Air force leaders confirm that the air force uniforms will follow a single combat uniform. They will adopt the OCP or Operational Camouflage Pattern, that is in use in the combat zones by the Army and Airmen. It will also be in use across the Air Force in precise jobs.

Airmen having OCPs may wear the uniform. The airmen buy at Army and Air Force the OCPs at different locations. These locations permit uniform manufacturers to yield supplementary stocks.

The OCPs will be in full transition by 1 April 2021.

Uniform Timeline

The OCP transition was a decision of the Air Force leaders taking the feedback from Airmen.  The uniform underwent battle-testing to eliminate maintaining two separate uniforms, one for deployment and one for in-garrison. The new air force uniforms are a reminder of a joint warfighting force identity of service, said the Air Force officials.

This uniform is a decision after listening to Airmen and looking at all the utility uniforms. Eventually, OCP was a clear choice. This uniform is suitable to work in varying climates. It is appropriate for Airmen working in the Northern Tier states flight line and for those in the Middle East conducting patrols.

Preserving identity

The BDU, the Battle Dress Uniform was in the services of the air force for over ten years. Now the OCP Airmen wear have instinctive features of the Air Force. The Air Force and name tape lettering will be in spice-brown color, and tan color will be the t-shirts, and belts.

The squadron patches are an integral part of the OCP. The squadron patches was as per the Airmen’s decisions that made to revitalize the squadron as an ongoing eff. The squadron identity is the Unit patches.

The special functional identifiers and Unit patches will appear on the sleeves to Velcro fabric. The patches will have the headquarters patches in subdued colors, and the flag of the U.S. will appear on the right shoulder. The left shoulder will show the authorized duty identifiers and unit patches.

Better Fit and Functionality

Feedback from the Airmen of the force brought the OCP as air force uniforms. It is more functional as it features Velcro, slanted chest pockets to shoulder pockets easily accessible. Female airmen also are happy as this uniform offers a better fit.

The Army ascertains the OCPs give better fitting to the female service members. The uniform now is available in 20 female sizes and there are 37 unisex sizes. Currently, the Female Airmen were given in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command the unisex uniform to report if it offers a better fit or not.

Many Airmen started wearing this uniform, and making transition easily is possible. There is a need for other Airmen to give enough time to arrange for a clothing allowance. Airmen could buy from 1 April 2019 the uniform and at the store or online at any of the AAFES stores or online services. It is a Personnel Center website of the Air Force.

There was a delay in the air force uniform’s availability. It was because the supply chain requires time to produce enough uniforms. There were the associated uniform items to fulfill for both Air Force and Army requirements. The Reserve Airmen and Guard will get a new uniform through the replacement procedures clothing unit.

Thus, the OCPs becomes the joint combat uniform for soldiers and Airmen while the nametapes and patches will show the identification of their respective services.

Benefits

The Air Force is switching over to the OCP uniforms latest by 1 April 2021. It is a uniform that offers the fit, form, and function. It is the best utility uniform that the Air Force finds its inventory is valuable. This dress is a decision relying on the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The new air force uniforms will cost around $20. As there will be an increase in the allowance of airmen’s clothing bag, they will start buying it. The boots will be available at the same cost as the old boots. Some Airmen have already switched to OCPs, while some have to be patient.

The airmen officer insignia will not be on the collars, and their rank insignia will not be any more on their sleeves. The enlisted and officers will wear it on their chests in the middle. They will also have on the patrol caps their last names.