Nice duds

Airman, Sept, 2004 by Al Miller

Several of my troops have questioned me about a picture in your June 2004 article titled "Olympic Dreams." On Page 22, Capt. Eli Bremer is pictured in a uniform that's in direct violation of Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel. The instruction clearly reflects you will not mix uniform items, as you have pictured. with civilian attire.

Chief Master Sgt. Al Miller

McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.

According to the Air Force Instruction, Captain Bremer is out of uniform. However, the uniform combination he's wearing has been a tradition since Gen. George Patton competed in the modern pentathlon and finished fifth at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. The captain and others who are Air Force modern pentathlon athletes are permitted to wear the uniform combination during competition to distinguish themselves as Air Force members. The Army athletes who compete in the same event are also permitted to wear the same type of uniform combination.