Action Line: Cold weather gear

  • Published
  • By Col. Jay B. Silveria
  • 48th Fighter Wing vice commander
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  COMPLAINT:

Can you please clear up any doubts about cold weather gear? What is authorized and what is not? There are so many rumors going around. I see several people walking around in the fleeces for the ABU without nametapes.

There are also people walking around in BDU Gortex jackets and not the APECS jackets. I want to know so that I can correct people if they are out of uniform and make sure all people working for me are within regulations.

RESPONSE by Col. Silveria:

Thank you for the question. I admit it has been a confusing subject. Our appearance as an Air Force and as individuals is important so your interest is greatly appreciated.

The much improved availability of the APECS and/or the Improvised Rain Suit(IPR) has nearly eliminated the need to "mix and match" the ABU uniform with legacy uniform items; however, there are instances when "mix and match" can be authorized for wear. In accordance with the USAFE/CC APECS and BDU Gortex wear policy dated 29 October 2009, the "mix and match" of the new ABU uniform and the old Gortex parka is authorized under the following conditions:

a. Airmen working in conditions that require exposure to extended periods of cold and wet conditions may "mix and match" the ABU uniform with the Gortex cold weather garments.

b. The "mix and match" combination should be worn much like maintenance coveralls--in the location where individuals are exposed to the cold and wet, but not for wear to and from the duty station or elsewhere on the installation (i.e. BX, dining facility, etc.).

In general, the "mix and match" option is authorized but only in the work location during exposure to inclement weather conditions and should be the exception rather than the rule.

Wear of the sage green fleece as an outer garment without name tape, service designator, and rank is authorized until 1 Oct. 2010. The sage green/black fleece without name tape, service designator, and rank will continue to be authorized as a liner with the APECS. Phase-out date for the black fleece is 1 Oct. 2010.

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