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New USAF ABU
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“Fractal Creep: New Digitized Camo Uniforms for USAF, USN, Jordan” looked at some of the new fractal camouflage patterns emerging on the market, and the some of the design decisions behind the uniforms themselves. The new uniform design is a pixilated tiger stripe with four soft earth tones consisting of tan, grey, green and blue. The Air Force Battle Uniform will have a permanent crease and will be offered in 50-50 nylon-cotton blend permanent press fabric, eliminating the need for winter and summer weight uniforms. It will also be available in more body sizes, tailored for men and women. A tan T-shirt and polish-free suede cowhide boots in matching green-gray color will accompany the uniform, and will be available in men’s and women’s sizes.

Brig. Gen Robert R. Allardice said that they:

”...were looking for a uniform that… the Airman wouldn’t need to spend a lot of out-of-pocket expenses to maintain…. We listened to the Airmen’s request where they wanted pockets to hold small tools and when they wear body armor the existing shirt pockets are not accessible or usable… It will have the four pockets on the front of the shirt, and also a small pencil pocket on the left forearm and two pockets on the lower legs. In addition, inside the side pockets and inside of the breast pockets there will be smaller sewn-in pockets to hold small tools, flashlights or cell phones…. Our uniform requirement is we want a uniform that you wash, pull it out of the dryer, and wear it…. We don’t want people putting an iron to it.” See the full USAF release for further details.

Some experts we talk to contend that its fractal camouflage pattern works best under indoor office lighting, however, and tends to wash out somewhat in full sunlight. Other services may insert stereotyped wisecracks here, but with USAF personnel taking on more and more duties like base security and local ground patrols, the issue of the pattern’s effectiveness is an important one.

Contracts et. al.

The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) in Philadelphia, PA issues the contracts related to US Air Force uniforms and clothing, which go beyond the ABU, and include some items you might not expect. Note that this list of contracts begins as of FY 2007.

Jan 31/08: Propper International in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico received a maximum $19.3 million firm fixed price contract for US Air Force Battle Uniforms. This proposal was originally Web solicited with six responses, and this contract represents the 1st option year. It will end on Feb 2/09, and the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) in Philadelphia, PA issued the contract (SPM1C1-07-D-0008).

Jan 31/08: American Apparel in Selma, AL received a maximum $13.7 million firm-fixed-price contract for US Air Force Battle Uniforms. Other locations of performance are Texas and Mississippi. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 12 responses, and this contract represents the 1st option year. It will end on Feb 2/09, and the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) in Philadelphia, PA issued the contract (SPM1C1-07-D-0009).

Oct 31/06: Propper International in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico won a maximum $29.8 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract. They will produce airmen battle uniform, men’s coats, and women’s maternity coats and trousers. Work will be performed in Mayaguez, Cabo Rogo, Las Marjas, Lagas, and Lajas in Puerto Rico. Date of performance completion is April 30/08. Proposals were Web-solicited and 6 responded (SPM1C1-07-D-0008).

Oct 31/06: American Apparel in Selma, AL received a maximum $21 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract. They will produce men and women’s airmen battle uniform, coats and trousers. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, and the date of performance completion is April 30/08. Proposals were web-solicited and 12 responded (SPM1C1-07-D-0009).