Guidance released on 100 percent cotton airman battle uniform Published Oct. 6, 2009 WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- Air Force senior leaders here issued guidance clarifying the wear of the 100 percent cotton airman battle uniform. According to a message dated Sept. 7, only Airmen in jobs that meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, requirements are authorized to wear the 100 percent cotton ABU. It is a distinct uniform/equipment item for those who work in environments dealing with fire and electrical hazards. The message also states that the Air Force authorized a single "all-season" version of the ABU for wear service-wide, making any other version or claims of a "summer weight uniform" unauthorized. The mandatory uniform for Airmen is the Air Force 50 percent cotton/50 percent nylon ABU, which may only be purchased at Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores. Purchase of the ABU from outside vendors is unauthorized. The authorized ABU has undergone intensive research and development in order to meet the physical demands of a military utility uniform. It also meets an official standard for infra-red detection that is questionable for unauthorized uniforms. Uniforms purchased through AAFES or issued through an individual equipment element are fully compliant with all required specifications. The message states that no other suppliers are approved for organizational or unit purchase using Global War on Terrorism funds. For any questions regarding this policy, please address them through you chain of command or by calling the Air Force Personnel Center at 1- 800-525-0102 or DSN 665-5000.