News>Airmen filling certain billets first to receive OCP uniform for everyday wear
Photos
The Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, uniform, also known as the "multi-cam," is the Air Force-designated uniform for Airmen performing "outside the wire" missions in Afghanistan. Airmen wearing OCPs will stand out from their Army and Navy counterparts with "spice brown" colored name and service tapes and enlisted ranks. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sandra Welch)
The Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, uniform, also known as the "multi-cam," is the Air Force-designated uniform for Airmen performing "outside the wire" missions in Afghanistan. More than 180 joint expeditionary tasking Airmen assigned to provincial reconstruction teams became the first Air Force personnel to receive the Joint Service Solution Uniform. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sandra Welch)
7/7/2011 - KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- As the green of the Battle Dress Uniform fades into Air Force history, a new 'green' is beginning for certain Airmen deploying to support Operation Enduring Freedom.
More than 180 joint expeditionary tasking Airmen assigned to provincial reconstruction teams are wearing the OEF Camouflage Pattern or "multi-cams," as their everyday uniform during their nearly year-long deployment to Afghanistan this summer.
While many individual Airmen already have been issued the Joint Service Solution Uniform, the Airmen in PRTs are the first Air Force personnel to don the OCPs. The uniform gives Airmen unique benefits and features that the Airman Battle System-Ground and Airman Battle Uniform cannot deliver. These features are important to PRT JET Airmen due to the high number of "outside the wire" tasks they perform to support the International Security Assistance Force mission to bring security, governance, agricultural support, reconstruction and development to Afghanistan and its people.
"OCPs have a more advanced camouflage pattern that blends in with the Afghan terrain, making our Airmen safer and more effective on the battlefield," said Lt. Col. Shawna McGowan, the Air Force future programs branch chief. "The material is also flame resistant, lighter weight than the ABS-G or ABU, and contains a pre-applied bug repellant."
OCPs were issued in April to PRT JET Airmen during the two month-long Combat Skills Training at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ind. Some Airmen began wearing the uniform as early as possible to get used to the unique pattern and features. Feedback has been positive.
"OCPs are significantly lighter and breathe easier than ABUs," said Senior Airman Sandra Welch, a PRT Khost photographer deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. "ABUs and Arizona equals extreme heat, OCPs and Afghanistan is a much cooler combination."
All of the issued uniforms and equipment for Airmen deploying to Afghanistan are in the OCP pattern. These include the seven-layer extended cold weather clothing system, advanced combat helmet, combat shirt, improved outer tactical vest, ruck sack, assault pack and elbow and knee pads.
While unit patches went away with the BDUs, Airmen who don OPCs will be able to attach unit identifiers to their uniforms. OCPs mirror the Army Combat Uniform with Velcro name tapes and rank on the chest and Velcro unit patches and an American flag on the shoulders. JET Airmen stand out from their Soldier and Sailor counterparts wearing OCPs due to their "spice brown" colored name and service tapes and enlisted ranks.
The first JET Airmen to wear OCPs were part of a military working dog team aligned with the Army's 10th Mountain Division in January. Air Force-led PRTs can have as many as 38 JET Airmen. These Airmen come from a wider array of career fields to include personnel, logistics, communications, medical, public affairs, services, intelligence, security forces and maintenance.
In a memo dated Sept. 29, 2010 by Lt. Gen. Gilmary Hostage III, the commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, OCPs became the ground-combat uniform to be worn by all Airmen performing missions outside the wire in Afghanistan.
Comments
6/1/2012 6:11:07 PM ET I have deployed here in DCU's, nice uniform just needed some upgrades. Wore BDU's for years back home patroling outdated worked for some terrain looked sharp. Wore ABU's in southern Iraq...hated it the ABU and ABSG have horrible design flaws. First of all camoflage is not supposed to be a fashion statement. Camoflage is supposed to do just that...camoflage things. What does the Airman Battle Uniform blend in with Dont worry I'll wait...you're right nothing. This deployment we break wire multiple times a day sometimes remain out for days at a time. The uniform layout i.e. pocket configuration on the blouse and combat shirt far surpass anything the AF has issued in the past. Refrenceing the initial release of the ABU when the AF stated they saw no tactical advantage to placing pockets on the sleeve's...that makes sense because the two most ground combat oriented branches already had pockets on their sleeve's at that time. They fade and they rip easier oh well. They work all the
AyJay, The Afghan
1/31/2012 3:29:04 PM ET Switch to the multi-cam.
A1C, USA
9/21/2011 3:21:20 AM ET I don't think that the Air Force should replace the ABUs with the OCPs aka multicams because right now I am wearing them and they fade way to fast and need to be replaced constantly, especially since I am outside the wire constantly they wear down to fast. ABUs are great for the AF since we have no need for multicams back at our home stations doing normal work. For all those not wearing OCPs just be glad we have ABUs cause the multicams in my opinion are not any better except for deployments that require a lot of outside the wire time.
SMC, Mehtar Lam Afghanistan USAF
7/19/2011 11:54:13 AM ET Why not field this uniform for everyone? Maybe because it won't be around long? It's not like the Army's long-range garrison uniform or they'd be wearing it.
Shirt, Texas
7/14/2011 11:37:59 AM ET @JB you are spot on. I see most office workers going back to the 4-day blues again after the war. If you're out of shape it will only be amplified in your blues.
QF, Germany
7/14/2011 9:39:37 AM ET I don't understand the slams against the ABU. They are more comforable than the BDU. I wore them for four months in Iraq from May-Sep. Sure I sweated wearing them but I also sweated wearing my PT uniform. Also don't forget they don't need to be ironed, a huge plus.
Steve, Midwest
7/11/2011 7:47:01 PM ET Whatever uniform we go to it can't be any hotter or more useless than the current ABUs. I'd like the folks in the Pentagon who created the ABU to deploy to Iraq for 6 mos in the middle of the summer and wear ABUs. Miserably hot and ineffective.
Flying High..., Virginia
7/11/2011 5:07:41 PM ET The multi-cams look like a great utility uniform but keep in mind no one is ever completely happy with a uniform... The ACUs so many of us profess to love are actually disliked by many Army field personnel. These arguments also expose how many of us have never been in a 4-day a week Blues Air Force. Someday soon these wars will end and we'll go back to that standard... You don't need a utility uniform in garrison if you're not doing overtly physical or dirty work. Just get ready for reality.
JB, Denver
7/11/2011 3:16:31 PM ET Why is this uniform not being fielded for the entire force? It fits all the calls I've heard for a uniform. Maybe AF leaders should stop worrying about justifying the utter garbage that is the ABU and make the switch already. Listen to us, the actual force, instead of some 2Lt who has no idea.
RADAR, DM AFB
7/11/2011 1:40:34 PM ET Keep the ABUs I love how it hides my big belly. Our uniform board anticipated the AF herd grazing at the dining facilities and thus added the elastic waistband. Thank you. Play your Xbox or watch pirated movies and tell your family how dangerous it was to order items from Amazon while in the AOR. Keep the ABUs since some of us can afford to sweat off a few pounds. How many of you deployed warriors cleaned your weapons more than twice during a deployment Leave the OCPs to those who really need them.
Big Boy, AOR
7/11/2011 11:45:51 AM ET How about we simplify things. What two locations do most Airmen spend most of their time? In an office environment with egg-shell white walls, and working in an industrial type of environment. So make one uniform that is rip stop material and satisfies those requirements and then have a uniform issued to you depending on the environment of the location your are deploying to. Just like when we had DCU's. Simple.
Simple, Here
7/11/2011 4:38:48 AM ET Even the CMSAF is endorsing the multi-cam. Did anyone catch what uniform he was wearing when he was last in the OEF AOR? That's right, MULTI-CAM. Not IABUs, ABUs or ACUs, but MULTI-CAM. Changing over to an already-fielded MULTI-CAM uniform will not only save money, but save lives.
afkeoni, Hickam AFB HI
7/10/2011 2:09:21 PM ET The multi-cam uniform is what it needs to be. Go into a base get your uni's and roll. The ABU's are great for office work when the AC is at 60 degrees. Any other place in the world indoors or out its like wearing a sock to lose weight . Multi-cam will work in the woods or desert. Lets make the move or go back to the old BDU's. The Marine Corps got it right...Semper Fi
J S Carr, Atlanta 94 Sf
7/10/2011 12:32:05 AM ET The multi-cam is not a new uniform. Some of us have been wearing them for years. Why is it when a handful of dog handlers and some other folks are finally showing up to the fight that this is a story? Typical AF. There are some of us who have been here on the ground the whole time.
J, Afghanistan
7/9/2011 4:51:41 PM ET The ABU's are the worst uniform in the history of military uniforms, in my opinion. It is apparent that not one member of the Uniform Board tried wearing one of these uniforms in the South during the summer. Sure, they have 100 percent cotton but I haven't found anywhere that I can purchase them. I would personally like to go back to the BDU. I wish the AF would stop trying to be like the Army and Marines and just let us be our own service
HotInTheSouth, Mississippi
7/9/2011 2:28:04 PM ET This might sound like sacrelige to some but we really don't need a combat uniform when in CONUS and in a non-security job field. The AF could save bundles if they started issuing the old olive drab for us who fly desks or turn bolts. Maybe then we wouldn't have to worry much about fashion statements like the ABU. Save the combat camos for combat.
Adams, Little Rock AFB
7/9/2011 1:15:11 PM ET I have a set of the Multi-Cams but cannot wear them due to my not going outside the wire. But they are better then the ABUs. Honestly, the military needs to stop with the uniform wars and just use one or two sets throughout all the branchs. It would save a lot of money and time. And the use of velco for the rank is the best idea for a uniform. instead of having to go to alterations and wait a week to have it sewn on your uniform.
LD2GJ, Kandahar
7/9/2011 8:03:15 AM ET For those who keep alluding to the argument that new uniforms cause a burden on taxpayers and is bad for our economy, I think you are mis-informed. Regardless of which uniform we wear, all military members eventually need new ones. Making that change does not have that major of effect on our taxpayers that one would think. In fact a positive change to and mass production may have a positive impact on the micro-economics of certain industries.
Bobby, Eglin AFB
7/8/2011 11:04:18 PM ET Dump the ABU -- all variations of it -- and switch to multi-cams. If we want to be service distinctive, then let's wear a blue belt. Dress uniforms are where the branch should highlight their identity. Admit the ABU was a mistake and move on.
TT, San Antonio
7/8/2011 9:40:05 PM ET Multi-Cam has been around since 2000. It has consistently performed better than any other camouflage in a wider variety of environments all around the world. The ABU was a waste of taxpayer dollars and is an ineffective uniform. Just go with OCP ACUs for everyone deployed and stateside. As another commenter stated, they are already bug-proof and fire-proof so they meet the needs of deployers as well as CE, MX, SERE, etc., and they have tactically placed pockets and mandarin collars for TACP, CCT, PJs... and they even have pen pockets and leg pockets as well as internal cargo pockets like the ABUs so office workers can be happy too... What's that? Oh, there's an OCP aircrew uniform that the Army uses for it's flyers. So AF flyers can use that too... TLDR OCP ACU for all personnel and OCP A2CU for flyers. Done. Saved the AF millions of dollars right there.
Matt, Iraq
7/8/2011 9:32:55 PM ET I love having my winter weight ABUs for the hot summer months of Arizona and any deployed location. Good looking out, USAF. Glad we're paying the top goons to keep that light bulb burning bright. I love chancing heat exhaustion and stroke just so we can look special and be individuals all while preaching a team concept among services.
onyx, Over Afghanistan
7/8/2011 7:00:04 PM ET @Mr. Sgt - I now have three different shades of ABUs in my closet. Each time I purchase them the shades are different. Why can't we fix this?
Caveman, Bedrock
7/8/2011 4:18:27 PM ET But we all know that there will be no change in the ABUs besides the light weight versions creation. Big Blue is more concerned with image than reality. I sincerely and respectfully challenge any chief or officer who reads these comments to PLEASE let leaders know that we need to be properly outfitted for military duties. Multicam is the all purpose solution, plain and simple.
Jimbo, AK
7/8/2011 1:52:20 PM ET Do they have multiple color schemes like the current ABU Grey or Green. I love walking around in my two tone ABUs I wear a green top and grey bottom during the Winter holidays.
Mr. Sgt, USAF
7/8/2011 1:29:36 PM ET Bring in the MultiCams and get rid of the ABUs. Stop trying to make lighter ABUs. Try giving us uniforms that don't suck for a change. The MultiCams work just fine. Please please please PLEASE just give us those for our everyday uniform.
King, USAF
7/8/2011 12:22:29 PM ET The ABU is crap....Plain and simple
Dave, California Desert
7/8/2011 10:57:17 AM ET It's ridiculous that we have to change uniforms every few years. Some general somewhere wants a change and the taxpayer has to foot the bill. Remember the fad with the name patches so we all look like pilots? Again, ridiculous
Jon, LA
7/8/2011 10:25:36 AM ET I still find it hard to believe it is so hard to make a camo suited to the enviroment in which we work. I myself could easily design a camo to work in any area and in any work field cheaper. Why don't we get our heads out and stop wasting money? It really isn't all that hard to act responsibly. Well maybe for anyone with half a brain. Camo - check out local eviroments and animals. Note spotted, striped, and other forms of camo. Implement it into a uniform. Work enviroment - jeans-style pants with added fire retardent and durability. shirt - cotton lightweight with your name and rank velcro or stiched on. Blouse - same as shirt but heavier, possibly different material such as wool for warmth. PT uniform - none. The work uniform may have two varients: summer weight and winter wieght, each to ensure the memeber is warm or cool enough to work. Camo is designed for each individual operating area. IE camo for the jungle is NOT going to work for the desert.
better than you, around
7/8/2011 8:52:49 AM ET And we are trying to cut down on budget in more important areas. That's all I have to say about this.
Chris, JBSA
7/7/2011 11:41:32 PM ET I don't understand why people are paid to make bad calls like the ABU. These new Cams are so much better. They need to axe the ABUs quickly. And axe the AF PT uniform as well. Let's save money by not making a useless uniform to work out in.
Bob, Kadena
7/7/2011 10:23:53 PM ET So why are we still going down the road of developing inferior products if we have items that are COTS and we use downrange that are suitable and more than likely cheaper?
afkeoni, Hickam AFB
7/7/2011 9:27:31 PM ET "The first JET Airmen to wear OCPs were part of a military working dog team aligned with the Army's 10th Mountain Division in January." This statement as well as the earlier statement that Airman in the PRT are the first from the AF to wear this uniform are both incorrect. There are Airman in other career fields who have been wearing them for at least 2 years now. Big Blue needs to do some better checking of their facts.
S, USofA
7/7/2011 9:25:19 PM ET Who ever wrote this article doesn't know AF history very well. Look at the STS and Rescue community. They have been wearing it for years.
Sarge, Around
7/7/2011 7:27:09 PM ET I have a different take on this story. If we just make like shepards and get the FLOCK out of BOTH Iraq AND Afghanistan there would be NO need for all this JOCULARITY of DIFFERENT types of uniforms .............
scoobydoo, Chicopee MA USA
7/7/2011 6:03:25 PM ET Yup, that's what they are saying alright, but they still want to make a so-called lighter version since ABU gets lighter after washing. I'd rather they switch over to the multicam instead of wasting funds on making a lighter ABU. And it comes fire and bug resistant off the shelf. What are our leaders thinking?
Burning Red, AL
7/7/2011 4:29:49 PM ET They probably know they made a mistake with the ABU but they don't want to take the heat for not listening to the people who actually wear the uniform in areas that aren't just inside the office. Would be to much of an embarrassment to them to admit it.
Bob, USA
7/7/2011 3:27:35 PM ET ...so basically we are saying that ABUs and ABS-Gs are a substandard uniform.
Caveman, Bedrock
7/7/2011 2:41:56 PM ET Yet another confirmation that the AF went down the wrong road with the ABUs and the desire to look different at the expense of scarce resources. When can we all switch to these uniforms and wake up from our 5-year ABU nightmare?
