New utility uniform ready for wear Published Aug. 23, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Greg C. Biondo 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Airmen Battle Uniform has been tested and is ready to be worn by Airmen at home and abroad. The ABU is a wash and wear item, ironing and starching are strictly prohibited. According to the Air Force Uniform Program Portal Page, starching the ABU makes it more brittle and reduces its life expectancy. Starching can also ruin the near-infrared capabilities of the fabric. Uniforms that are pressed will be considered non-serviceable, according to the program literature. "Do not under any circumstances iron that uniform," said Chief Master Sgt. Layton Clark, 4th Fighter Wing command chief master sergeant. "The point is that our Airmen should just be able to pull this uniform right out of the dryer and wear it." No patches or unit emblems are authorized on the ABU. Mandatory badges and duty shields for force protection and fire protection are still required. "People have asked about history and heritage, and while I think those are valid, I don't think it overrides the necessity for our Airmen to have a uniform that goes from one command to another or goes from here to the desert without having to spend a lot of money to do it," Chief Clark said. Airmen need to be careful when purchasing the ABU because there are counterfeit uniforms in circulation that are not up to Air Force standards, Chief Clark said. Authentic ABUs will contain the following information on the garment's tag. - A statement that reads something like "Procured for/by DSCP" - The manufacturer's name - Made in USA - One of the following contract numbers, SPM1C1-07-D-0008, SPM1C1-07-D-0009, SPM1C1-07-D-1501, SPM1C1-07-D1502, SP0100-03-D-CA84, SPM1C1-07-D-F037, SPM1C1-06-D-0427 The uniform web site includes the following ABU frequently asked questions: When is the mandatory wear date for the ABU? October 2011 (FY12). Will we still be able to wear baseball hats? Organizational baseball hats are not authorized with the ABU. Only the ABU hat (looks like the current BDU style with the ABU print) and currently authorized berets will still be allowed. Can I wear my black combat boots? Black boots will not be authorized at anytime with the ABU. Tan boots can be used until the green boots become readily available. A phase out date will be announced at a later date. Will something like the Gortex jacket be available? Yes, Army Air Force Exchange Service will be selling the new Air Force All Purpose Environmental Camouflage (AF APEC) Parka. Can I mix and match patterns with my ABUs (i.e. wear any of my over garments with the ABU until I get a new ABU jacket)? No, they can not be mixed and matched (BDU, DCU and ABU). The only exception to this policy is field items, i.e., body armor, helmet cover, MOLLEs and canteen covers, which will be available primarily in the Army Combat Uniform, but will also continue to be available in DCU, and solid tan or olive drab green shades as well, which are all authorized for wear - they can be worn with the ABU at home station (as well as in the AOR) as mission requires. This does not apply to the DCU Gortex jackets, which can be worn with the ABU in the AOR only. Will the clothing allowance be increased since the cost of the uniform will go up? Yes, the clothing allowance will reflect the increase effective October 2007. If members choose to purchase the ABU before your anniversary date in FY08, their will absorb the cost differences until they receive their clothing allowance. If they choose to buy a set early, they must have an entire set of ABUs and accessories, i.e. tan boots, belt, hat, green socks, tan t-shirt, etc. -How much does an individual set of the ABU cost? The cost of one set of ABUs is $81.37 plus badges and rank. The following is a complete breakout of costs for the ABU and accessories: ABU Hat - $5.98 EAMen's Trouser - $41.96 PRMen's Coat - $39.41 EAWomen's Trouser - $41.96 PRWomen's Coat - $39.41 EASand T-shirt - $4.35 EAGreen Boot Socks - $2.30 PRSand Riggers Belt - $3.15 EADesert Tan Boots - $97.50 PRAF Green Boots - $100.55 PRAF APECS Parka - $173.25 For further information, visit the website @ https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/afp40/USAF/ep/globalTab.do?command=org&channelPageId=-1361111