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Battle uniform available to deploying Airmen this spring
Posted 12/7/2006 Updated 12/8/2006
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12/7/2006 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Airman Battle Uniform is on track for distribution this spring to Airmen deploying as part of Air Expeditionary Forces 7 and 8.
The new ABU is in production Dec. 7 and uniforms are being warehoused.
The uniform will be ready for distribution to Airmen deploying as part of AEFs 7/8. Most Airmen will get two ABU sets and two Desert Combat Uniform sets for their deployment.
Battlefield Airmen with Air Force specialty codes for combat rescue, special tactics, pararescue jumper, combat control, tactical air control Airmen, members of the special operations weather team, battlefield weather Airmen and explosive ordnance members will each receive four ABU sets.
By October 2007, the Air Force will begin issuing the ABU to Airmen in basic military training, and in June 2008, the uniform will be available for purchase by the rest of the Air Force in Army Air Force Exchange Service outlets.
The ABU boasts 236 different size options in both male and female sizes. Additionally, its permanent press finish means the uniform cannot be starched, pressed or dry-cleaned. Airmen will be able to pull the ABU from the clothes dryer and wear it without further treatment. Any ironing could degrade the effectiveness of the uniform.
The cost for the uniform, pants and coat, runs about $81. Additional items, such as socks, T-shirts, belts, and ABU-style hats will also need to be purchased. Airmen are authorized to wear DCU-style boots with the ABU until the newly designed green boots become readily available. The green boots are priced at $100.
The expected mandatory wear date for the new ABU is October 2011.
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