Air Force official alters cold-weather gear policy

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel here recently authorized commanders to use their discretion to authorize deviation from policy for wear of cold-weather battle dress uniform outer garments with the airman battle uniform during the coming winter months.

"The original guidance was based on the fact the mandatory wear date for transitioning from BDUs to ABUs was 2011," said Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III. 

"I decided it was time to relook our wear policy based on the limited availability of the new all purpose environmental clothing system jacket, the fact we have new Airmen joining our Air Force who have been issued nothing but the ABU, and the overwhelming response from Airmen in the field to the new ABUs," the general said. 

Commanders are now authorized to permit Airmen to wear a woodland-patterned camouflage Gore-Tex coat or field jacket with their ABUs if the new APECS jacket is unavailable at their location and other approved cold weather options are unavailable or unsuitable for duty.

"This is absolutely the right thing to do for our Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "We are committed to taking care of Airmen. Unfortunately, we couldn't get new APECS jackets out fast enough, but the bottom line is our Airmen need to stay warm." 

Adherence to Air Force uniform standards is always important to the pride and professionalism of the force, the chief said. 

"Of course I would prefer we didn't have to mix BDU and ABU uniform items," Chief McKinley said. "We have a proud tradition of representing the Air Force image and ideals to the world. We're authorizing this change so Airmen are able to continue wearing their ABUs and have a jacket that will keep them warm."

APECS jackets are projected to become more widely available starting in February. The top priority for APECs distribution has been for Airmen deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. As their needs are met, the supply will be directed to cold-weather locations around the world.

This policy is a temporary solution and expires June 1.

Airmen with Air Force Portal access will find more information and details regarding the ABU cold-weather outer garment policy change at: https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/afp40/USAF/ep/contentView.do?contentType=EDITORIAL&contentId=1442582&programId=1018908&channelPageId=-1361111.

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