Airman Battle Uniform

The Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) is the new camouflage battledress uniform for the United States Air Force. It is currently in full production and is expected to completely replace the Battle Dress Uniform by Fiscal Year 2011. The ABU is "wash and wear," meaning the only care needed will be to wash and dry it.

History

The first prototype of the ABU was unveiled in the summer of 2003.^[1] The early uniform prototypes consisted of trousers, an embroidered undershirt, and a blouse. The camouflage pattern, developed by Tiger Stripe Products and based upon their popular copyrighted Original Vietnam Tiger Stripe™ was a blue/grey, non-digitized tiger stripe pattern.

After months of "wear testing," Air Force officials revised the color scheme and camouflage pattern due to feedback received from Airmen. The new elementary semi-pixelated tiger pattern would trade its dominant blue overtones for a more subdued palette, which still includes some blue tones.^[2]

By October 2007, the Air Force will begin issuing the ABU to Airmen in basic military training, and in June 2008, the uniform, based upon the old BDU design, will be available for purchase by the rest of the Air Force in Army Air Force Exchange Service outlets.

Features/Attributes

The ABU boasts 236 different size options in both male and female sizes. Additionally, its permanent press finish means the uniform cannot be starched, pressed or dry-cleaned. Airmen will be able to pull the ABU from the clothes dryer and wear it without further treatment. Any ironing could degrade the effectiveness of the uniform.

Other

The cost for the uniform (pants, coat, boots, t-shirt, hat, socks, and belt) totals approximately $195. [1]

Notes and References

See also

• Army Combat Uniform, new US Army uniform
• CADPAT, new Canadian Forces uniform pattern
• MARPAT, new USMC uniform pattern
• List of camouflage patterns

History of U.S. Air Force Uniform Project - Tiger Stripe Products

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