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{{Short description|United States military combat uniform}}
]
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
The '''Airman Battle Uniform''' ('''ABU''') is the new service-distinctive ] ] uniform for the ]. It is currently in full production and is expected to completely replace the ] by ] 2011.<ref></ref>
{{Infobox military gear
| name = Airman Battle Uniform
| image = File:USAF Airman Battle Uniform.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| alt =
| caption = A ] of the ] wearing the Airman Battle Uniform
| origin = United States
| type = ] patterned uniform
<!-- Service history -->
| service = 2007–2021 (USAF/USSF){{Efn|Formally; limited prototype testing from 2006 to 2007. Used alongside the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) until 2011. Was discontinued in 2021.}}<br /><br />2016–present (Civil Air Patrol)
| used_by =
**{{Air force|United States}}
**{{flag|United States Space Force|size=23px}}<ref name="spaceforce.mil">{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2326885/space-force-issues-service-specific-uniform-guidance/|title = Space Force issues service-specific uniform guidance| date=27 August 2020 }}</ref>
* See '']'' for non-U.S. users
| wars = ]
<!-- Production history -->
| designer =
| design_date = 2003&ndash;2006
| manufacturer =
| unit_cost =
| production_date = 2006&ndash;present
| number =
| variants = Airman Battle Shirt (ABS)<br />] (ABS-G)
<!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label =
| weight = <!---{{convert|123|kg|lb|abbr=on}}--->
| length = <!---{{convert|123|cm|in|abbr=on}}--->
| width =
| height =
| diameter =
}}

The '''Airman Battle Uniform''' ('''ABU''') is a U.S. ] ] formerly worn by members of the ], ], and some civilian employees of the ] until April 2021. It replaced the ] and ] on 1 November 2011 after a four-year phase-in period.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502014010/http://www.afsoc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123276538 |date=2 May 2014 }}</ref>

On 14 May 2018, The U.S. Air Force announced that all airmen will transition from the Airman Battle Uniform to the ] ]. All airmen have been permitted to wear the OCP Uniform since 1 October 2018, and the wear out date for the ABU was 1 April 2021.<ref name="auto">{{cite news |last=Cox |first=Matthew |url=http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1520066/air-force-transitions-to-a-single-combat-uniform/ |title=Air Force transitions to a single combat uniform |work=AF.mil |date=14 May 2018 |access-date=14 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514225442/http://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1520066/air-force-transitions-to-a-single-combat-uniform/ |archive-date=14 May 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ABU is currently worn by the ].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/newcadet/wearing-the-uniform | title=Wearing the Uniform &#124; Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters }}</ref>


==History== ==History==
===2000s===
The first prototype of the ABU was unveiled in the summer of 2003, based on the ]-era ] pattern.<ref></ref> The early uniform prototypes consisted of trousers, an embroidered undershirt, and a blouse. The camouflage pattern, developed by ] and based upon their popular copyrighted Original Vietnam Tiger Stripe was a blue/gray, tiger stripe pattern.
====2003&ndash;2006: Prototypes and testing====
]
The first prototype of the ABU was unveiled in the summer of 2003. The early uniform prototypes consisted of trousers, an embroidered undershirt, and a blouse. The prototype camouflage pattern was a blue/gray, ] pattern, based upon the tigerstripe uniforms worn by airmen during the ].


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.<ref>About.com US Military, (2004). ''''. Retrieved April 7, 2006.</ref> However few of the functional recommendations made by Airmen in the field were implemented into the uniform which remains very similar in makeup to the older BDU style uniforms. <ref>TigerStripe, (2006). ""</ref> This has been a subject of many complaints from Airmen returning from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan who had been wearing the U.S. Army-issued ] (ACU) as a temporary issue uniform. These complaints include the ABU's inability to keep Airmen cool while working in desert conditions due to the thickness of the material and large interior pockets, lack of storage space and the low ease of use with government issue personal body armor. While not officially recommended, USAF Airmen can cut the pockets out of the inside of the blouse because it does not alter the outer appearance of the uniform. After months of wear testing, Air Force officials revised the color scheme and camouflage pattern due to feedback received from airmen. The new semi-pixelated tiger-stripe pattern would trade its dominant blue overtones for a more subdued palette, similar to the ], but with some added slate blue tones.<ref>About.com US Military, (2004). ''''. Retrieved 7 April 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512032537/http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforce/a/afuniformchg.htm |date=12 May 2013 }}</ref> The uniform maintains a similar cut to the previous ], rather than the contemporary ].{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} The fabric was made in 50-50 nylon and cotton in order to reduce the need for summer/winter-type uniforms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/usaf-contracts-for-uniforms-and-clothing-02762/|title=USAF Contracts for New Uniforms and Clothing}}</ref>


====2007: ABU Roll-out====
On October 2, 2007 the Air Force began issuing the ABU to enlisted trainees in ] at ] and was issued to the Class of 2012 at the ] on June 26, 2008, and is now becoming available for purchase by all Airmen. It is currently (2008) issued to Airmen being deployed to locations in the Middle East, including ], ] and ]. Personnel in other countries continue to be issued ] uniforms while inventory lasts. The ABU is available at ] (AAFES) military clothing stores. Although the Air Force has officially recognized color variations in different set of ABUs, all variations are currently authorized to wear and the problem should be fixed when the patterns are finalized within a year. The current projected mandatory wear date for the new ABU is slated for 2011.<ref>Air Force Link, (2006). ""</ref>
On 2 October 2007, the Air Force began issuing the ABU to enlisted trainees in ] at ], was issued to the Class of 2012 at the ] on 26 June 2008, and was made available for all airmen. Since 2008, it has been issued to airmen deploying to locations in the ] area of responsibility.
]


====2009: Airman Battle Shirt introduced====
==Features/Attributes==
Starting in 2009, airmen who were in ground combat roles, such as ], were issued the new Airman Battle Shirt (ABS). The ABS was based on the ] (ACS). Like the ACS, the ABS is a stand-alone shirt designed specifically for use with ] armor in warm and hot weather. It is intended to greatly increase user comfort through the use of lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabrics. The ABS features the same tiger stripe pattern on the sleeves.<ref>New uniforms: Comfortable, functional are goals . ''''. Retrieved 14 May 2009. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502013633/http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123149305 |date=2 May 2014 }}</ref>
]
is similar to the ] (or ACU) in color, with the inclusion of blue, but is otherwise nearly identical to the current BDU layout. The ABU is to be worn with low-maintenance foliage green suede ]s, although tan suede is allowed until the mandatory foliage green boot phase-in date. Desert boots may be worn with the ABU, and accessories such as backpacks and gloves may be black, until the foliage green phase-in date. The ABU does not have features of the U.S. Army ACU, such as tilted/slanted pockets, sleeve pockets, velcro attachment points and closures, gusseted back, mandarin collar, etc. However, the ABU does have essential NIR (near-infrared) qualities. Unlike the ACU, the sleeves are authorized to be rolled up, as the uniform is made of thicker material which doesn't do as well in the hot weather areas. The heavy weight of the material, along with the multiple layers used to make the interior pockets, made the ABU more uncomfortable to wear than the ACU or BDU in hot climates such as the Middle East. A new version of the ABU blouse has the multiple layers and inside pockets removed, since they couldn't be used in practical situations.


===2010s===
<ref>Air Force Link, (2007). ''''. Retrieved July 10, 2007.</ref>Overview of the Airman Battle Uniform is as follows:
In 2010, the ] ] was authorized to replace the Airman Battle Uniform for airmen in the War in Afghanistan.<ref name="MultiCam">{{cite web|title=Airmen will receive MultiCam, eventually|url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2010/09/air-force-airmen-to-get-multicam-pattern-091110w/|publisher=Army Times Publishing Company|access-date=13 September 2010|author=Bruce Rolfsen}}</ref>
*Headwear
**Patrol cap's shape remains the same, including sewn vent holes instead of grommetted vent hole.
**] is available for the ABU for use only in deployed locations.
**Organizational (i.e., squadron, group or wing) ballcaps are not authorized (exceptions being authorized bush hats, berets, and RED HORSE)
*Sand T-shirt (Cotton, Cotton Blend, or wicking material)
*Blouse
**All insignia including occupational badges (aeronautical wings, occupational badges, etc.) are embroidered in midnight-blue thread with urban-grey background with the exception of rank insignia for 2nd Lieutenant and Major, which incorporate brown thread
**Name and service tapes are embroidered in midnight-blue thread in ABU background
**Patches (i.e., MAJCOM, USAF Weapons School, wing, group, squadron, etc.) are not worn with the ABU, with the exception of aeronautical and chaplain badges and duty shields for Security Forces and Fire Protection; however occupational badges (up to 3) are authorized.
**2 internal map pockets
**Pen pouch on left forearm (Holds two pens)
**All other patches are not authorized to include the Commanders badge
*Outerwear such as ] parka, rain jacket are available for the ABU
*Rigger's belt, sand
*Trousers
**Elastic stretch waist
**Additional pocket inside thigh cargo pockets
**Two lower leg cargo pockets
**Tool pouches on lower leg pockets (with two pen pockets on the right pocket)
*]s are rough-out foliage green
**Sock color must match boots <ref> Air Force Link Airman Roll Call 2007. ''''Retrieved November 30, 2007.</ref>
The ABU boasts 236 different size options in both male and female sizes which are only be offered in temperate weight. Additionally, its permanent press finish means the uniform cannot be starched, pressed or dry-cleaned. Airmen are able to pull the ABU from the dryer and wear it without further treatment. Any further treatment would degrade the effectiveness of the uniform and damage the NIR capability.


In June 2011, The Air Force Times released the announcement of a summer weight ABU to be available in 2012. The Improved Airman Battle Uniform will be made of a 50–50 nylon-cotton blend and was composed of the same material used by the Army for the ACU. Just like the ABU, the IABU is machine washable and also wrinkle resistant. Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz gave approval of the IABU coat and pants which will be available to trainees at Basic Military Training first.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lighter ABUs to help Airmen to beat heat in 2012 |first=David |last=Larter |date=July 3, 2011 |access-date=22 July 2024 |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/07/airforce-lighter-abus-to-help-airmen-beat-heat-070311w/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720191806/http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/07/airforce-lighter-abus-to-help-airmen-beat-heat-070311w/ |archive-date=20 July 2012 }}</ref>
No mixing of camouflage patterns is currently authorized with the ABU except when in deployed locations such as the ] (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR), or when ACU or camouflage field items, such as magazine/utility pouches, personal body armor, helmet covers, knee/elbow pads, etc., are authorized. Exception to this policy is the BDU gortex parka which, with installation commander approval, is authorized for wear with the ABU. Only the AF APECS Parka or DCU gore-tex is authorized in the USCENTCOM AOR. Backpacks and other accessories must be sage, black, or ABU pattern. As many accessories are not made in ABU specifically, ACU pattern accessories are authorized.


The ABU was fully phased in on 1 October 2011, completely replacing the ] and ]<ref>Air Force Link, (2006). " {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322234117/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123017545 |date=22 March 2006 }}"</ref> though most airmen had been wearing the ABU for several years by that point.
==Uniform Criticisms==
Despite improvements to the uniform such as wash and wear fabrics and improved NIR coverage, the uniform still has known problems. One of the most common complaints is that the uniform is too hot for wear in high temperature environments. In 2008, responding to these criticisms that the new Airman Battle Uniform was too heavy and hot, the USAF's 648th Aeronautical Systems Squadron at Brooks-City Base revealed their plans for a switch to a lighter, more breathable fabric with the combat blouse section of the ABU. The original heavyweight nylon/cotton blend was changed to a lighter-weight nylon/cotton poplin material. Priority will go to those serving in the Middle East or other hot-weather theaters.<ref>Winn, Patrick, ''Better, Lighter ABU Blouse Is On The Way'', Air Force Times, 9 May 2008</ref>


====2016: Civil Air Patrol adopts the ABU====
A second criticism is that the suede boots are too easily damaged and impossible to clean if they are exposed to grease, oil, or other ] products. Additionally, the uniform has been criticized for failing to incorporate any but the most superficial features designed into the ACU and MCCUU. The pattern itself has also been criticized for being ineffective and unrealistic. This specific issue was addressed in an open letter from the pattern developer to members of the USAF.
]
The Air Force's civilian auxiliary, ], wear-tested the ABU in late 2015, and in May 2016, the national commander of the Civil Air Patrol issued a memorandum allowing the wear of the ABU effective 15 June 2016. However, the uniform is worn with dark blue background and light silver lettering name and branch tapes and black boots in order to distinguish CAP personnel.<ref name="capmembers.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/CAP_Transition_to_ABUs_06DC64FB17483.pdf |title=Memorandum for All CAP Members |access-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508101417/http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/CAP_Transition_to_ABUs_06DC64FB17483.pdf |archive-date=8 May 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


====2018: Switch to Operational Camouflage Pattern====
Several members of the USAF deployed to locations such as Al Udeid have been forced to ditch their ABU's in favor of DCU's because ABU's can't hold up in the intense heat, however, as of 1 October 2008 the DCU was no longer authorized for wear at AUAB.
All airmen have been authorized to wear the Operational Camouflage Pattern instead of ABUs since 1 October 2018. Recruits in basic training and cadets in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, and ] started being issued OCPs on 1 October 2019. The Airman Battle Uniform was no longer authorized to wear after 1 April 2021.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite report | url = https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/06_CAREER%20MANAGEMENT/02_Dress%20and%20Appearance/AFI36-2903%20dtd%2020180713.pdf?ver=2018-07-13-164549-813 | title = Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel | date = 13 July 2018 | at = p. 9 of PDF | last = Mancaso | first = Shon J. | publisher = Department of the Air Force | access-date = 17 August 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180817193544/https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/06_CAREER%20MANAGEMENT/02_Dress%20and%20Appearance/AFI36-2903%20dtd%2020180713.pdf?ver=2018-07-13-164549-813 | archive-date = 17 August 2018 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
===2020s===
====2022: Use by Ukraine====
A limited number of ] have been photographed wearing the ABU during the ].<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816191624/https://unitedhelpukraine.org/archives/6176 |archive-date=16 August 2022 |url=https://unitedhelpukraine.org/archives/6176 |title=Soldiers received boots and uniforms |work=United Help Ukraine }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|number=1552713060258910209|user=Militarylandnet|title=📷Ukrainian volunteer battalion Freikorps in the area of operations #UkraineRussiaWar|date=28 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/pictures/fighting-trenches-ukraines-front-line-2023-04-13/PHS4RZDX2NKI3FF5AXIKTIOZHI/ |title=Fighting in trenches at Ukraine's front line |work=] |date=13 April 2023 }}</ref>


==Features and attributes==
As of 1 October 2008 the Sage boot was no longer authorized for use in the USCENTAF AOR, and was not available for mass purchase by GPC cardholders. This is leading to speculation that the Sage green boots may be phased out in the future.{{Fact|date=April 2009}}
]
The Airman Battle Uniform is similar to the ] (UCP) in color, with the inclusion of slate blue, but is otherwise nearly identical to the BDU cut. The ABU is to be worn with sage green ]s. The ABU does have essential NIR (near-infra red) qualities, and the sleeves are authorized to be rolled up.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/170627/sleeves_can_now_be_rolled_up|title=Sleeves can now be rolled up|access-date=6 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630203641/https://www.army.mil/article/170627/sleeves_can_now_be_rolled_up|archive-date=30 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>


Overview of the Airman Battle Uniform is as follows:<ref>{{cite web |work=af.mil |date=2007 |url=http://www.af.mil/shared/media/ggallery/hires/AFG-070509-005.jpg |title=Airman Battle Uniform poster |access-date=10 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723030510/http://www.af.mil/shared/media/ggallery/hires/AFG-070509-005.jpg |archive-date=23 July 2013 }}</ref>
<gallery>
* Headwear
Image:ABU camouflage.jpg|Close-up of digital tigerstripe pattern.
** Patrol cap.
</gallery>
** ] is available for the ABU for use in deployed locations.
** Organizational ballcaps are authorized for ] and Combat Arms Training and Maintenance personnel.
** Berets are authorized for Special Warfare, Security Forces, and Combat Aviation Advisers.
** Sage-green or black watch cap for cold climate environments with outerwear.
* Sand T-shirt
* Blouse
** All insignia, including occupational badges (aeronautical wings, occupational badges, etc.), are embroidered in midnight-blue thread with urban-gray background with the exception of rank insignia for 2nd Lieutenant and Major, which incorporate brown thread.
** Name and service tapes are embroidered in midnight-blue thread on ABU patterned background tapes.
** Chaplain, aeronautical, space, cyber, missile, occupational badges, duty shields, commander's badge, and weapons school patches are authorized.
* Outerwear such as APECS parka and sage green fleece are authorized for the ABU
* Sand rigger's belt
* Trousers
* Sage green ]s
** DLA green socks.

]

Backpacks and other accessories must be sage, black, or ABU pattern.

==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

* {{flag|Dominican Republic}}: Worn by ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theweek.com/articles/468625/irresponsibly-stupid-dangerous-camouflage-patterns-military|title = The irresponsibly stupid and dangerous camouflage patterns of the U.S. Military| website=] | date=22 January 2013 }}</ref>
* {{flagcountry|Egypt}}: Worn by ] and ]{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
* {{flagcountry|Ukraine}}: In limited service<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.reddit.com/r/camouflage/comments/130tv5w/airman_battle_uniform_in_ukraine/ |title=Airman Battle Uniform in Ukraine | date=27 April 2023 }}{{better source needed|date=September 2023}}</ref>
* {{flag|United States}}:
**{{Air force|United States}}: Former standard camouflage uniform of US Airmen from 2007 to 2021. It is still authorized for wear by members of the Civil Air Patrol, the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, as of 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/05/14/its-official-air-force-switching-armys-ocp-uniform.html|title=It's Official: The Air Force Is Switching to the Army's OCP Uniform|date=14 May 2018|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810145223/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/05/14/its-official-air-force-switching-armys-ocp-uniform.html|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://publicintegrity.org/national-security/pentagon-spends-billions-on-duplicative-camouflage-outfits-gao-says/ |work=] |title=Pentagon spends billions on duplicative camouflage outfits, GAO says |date=12 April 2013|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810145259/https://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/04/12/12482/pentagon-spends-billions-duplicative-camouflage-outfits-gao-says|archive-date=10 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
**{{flag|United States Space Force|size=23px}}: Worn from 2019 to 2021.<ref name="spaceforce.mil">{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2326885/space-force-issues-service-specific-uniform-guidance/|title = Space Force issues service-specific uniform guidance| date=27 August 2020 }}</ref>
**]: Many AFJROTC units/squadrons may use retired ] ABUs, sometimes with and sometimes without ] places for the cadet's last name to be displayed. Some of the ABUs may say, "AFJROTC" or on rare occasions, "U.S. AIR FORCE", primarily for instructors or teachers.
].]]


==See also== ==See also==

*]
===Current U.S. uniforms===
*], current US Army uniform
* ]
*], new Canadian Forces uniform pattern
* ]
*], current USMC uniform pattern
*] * ]
* ] (U.S. Coast Guard)

===Former U.S. uniforms===
* ]
* ]
* ]


==Notes== ==Notes==
{{reflist}} {{Notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category|Airman Battle Uniform}}
*
* * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214093930/http://www.tigerstripeproducts.com/airforcetiger.htm |date=14 December 2006 }}

{{US Air Force navbox}}
{{USAF equipment}}
{{Camouflage}}


] ]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]

]

Latest revision as of 05:06, 22 December 2024

United States military combat uniform

Airman Battle Uniform
A captain of the United States Air Force wearing the Airman Battle Uniform
TypeMilitary camouflage patterned uniform
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2007–2021 (USAF/USSF)

2016–present (Civil Air Patrol)
Used by
WarsGlobal War on Terrorism
Production history
Designed2003–2006
Produced2006–present
VariantsAirman Battle Shirt (ABS)
Airman Battle System-Ground (ABS-G)

The Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) is a U.S. camouflage combat uniform formerly worn by members of the United States Air Force, United States Space Force, and some civilian employees of the U.S. Department of the Air Force until April 2021. It replaced the Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform on 1 November 2011 after a four-year phase-in period.

On 14 May 2018, The U.S. Air Force announced that all airmen will transition from the Airman Battle Uniform to the OCP Uniform. All airmen have been permitted to wear the OCP Uniform since 1 October 2018, and the wear out date for the ABU was 1 April 2021. The ABU is currently worn by the Civil Air Patrol.

History

2000s

2003–2006: Prototypes and testing

Experimental Blue Tigerstripe camouflage

The first prototype of the ABU was unveiled in the summer of 2003. The early uniform prototypes consisted of trousers, an embroidered undershirt, and a blouse. The prototype camouflage pattern was a blue/gray, tigerstripe pattern, based upon the tigerstripe uniforms worn by airmen during the Vietnam War.

After months of wear testing, Air Force officials revised the color scheme and camouflage pattern due to feedback received from airmen. The new semi-pixelated tiger-stripe pattern would trade its dominant blue overtones for a more subdued palette, similar to the Universal Camouflage Pattern, but with some added slate blue tones. The uniform maintains a similar cut to the previous Battle Dress Uniform, rather than the contemporary Army Combat Uniform. The fabric was made in 50-50 nylon and cotton in order to reduce the need for summer/winter-type uniforms.

2007: ABU Roll-out

On 2 October 2007, the Air Force began issuing the ABU to enlisted trainees in Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, was issued to the Class of 2012 at the United States Air Force Academy on 26 June 2008, and was made available for all airmen. Since 2008, it has been issued to airmen deploying to locations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

ABU digital tiger-stripe pattern

2009: Airman Battle Shirt introduced

Starting in 2009, airmen who were in ground combat roles, such as Security Forces, were issued the new Airman Battle Shirt (ABS). The ABS was based on the Army Combat Shirt (ACS). Like the ACS, the ABS is a stand-alone shirt designed specifically for use with Improved Outer Tactical Vest armor in warm and hot weather. It is intended to greatly increase user comfort through the use of lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabrics. The ABS features the same tiger stripe pattern on the sleeves.

2010s

In 2010, the Operation Enduring Freedom Pattern Army Combat Uniform was authorized to replace the Airman Battle Uniform for airmen in the War in Afghanistan.

In June 2011, The Air Force Times released the announcement of a summer weight ABU to be available in 2012. The Improved Airman Battle Uniform will be made of a 50–50 nylon-cotton blend and was composed of the same material used by the Army for the ACU. Just like the ABU, the IABU is machine washable and also wrinkle resistant. Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz gave approval of the IABU coat and pants which will be available to trainees at Basic Military Training first.

The ABU was fully phased in on 1 October 2011, completely replacing the BDU and DCU though most airmen had been wearing the ABU for several years by that point.

2016: Civil Air Patrol adopts the ABU

Civil Air Patrol cadet wearing Airman Battle Uniform (ABU)

The Air Force's civilian auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, wear-tested the ABU in late 2015, and in May 2016, the national commander of the Civil Air Patrol issued a memorandum allowing the wear of the ABU effective 15 June 2016. However, the uniform is worn with dark blue background and light silver lettering name and branch tapes and black boots in order to distinguish CAP personnel.

2018: Switch to Operational Camouflage Pattern

All airmen have been authorized to wear the Operational Camouflage Pattern instead of ABUs since 1 October 2018. Recruits in basic training and cadets in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, and Officer Training School started being issued OCPs on 1 October 2019. The Airman Battle Uniform was no longer authorized to wear after 1 April 2021.

2020s

2022: Use by Ukraine

A limited number of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel have been photographed wearing the ABU during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Features and attributes

U.S. airmen in 2010 wearing the Airman Battle Uniform

The Airman Battle Uniform is similar to the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) in color, with the inclusion of slate blue, but is otherwise nearly identical to the BDU cut. The ABU is to be worn with sage green combat boots. The ABU does have essential NIR (near-infra red) qualities, and the sleeves are authorized to be rolled up.

Overview of the Airman Battle Uniform is as follows:

  • Headwear
    • Patrol cap.
    • Boonie cover is available for the ABU for use in deployed locations.
    • Organizational ballcaps are authorized for RED HORSE and Combat Arms Training and Maintenance personnel.
    • Berets are authorized for Special Warfare, Security Forces, and Combat Aviation Advisers.
    • Sage-green or black watch cap for cold climate environments with outerwear.
  • Sand T-shirt
  • Blouse
    • All insignia, including occupational badges (aeronautical wings, occupational badges, etc.), are embroidered in midnight-blue thread with urban-gray background with the exception of rank insignia for 2nd Lieutenant and Major, which incorporate brown thread.
    • Name and service tapes are embroidered in midnight-blue thread on ABU patterned background tapes.
    • Chaplain, aeronautical, space, cyber, missile, occupational badges, duty shields, commander's badge, and weapons school patches are authorized.
  • Outerwear such as APECS parka and sage green fleece are authorized for the ABU
  • Sand rigger's belt
  • Trousers
  • Sage green combat boots
    • DLA green socks.
U.S. airmen wearing ABUs on an exercise in 2011

Backpacks and other accessories must be sage, black, or ABU pattern.

Users

A U.S. airman and Dominican airmen in front of a UH-1N.

See also

Current U.S. uniforms

Former U.S. uniforms

Notes

  1. Formally; limited prototype testing from 2006 to 2007. Used alongside the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) until 2011. Was discontinued in 2021.

References

  1. ^ "Space Force issues service-specific uniform guidance". 27 August 2020.
  2. Uniform phase-out date set for Nov. 1 Archived 2 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Cox, Matthew (14 May 2018). "Air Force transitions to a single combat uniform". AF.mil. Archived from the original on 14 May 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  4. "Wearing the Uniform | Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters".
  5. About.com US Military, (2004). Air Force Changes Color for Proposed Utility Uniform. Retrieved 7 April 2006. Archived 12 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  6. "USAF Contracts for New Uniforms and Clothing".
  7. New uniforms: Comfortable, functional are goals . New uniforms: Comfortable, functional are goals. Retrieved 14 May 2009. Archived 2 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  8. Bruce Rolfsen. "Airmen will receive MultiCam, eventually". Army Times Publishing Company. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
  9. Larter, David (3 July 2011). "Lighter ABUs to help Airmen to beat heat in 2012". Archived from the original on 20 July 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  10. Air Force Link, (2006). "Airman Battle Uniform finalized, ready for production Archived 22 March 2006 at the Wayback Machine"
  11. "Memorandum for All CAP Members" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  12. Mancaso, Shon J. (13 July 2018). Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel (PDF) (Report). Department of the Air Force. p. 9 of PDF. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 August 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
  13. "Soldiers received boots and uniforms". United Help Ukraine. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022.
  14. @Militarylandnet (28 July 2022). "📷Ukrainian volunteer battalion Freikorps in the area of operations #UkraineRussiaWar" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  15. "Fighting in trenches at Ukraine's front line". Reuters. 13 April 2023.
  16. "Sleeves can now be rolled up". Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  17. "Airman Battle Uniform poster". af.mil. 2007. Archived from the original on 23 July 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2007.
  18. "The irresponsibly stupid and dangerous camouflage patterns of the U.S. Military". The Week. 22 January 2013.
  19. "Airman Battle Uniform in Ukraine". 27 April 2023.
  20. "It's Official: The Air Force Is Switching to the Army's OCP Uniform". 14 May 2018. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  21. "Pentagon spends billions on duplicative camouflage outfits, GAO says". Center for Public Integrity. 12 April 2013. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2018.

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