Uniform opinions

Airman, June, 2004 by Richard Nelson

I'm left speechless after reading "An expert opinion" ["AirMail," April 2004]. Specifically, the comment that "only about 3 percent of today's Airmen are in jobs that require camouflage protection ... camouflage for them isn't a requirement."

That's exactly the attitude that's going to be our downfall. I have troops participating in convoy operations on the other side of the globe. Two weeks ago they considered themselves career desk jockeys. Now they're learning terms like "battle rattle," and the term desk jockey is a distant memory as it becomes obsolete for the rest of the Air Force.

Don't tell troops their uniforms don't "need" to be the best they can be. We are military professionals and warriors. We represent those who have gone before us. Our troops deserve nothing less than the best equipment, training and support that money can buy, period.

name withheld by request

I'd like to respond to the "Blue-D-U" AirMail comment. I'm a K-9 handler who's wear testing the new uniform, and I had my own speculations about looking like the Cookie Monster running through the woods.

Believe it our not, troops wearing the current battle dress uniform during exercises have been spotted before me while hiding in the shadows at night. I train in tactical areas every day, and the uniform works well.

I think this uniform is an excellent idea. People are simply afraid of change. My father said people reacted the same way when they switched from the greens to the BDUs.

I thought I'd hate this uniform, but it's 10 times more comfortable and easier to maintain. It also blends in nicely during night operations.

Staff Sgt. Richard Nelson

Langley Air Force Base, Va.