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Feedback vital to uniform test

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- Feedback will be key for Air Force leaders making their decision on the newly proposed utility uniform, said the Air Force’s top enlisted airman.

“We want airmen’s feedback,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray during his visit here Aug. 6 to 10. “We don’t want ‘shoot-from-the-hip feedback,’ but feedback that comes from seeing the uniform in action, and thinking about how it will meet your needs based on your work environment. A Web site will be available to provide a forum to capture comments and suggestions. We’ll use these comments in addition to the feedback from the test participants in our final decision about the uniform.”

Elmendorf was selected as one of just nine bases Air Force-wide to participate in the wear test of the new uniform, which will be seen on some airmen beginning in January.

The blue, gray and green tiger-stripe camouflage ensemble is a departure from the current woodland-pattern uniform and includes many new features. They are intended to increase functionality and provide a distinctive look for airmen. The wear-test period extends from January through July.

“The need for a distinctive Air Force utility uniform stems from years of feedback from the field on our current (battle dress uniforms),” Murray said. “Airmen throughout the years have complained of poor fit, the desire for better material, more functionality and more distinction from the other services. The timing is right.”

Current Air Force uniforms are supplied through Army sources, and the Army looks at its own uniform and makes changes that suit their mission. Murray said the Air Force needs to do the same with a uniform specifically designed to meet the needs of 21st-century airmen.

“Airmen take great pride in wearing the uniform well and presenting a professional appearance to each other, to sister services and to the public,” Murray said.

The chief also wanted to assure airmen the wear test of the new utility uniform is most certainly not a snap decision.

“This is not change for the sake of change,” said Murray. “It is a well-thought-out proposal that will now go to the field in a wear test for feedback.”

Early in 2004, airmen at nine bases selected throughout the Air Force will wear the uniform and give feedback on its fit, durability, comfort and functionality, he said.

Airmen here said they are excited to participate in the wear test and to have the opportunity to see the new uniform for themselves.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the new uniform up close rather than just in pictures,” said Airman 1st Class Rudy Amaya, 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “I like the fact that it’s going to be easier to maintain, rather than having to iron (it) every night.”

The chief is confident airmen will do their part to help Air Force leaders make a decision on the new uniform.

“One of the great strengths of our Air Force and its airmen is the ability to adapt to new missions, new technologies and an ever-changing world landscape,” Murray said. “This new utility uniform is another example of seeing a need for improvement and moving forward. I believe it’s a uniform fitting of the world’s greatest expeditionary air and space force, and one that, if implemented, we will all be proud to wear.”

The uniform patterns are being cut, with production to begin in November, officials said. Data collection and analysis, and any potential adjustments, will occur August through October. A final decision on the uniform is expected in December 2004. If approved, production could begin as soon as 2005.