First Virtual Uniform Board attracts Airmen response Published May 5, 2008 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The first Air Force Virtual Uniform Board received about 800 uniform change requests via the IDEA Program Database System since its release in March. Airmen were able to submit uniform change requests via the IPDS between March 5 and April 14. The Uniform Enterprise Working Group -- acting as nonvoting advisors -- began reviewing ideas April 28 to provide comments. The 98th Air Force Uniform Board will convene over the next two weeks to review the submissions and advisors' comments. The board will then cast votes to decide if ideas or suggestions from Airmen should be implemented, disapproved or recommended for further evaluation by subject matter experts. "The Uniform Board voting membership is made up of officers and enlisted Airmen who represent the diverse composition needed to make recommendations for future dress and appearance standards," said Lt. Col. Charles Arnold, chief of Air Force Uniform and Recognition Branch at the Pentagon. Members of the board evaluate each recommendation and vote on behalf of their major command. The votes are consolidated into an overall board recommendation and forwarded to the chairman of the board and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force for review. "The Air Force Manpower Agency developed a voting module within the IDPS which allows board members to log in to the Virtual Uniform Board from locations around the globe," said Colonel Arnold. "AFMA also provided the major commands an automated central collection mechanism to allow them to review, determine eligibility, and forward ideas to the central board...all from the confines of their own offices and the IPDS program." Chairman of the Board Lt. Gen. Dick Newton and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley will add their votes to those of the board and act as advisors to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley on final disposition of uniform board recommendations. General Moseley will then consider inputs and release his final decision in a message to all Airmen. Airmen can continue to submit recommendations during and after the first Virtual Uniform Board. Some issues will be processed out of cycle; however, most will be considered during the next uniform board. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page