will be addressed at a later date. No action is required by members at this time. 1) The foliage green fleece may be worn as an outer garment with ABUs. 2) A fleece liner will be available with the ability to zip into the APECS. 3) There will be an increase to the length of the lower leg pocket on the ABU trouser by 1.5 inches 4) Female ABU trouser buttons will be changed to match the male ABU trouser buttons. 5) A small ABU name tape with the last name will be added to the pocket flap on the left sleeve of the APECS. 6) The ABU pen pocket will be altered 1.5 inches to prevent breaking writing utensils or punctures while bending the arm. 7) Physical training gear guidance will reflect a more professional image. 8) Side buttons added to the maternity ABU trouser to unfold a small portion will be authorized. Items that are recommended for approval but require more research and/or development. 1) Wear of green crew neck sweater similar to Marine Corps under the ABU. 2) Adjustment of the maternity ABU pocket placement to mirror regular ABU pocket placement. 3) Officers assigned to command and control nodes may wear the C2 badge if approved for award by the functional authority.