Uniform opinions

Airman, April, 2004 by Kevin Evans, Brooke Collins, Stephen Kunich, Dave Coakley, George Fulleton

I think we're placing too much emphasis on individualism. I understand wanting to decrease the wear and tear factor with the proposed uniform, which will require no dry cleaning or starching and no unit or major command patches to save money. When you create a functional and durable uniform, you'll make everyone happier. But experimenting with colors is a mistake I prefer not to experience. There's no added espirt de corps because my uniform is blue. Senior leadership should only place interest in the functionality and durability of our uniform rather than what's going to separate us from other services.

name withheld by request

The proposed uniform really isn't so new. My dad wore the Vietnam tiger stripes for three years. It worked very well in the jungle environment on many ambushes and patrols.

Every camouflage pattern has its advantages and disadvantages. You wouldn't wear the desert pattern in a green forest any more than you'd wear the woodland pattern in the snow. This uniform is in a testing phase and has its place. Does this mean we'll have three patterns of battle dress uniforms in the closet? Your guess is as good as mine. Only time will tell if it'll serve us as well as it did my dad.

Tech. Sgt. Kevin Evans

Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

I think the proposed Air Force uniform is amazing! I'm shipping out in a couple months, so I hope that sometime during my four years of enlisted service I have the privilege of wearing it. It's definitely a distinctive look for airmen of the 21st century.

Brooke Collins

via e-mail

We have the BDU, the DCU and now we can have the "Blue-D-U!" I agree with use of a better fabric. I agree with relocating pockets that are meaningless. I don't mind embedding a fancy emblem. I do, however, care about those people who need some degree of camouflage.

I speak of the security forces troops. Most anti-terrorism work is in the realm of the person performing law enforcement duties. Civilian or military, downtown New York or at the front gate, law enforcement tasks require direct contact with the public on a regular basis. They need to instantly "blend in" with the shadows or maneuver toward an armed person. Security forces have been at the forefront of practically every active duty encounter with an armed individual, combat excluded. This is the person who needs the ability to hide or become tactical quickly. Don't let him or her down with the "Blue-D-U."

Stephen Kunich

Langley Air Force Base, Va.

I agree it's different, but that doesn't make it all bad. I like the look. I dislike being mistaken for the Army, and I agree each branch should have its own distinct look.

Last time I checked, not many Air Force members were out running around in the woods. As far as spit and polish, let's look at who started all this uniform distinction--the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps is one of the most spit and polished services out there and one of the most mobile. We can look good, be distinct and fight!

Tech. Sgt. Dave Coakley

McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.

Like the rest of the airmen I've spoken with regarding the proposed uniform, I like the new design. Of course people laugh at the thought of a blue uniform. They always ask, "What are we going to blend in with?" I don't really care about all that because I'm a desk jockey--a professional paper pusher. I'm [dang] proud of it too!

The only problem I see with the proposed uniform is that hat. It looks a lot like the hat of the Marines. I say if we're going to be distinct, then let [the hat] be distinct.

Senior Airman George Fulleton

Kadena Air Base, Japan