Air Force print news (Nov. 2, 2004): leaders unveil updated utility uniform colors, pattern.

WASHINGTON -- Responding to airmen's feedback, Air Force leaders unveiled an alternative utility uniform color scheme and pattern Nov. 2 as part of the ongoing wear-test that was announced in August 2003.

Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray are now wearing the latest test version of the utility uniform during visits to airmen serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The most striking change in this version is the switch from a deep blue, gray, and green color scheme to a more subdued mix of tan, blue, and two shades of green. And the tiger-stripe pattern is now pixilated.

This test version includes design changes incorporated in September based on feedback from airmen.

More than 700 people at 32 installations are wear-testing the first test uniform. These airmen participated in scientific surveys and focus groups. Their feedback was instrumental in making the most recent adjustments. The original plan called for only 300 testers, but uniform board officials decided to increase the number of testers to get more exposure and collect more test data. A select group will test the newest version.

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Data showed that a Service-unique appearance was very important to airmen.

"Ninety-one percent of the airmen responded in favor of a distinctive Air Force utility uniform," Murray said. "Airmen take great pride in serving in America's Air Force. Having a distinct uniform that presents a professional appearance to the public and our sister Services, when we are at home station or deployed, is important"

A unique Air Force-designed uniform has another big advantage.

"Our new utility uniform incorporates a unique fit tailored for men and women, and a variety of realistic sizes beyond just small, medium, and large," the chief said.

"More than 20 percent of our airmen are women, and we continually received feedback on how the male uniforms they currently wear do not fit well. Fit and comfort are important for all airmen to project a professional military image."

Officials said they are reaping additional benefits from this particular uniform wear-test process.

Air Force Clothing Office officials took detailed measurements of as many body types as possible and recorded them into a database for future uniform design studies. Since the last such measurement in the 1960s, officials discovered that the average airmen now has a more athletic build.

Not only are airmen more fit to fight; they are deployed more often and for longer periods than ever before. There is no time to fuss over finicky uniforms, officials said.

"The wash-and-wear uniform will be easier and cheaper to maintain," said Senior Master Sgt. Jacqueline Dean, uniform board superintendent. "The permanent-press treatment eliminates the need for ironing, and home washing can save an airman from $180 to $240 in laundry costs over the course of a year."

Dean oversees the wear test and leads the uniform board's campaign to display the uniform as much as possible in a variety of locations.

"The wear test allows airmen around the world to see the uniform in work places and to give feedback on its appearance, comfort, function, and maintenance," Dean said. "The chief of staff took that feedback into consideration when making the decision to move forward with expanding the test to include the new color and pattern."

Special operations and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape airmen will field-test the new utility uniform's pattern and colors to see how they perform in extreme conditions.

In January 2005, the uniform board will standardize the pattern, material, and specifications and deliver the results to the Defense Logistics Agency for production. Normal production to delivery time can take 18 to 24 months.

Tech. Sgt. David A. Jablonski, USAF