AAFES waiting on uniform fabric Published July 2, 2003 DALLAS, Texas (AFPN) -- Delays in getting certified fabric have backed up production of selected Air Force and Army optional uniforms. Those items include Air Force polyester/wool blend shirts and blouses, polyester slacks and skirts, mess dress uniforms and officer service coats sold through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. The shortages are expected to continue through fall, AAFES officials said.Lengthened delivery times on certified fabrics have caused the shortage. Burlington Industries, the sole certified manufacturer of nearly every fabric used in military uniforms, has been reorganizing under Chapter 11 during the past year. As part of their reorganization plan, they have become a "made-to-order" supplier, causing fabric-delivery times to increase from five-to-six weeks to six months or more. There is now a four-to-five month gap in the pipeline, officials said. Uniforms produced by Army and Air Force-certified manufacturers with certified fabrics are the only uniforms sold in military clothing sales stores. AAFES is not authorized to use other fabrics or purchase optional uniforms from companies that do not meet approved supplier requirements, AAFES officials said.AAFES officials continue to work with the Air Force and Army clothing and textile offices to find additional manufacturers to supply certified fabric, officials said. In the meantime, military clothing sales store workers are moving merchandise to different stores to meet the immediate needs of military members. (Courtesy of AAFES)