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Air Force Uniform office plans for the future

by Brad Jessmer
Air Force Uniform Office

3/16/2010 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- The Air Force Uniform Office here is developing a seven year strategic plan to provide the Air Force Uniform Board vital uniform technology information to assist in making decisions to pursue the board's priorities.

Priorities for the AFUB include the airman battle uniform, dress uniform, physical training uniform, and specialty uniforms to include fire resistant, flight suits and extreme cold weather gear.

The current method of identifying and prioritizing Air Force uniform development and improvements is addressed through the AFUB. By logging into the Air Force's IDEA Program Web site, Airmen can select a link that allows them to submit their ideas. Those suggestions are reviewed by members of the Air Force Uniform Board for inclusion in the annual AFUB Priority List.

"We want to meet the needs of our Airmen in all areas of operations," said 2nd Lt. Justin Mason, the AFUO strategic planning project lead. "This plan will lay the foundation for future (uniform) designs and operational improvements.

The AFUO is requiring the new strategic plan to provide a full study of Air Force uniforms, which includes information on latest innovations from the textile industry, efforts by sister services, and feedback from Airmen service wide over current concerns.

Meetings will also be held with members of the textile industry to learn their plans over the next seven years, and incorporate those into the AFUO plan.

There will be quarterly reports that update the AFUO on current and future technology, while making recommendations for uniform design, said Master Sgt. James Lynn, a AFUO subject matter expert.

"We will use this strategic plan to examine our (AFUO) current and future efforts," Sergeant Lynn said. "This is a great opportunity to become more in-tune with meeting the needs of our Airmen on both sides of the wire."

To submit suggestions for consideration by the Air Force uniform board, please visit the "AF IDEA Program" web page on the AF Portal.