Holloman Military Clothing Sales helps get Airmen ready for battle

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony Nelson Jr
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  From the beginning of the utility uniform redesign process, Air Force leaders have said they hoped to make it easier for Airmen to take care of their uniforms with the new Airman Battle Uniform. Here at Holloman, the staff at Military Clothing Sales is helping Airmen do just that.

The ABU continues to evolve to meet the needs of today's readily deployable Airmen, and while the mandatory wear date for the ABU is not until November 2011, Airmen who deploy to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those in basic military training are being issued the new uniform now.

"ABU's are easy to maintain and readily accessible for the deployed environment," said 1st Lt. Jeremy Selstrom, who just return from a deployment to Afghanistan. "ABU's make life easier in the AOR. nothing but positive comments about the ABU's are coming from down range. We had some guys who were issued Desert Camouflage Uniforms and they couldn't wait to wear the ABU's. Also, the non-commission officer's promoted the uniform and created positive attention and response from Airman." 

The uniform care instructions in the new policy reflect the emphasis on ease of care. Generally, the policy indicates that the uniform should be wash and wear.

"Wash in warm water ... tumble dry, permanent press cycle, remove immediately from dryer and fold flat or place on rustproof hanger," the instructions recommend. It also says the uniform can be air dried on a hanger.

According to Lieutenant Selstrom, one small positive insight on the ABU's are the extra pen pockets and extra lining.

The uniform's practicality also hit a home run with Airmen who aren't deployed, but are able to purchase the uniform on their own now.

"Being a single mom with a seven month old baby I don't have the time to iron my uniform and shine boots," said Airman 1st Class Brenda Sudds, 49th Communications Squadron. "I like that they are low maintenance and they fit a lot better than the BDU's. I love that the waist line is expandable with an elastic band, that's my favorite part. They fit better to my body type; they are comfortable and take a lot less time to maintain."

As the demand for ABU's increase, Army and Air Force Exchange Store distribution
of the uniform will also increase to reach more locations across the Air Force. This means business at Military Clothing Sales will also continue to increase. 

" The ABU's have tripled sales for the military clothing store; a lot of people are making the transition to the ABU's," said Amanda Evans, Military Clothing Sales store manager. "Keeping the common sizes have been the most difficult transition and challenge for the ABU's. The request for Battle Dress Uniforms, have dropped tremendously. Most people are already making the transition to the ABU's."

However, Ms. Evans said she has seen two points of views since the installment of the ABU's.

"Some are happy because it's an easier uniform to maintain, but others liked the appearance of the BDU uniform because it allows you the ability to separate yourself from everyone else. Airmen really take pride in maintaining and prepping their uniform."

Ms. Evans said above all, one good thing about this whole process is that it was needed. "It's a change, a nice change," she said. "Just like seasons it was time for a change."