AF Allows Alters Cold-Weather Gear Policy

Some Air Force members in cold-weather climates will be allowed to wear certain pieces of battle-dress uniform (BDU) outerwear garments with the new airman battle uniforms (ABU). The decision, announced Jan. 15 by Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, the Air Force’s manpower chief, allows commanders to use their judgment when authorizing the mix of old and new uniform components. With commanders’ approval, service members can wear woodland-patterned Gore-Tex coats or field jackets with ABUs – as long as APECS jackets are unavailable, or if other clothing options are unsuitable or unavailable. Key factors in the decision include the limited availability of the new all purpose clothing system (APECS) jacket, and the fact that new members have nothing but the new ABUs, Newton said.