Looming uniform phase-out date nears

Published Oct. 19, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Charles V. Rivezzo
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As of Nov. 1, the wear of the airman battle uniform and ABU items will be mandatory according Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance.

On July 18, Air Force officials revised the AFI, to phase out the battle dress uniforms, black shirts and black combat boots, desert camouflage uniforms and tan boots, excluding deployed airmen.

Rather than wait until the last minute to order the required boots, base leadership asks all Dyess airmen to take a more proactive approach.

"There has been ample time for all personnel to purchase the correct uniforms through AAFES in the store or online," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Hobbs, 7th Operations Group superintendent. "And I would expect all to meet the standards or be held accountable for their lack of attention to the policy."

Base leadership calls upon airmen to not only adhere to the uniform updates themselves, but to monitor and remind other airmen of compliance standards prior to Nov. 1.

"We've got what we asked for," added Hobbs. "We now have clear guidance on dress and appearance, and it is up to all of us to personally meet the new standards and ensure that everyone is clear on the changes."

For dress and appearance information, logon the Air Force Personnel Center's dress and appearance web page at http://www.afpc.af.mil/dress/index.asp.