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New service dress prototypes pique interest [possible new USAF uniform]
Air Force Link ^ | 18 May 2006 | Air Force Public News

Posted on 06/02/2006 1:51:10 PM PDT by Paladin2b

Based on feedback received during visits with Airmen across the Air Force, the Air Force Uniform Board is reviewing several concepts that Airmen have suggested regarding the appearance of the service dress uniform.

Some of the informal feedback about the current service dress includes Airmen wanting to revamp the service dress to look more military, like the other services. One senior airman said, “the current uniform resembles a cheesy business suit.” A staff sergeant said, “think world’s most dominating air power, not CEO,” and another described it as a “cheap leisure suit.”

Other comments have suggested that the uniform needs to reflect the Air Force’s history more. On an Internet message board an Airman recently wrote, “I want to look good and be proud of my AF heritage.” Another Airman wrote that the dress uniform pales in comparison to any of the other services. "We need something that distinguishes us as proud members of the U.S. military.”

The Air Force began exploring these ideas by producing several prototypes that reflect a combination of ideas that have been gleaned from comments, suggestions and informal surveys conducted over the past several years.

A more formal survey soon will provide additional opportunities for Airmen to provide feedback and comments.

"We’ve been getting informal feedback on our current service dress uniform for several years, and what we consistently have heard from many Airmen is a desire for a more 'military,' and less 'corporate' look and feel, something more reflective of the Air Force’s heritage, and its role as a professional military organization,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Allardice, director of Airman development and sustainment, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel.

“The Uniform Board has come up with some options to explore these concepts and the initial prototypes are direct descendants of our heritage, rooted in Hap Arnold and Billy Mitchell’s Air Force,” General Allardice said.

The survey will provide a more formal opportunity to collect feedback on whether or not Airmen want a new service dress, and if so, what changes, likes, or dislikes they have about the prototypes.

“We believe we need to respond to the force and the constant flow of feedback we receive on the service dress is driving this initiative. We see this as an opportunity to do so, along with a chance to reflect on our rich history, as well as the image we wish to portray in uniform,” said General Allardice. “We want to make sure our uniforms, all combinations, meet our current and future needs.”

This process will use the standard Air Force Uniform Board process and as with the Airman’s Battle Uniform, Airmen are encouraged to take the opportunity to directly contribute to how their new service uniform might look.

The Air Force will present options based on feedback received on possible service dress designs through the uniform board process.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: airforce; billymitchell; haparnold; uniforms; usaf
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To: neodad

Is this the old USAF Dress uniform?
21 posted on 06/02/2006 2:04:10 PM PDT by Liberty Valance (Keep a simple manner for a happy life)
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To: Paladin2b
They copied the Sam Browne belts from our alphas, too...


22 posted on 06/02/2006 2:04:30 PM PDT by LongElegantLegs (Going armed to the terror of the public.)
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To: Paladin2b

I guess they got tired of the beanie cap and optional "angel" wings?


23 posted on 06/02/2006 2:05:53 PM PDT by Junior (Identical fecal matter, alternate diurnal period)
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To: Paladin2b

There's a great article on early USAF uniforms here:

http://www.afa.org/magazine/1991/0691splendor.asp


24 posted on 06/02/2006 2:06:28 PM PDT by highball (Proud to announce the birth of little Highball, Junior - Feb. 7, 2006!)
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To: LongElegantLegs
Um, ripping off the Marine Corps much? ;-)

I wasn't aware that the Corps (God bless it) was the only military force on the planet to wear "choker" collars. Or dark blue. ;)
25 posted on 06/02/2006 2:06:43 PM PDT by Paladin2b
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To: razorback-bert

Why are all the "retro" uniforms presented as wrinkled or ill-fitting? It really detracts from a decent evaluation of the color combinations and cut.


26 posted on 06/02/2006 2:06:59 PM PDT by Apparatchik
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To: RJS1950

We'll fight you for it. ;-)


27 posted on 06/02/2006 2:07:01 PM PDT by LongElegantLegs (Going armed to the terror of the public.)
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To: digger48

Looks like the 1917 AEF uniform...


28 posted on 06/02/2006 2:08:39 PM PDT by Junior (Identical fecal matter, alternate diurnal period)
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To: Paladin2b

What a frickin' waste of time/money....

Just to wear once or twice a career...


29 posted on 06/02/2006 2:08:59 PM PDT by dakine
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To: RJS1950

Yeah, the Navy has those. They're called "Chokers" and are blindingly white. Head to toe, including the shoes. They're made of 100% polyester, and couldn't be hotter if they if they plugged in like electric blankets.


30 posted on 06/02/2006 2:09:02 PM PDT by TontoKowalski
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To: digger48

I have gone thru 4 different uniforms in my career...I do not want another and this one looks TOO much like the SS uniforms in my opinion.

Now dont go off sccreaming bloody murder at me for the comparison, but the close collar button down dark blue (to the point its almost black) makes it look either like I am in Hitlers German Air Force or an officer for Darth Vader.


31 posted on 06/02/2006 2:09:08 PM PDT by ICE-FLYER (God bless and keep the United States of America)
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To: digger48

Stargate SG-1!


32 posted on 06/02/2006 2:09:27 PM PDT by rahbert
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To: dakine
Oh, and I forgot, they have a new "happy" PT uniform....
33 posted on 06/02/2006 2:10:32 PM PDT by dakine
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To: Paladin2b

We also invented weapons, the chain of command, and warfare. Just ask us.


34 posted on 06/02/2006 2:10:40 PM PDT by LongElegantLegs (Going armed to the terror of the public.)
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To: digger48

These new uniforms will come with school teacher bells that they can ring in front of Walmart. Proceeds gained from such activity will go to offset rising jet fuel costs.


35 posted on 06/02/2006 2:12:07 PM PDT by Gulf War One
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To: digger48
I like the belted look.

But what do they wear underneath the jacket?

sw

36 posted on 06/02/2006 2:14:29 PM PDT by spectre (Spectre's wife (Thank you, Minutemen)
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To: LongElegantLegs
We also invented weapons, the chain of command, and warfare. Just ask us.

There you go, bashing the Corps yet again, leaving out the moon landing, faster-than-light travel, and the cancer cure!

And on the seventh day the Corps rested...
37 posted on 06/02/2006 2:15:17 PM PDT by Paladin2b
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To: Paladin2b

I like you. :-D
For what it's worth, I have family in and retired from the Air Force, and I respect the service. I just like making fun of them in public.


38 posted on 06/02/2006 2:17:00 PM PDT by LongElegantLegs (Going armed to the terror of the public.)
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To: Paladin2b
it was homage to the "leather" neck guard that some wore to prevent scabbard injuries..

it's a tradition thingy... kinda like the leather neck protectors the air force guys wore to protect them from prop blades whacking them in the neck...

39 posted on 06/02/2006 2:17:15 PM PDT by Dick Vomer (liberals suck......... but it depends on what your definition of the word "suck" is.)
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To: Liberty Valance
That is a Mess Dress, a military tuxedo. Only worn at very formal occasions where civilians would be wearing tuxedoes. Judging by the CMSgt stripes, it is also a pre 1990's version. After I left, MSgt, SMSgt, and CMSgt stripes were slightly changed, with one less rocker stripe below the star, and one extra chevron stripe above. Here is a more current version, and the CMSgt stripes here also have the First Sargent star.


40 posted on 06/02/2006 2:18:45 PM PDT by Yo-Yo (USAF, TAC, 12th AF, 366 TFW, 366 MG, 366 CRS, Mtn Home AFB, 1978-81)
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