Air Force requires 'improved' new uniform

Airmen should be able to save money on dry cleaning.

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — The Air Force has officially phased out the old “battle dress uniform” in favor of the “airman battle uniform,” a wash-and-wear item to be worn with boots that no longer need to be polished.

The new uniform became mandatory wear this week, after a gradual phase-in during recent years.

It features a camouflage pattern of tan, gray, green and blue colors and a nylon-cotton blend permanent-press fabric, eliminating the need for winter- and summer-weight uniforms, Air Force officials said.

It was designed to be more practical for deployed airmen and should save them money they previously spent on dry cleaning expenses, officials said.

The new uniform features more pockets for carrying small tools and other items. It is to be worn with a tan T-shirt, plus sage-green, leather boots that do not require polishing.

Airmen may also wear dress blues.

Gone are the woodland camouflage-patterned uniforms, desert camouflage uniforms, black T-shirt and black combat boots. The older battle-dress uniform was in use for nearly 30 years and was worn by all branches of the service until 2005.