6/5/2013 - DALLAS (AFNS) -- As the Air Force transitions from the airman battle uniform, or ABU, to the rip-stop airman battle uniform, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will no longer be able to order the ABU once the Defense Logistics Agency's stock is depleted.
"While the ABUs will still be authorized for wear, they will not be carried in Exchange Military Clothing Stores as the RABU will completely replace the older, heavier ABU," said Chief Master Sgt. Tony Pearson, the Exchange's senior enlisted advisor.
The RABU is a lighter, nylon/cotton blend that has been available for Airmen at Military Clothing Stores since June 2012. The RABU is also cooler than the ABU and features a wrinkle-resistant finish.
Military members can access the Exchange's Military Clothing Store at www.shopmyexchange.com by clicking "Military Clothing Store" under the store locator link at the bottom of the page or locate the nearest Military Clothing brick and mortar location through the store locator link at www.shopmyexchange.com/exchangestores/.
(Information courtesy of Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs)
Comments
6/7/2013 1:59:39 PM ET Agree with you Chief. The Marines came out with a unique cammie pattern that worked well in the field. Then everybody HAD to have a new uniform. I remember the 3 year fashion show leading up to the final adoption of the ABU. I remember the blue pattern the AF was looking at the only environment it would have blended with was inside the Boise St University football stadium. Silence the military fashionistas. One team one fight one TACTICAL uniform.
David, GA
6/7/2013 1:15:31 PM ET One Team One Fight ten uniforms The USAF ABUs fail so they wear the Army's. Whose uniform does not blend in anywhere. Somehow the USMC did it right. Remove the Marine emblem from the pattern and issue to all services. In a flame-retardent version.
RetANG, WPAFB
6/7/2013 9:48:11 AM ET I am always amazed at how we prioritize the money we spend. We are cutting back on mission essential equipment training and personnel due to budget cuts but we have money to waste on another phase of uniform designs. While deployed to Iraq we couldn't get money for our SFS Airmen working outside the wire to have flame retardent uniforms and had to borrow from EOD and Army. This is frustrating. What happened to MISSION 1st FLY FIGHT WIN but we are grounding fleets because we have nonsufficient funds irony.
PK, SAFB
6/6/2013 5:50:52 PM ET When are we going to go back to ALL uniforms made in the USA vs. Vietnam
Retired MSGT, Oklahoma
6/6/2013 11:27:37 AM ET Facts are facts...it won't be long till Airmen complain that they wear the same uniforms as Soldiers Sailors Coasties and Marines. And it won't take long for the other services to do likewise. I remember when BDUs replaced fatigues...no one liked the BDUs. When ABUs first came out..folks were happy. Bottom line it is impossible to find one uniform style or design with one fabric type and weight that will please everyone.
Retired Chief, South Dakota
6/6/2013 10:29:28 AM ET EOD MSgt the RABU material is 5050 NYCO and the old ABU is 5050 NYCO. The two uniforms have the same flame retardant properties. Don't get confused between the all cotton uniforms only authorized for wear by Firefighters and Electricians and this new RABU.
Practical Reaction, Northwest Florida
6/6/2013 9:39:11 AM ET As I recall the old BBU Summer weightrip stop uniform wore out much faster as they frayed on the cuffs and pockets. That equals more money for AAFES I see reinventing the wheel is still standard ops. Makes me think back to the Mc Peak days.
David, Maxwell
6/6/2013 8:55:49 AM ET @Joe You're kidding right...you can always add layers you can only take so many off
Momma, Taught me
6/6/2013 7:45:17 AM ET I am still having trouble understanding why with fiscal constraints we are pushing a uniform that other then being comfortable is not an effective uniform. We are taught that we should be fit to fight at all times should our uniform not be held to the same standard Save money and roll out the Multicam and save money by issuing one uniform instead of one for home and another for deployment. ESPECIALLY if its continually praised for saving lives and being effective. Food for thought CommentsThoughts appreciated.
SrA, Tyndall AFB
6/5/2013 9:45:10 PM ET Does it matter We will be changing to some entirely new patternmaterial after the Army fields their ACU replacement in the next FY. SEMPER GUMBI.
Defender, Patrick AFB
6/5/2013 3:03:04 PM ET This is long overdue. Career fields that require flame retardant uniforms have been put in a jam since the air force fielded the polyester death cocoon that is the ABU.
EOD MSgt, CONUS
6/5/2013 2:05:48 PM ET It would be great to have the option to continue to have the heavier ABUs. While the RABUs may be lighter and cooler...that is not always desired. Those who have been stationed in North Dakota and Alaska do not want lighter and cooler. Additionally the heavier weight ABUs wear longer than the light weightsummer weight material...ideal for those who work in demanding environments and not just an office.
