Air Force officials clarify uniform change announcements Published July 2, 2008 By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- As the Air Force transitions from the legacy battle dress to the modern airman battle uniform, questions and concerns are bound to come up, said the head of Air Force uniform and recognition branch. "Anytime there is new information about uniforms for Airmen, we will get that out to the field as soon as we can," Lt. Col. Charles Arnold said. Air Force uniform board results and changes based on decisions by Air Force leaders are sent to the field through the Air Force Manpower, Personnel and Services office. For example, several months ago, the new grey-green combat boots were authorized for wear with both the battle dress uniform and ABU. That decision was based on practicality as Airmen purchase new uniform items, not a recommendation by the uniform board. Nonetheless, information on that decision was disseminated through official channels, the colonel said. "The change-decision process is long and highly examined," said Ruth Ewalt, the chief of the Air Force uniform programs and policy. "For example, the 98th uniform board, made up of 29 people from a variety of career fields and every major command, recently reviewed more than 100 inputs from the field. Inputs ranging from headgear and hairstyles to sock color and boots were considered." One suggestion that met the board was to permit Airmen in certain industrial career fields, like maintainers or civil engineers, to wear black boots with their ABUs on a permanent basis. The rationale given was stains on the grey-green boots can be difficult -- if not impossible -- to remove, she said. "The board's recommendation on that input is being staffed through appropriate channels to the chief of staff and, at this time, no final decision has been made," Colonel Arnold said. "However, when the chief of staff makes the final decision, it will be disseminated through official channels. We encourage Airmen to check with official Air Force news sources and forums, as well as their chain of command, for accurate, up-to-date announcements of a change." For more information, contact the Air Force Personnel Center contact center at 800-616-3775. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page