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Site Owner/Operator
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 Most airmen like the Air Force's new camouflage uniforms. They say they're more comfortable and easier to maintain, and they dig the digital tiger print.
Except there is one thing that gets them hot under the collar: The uniforms can be sweltering in warm weather. The Airman Battle Uniform, or ABU, is more rugged than the old uniforms, partly because the fabric is thicker. But in locations such as Iraq and Kuwait, where temperatures often reach the triple-digits in summer and remain in the low 80s in November, the last thing somebody wants is thicker clothing. "Whoever designed this obviously designed this for someone sitting in an office, not for out here," said Airman 1st Class David Bear, 22, who is deployed to Iraq and is attached to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. But it's not just the thickness of the threads. What really have some airmen steaming are the map pockets on the inside of the uniform jacket. To stay cool in the warmer climates, some airmen have secretly taken out the pockets. Alterations shops on bases in Iraq and in the United States offer to "mod" the uniforms for a few bucks. Senior Airman Michael Bermudez, 22, and his entire squad had the pockets removed before they left for Baghdad. Their tailor, a former Air Force cop, suggested they have the pockets removed because of the heat. "It makes it a lot cooler," said Bermudez, who is with the 732nd. While it is typically against regulations to modify the official uniform, the Air Force has cut airmen some slack on the pesky pockets. The service's Web site acknowledges that some people might find them a tad annoying. "While not officially recommended or suggested, some personnel may choose to cut the interior pockets out of the garment, as long as it doesn't change the outer appearance of the uniform," the Web site reads. The Air Force has heard the complaints, and Air Force chief master sergeants have been told that a lighter uniform without the pockets is on the way. But in the meantime, airmen wearing the uniforms in Iraq and Kuwait have no recourse other than to remove them. So, cut away. But be careful. One airman tried to cut out the pockets himself. But when he was finished, his name tag fell off. Copyright 2007 Stars and Stripes.
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Ei Temporis Vita Semper Resumo Sese
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Hmph... Raise your hand if your initial issue of BDUs consisted of the heavy weight ones with the Elvis collar... 
"The degenerative and loony should never be denigrated but, rather, thanked. In their absence, the rest of you would be obliged to fill congressional seats... positions naturally unsavory to the sane and honorable." Thorax
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President for Life
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Masters of Hard Knocks from the University of Gravity
 
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khyros (11/18/2007)
Hmph... Raise your hand if your initial issue of BDUs consisted of the heavy weight ones with the Elvis collar...
How about OD Cotton that you starched so much that they were like boards. Of course they didn't start to breath until you sweated through the starch. Then there were those crapy permapress OD. Then the Elvis BDUs and so on.
"Si Vis Pacum Para Bellum"
If you want peace prepare for war!
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Air Force Liaison/P.Net Original Cast of Characters
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| <also raises hand.........> I talked to a couple Airmen down at BIAP my last trip in. The consensus is they like the style, but it is to hot and universally they want to go to pockets on the sleeves and wear enlisted rank on the collar. They are cutting the pockets out the inside. Didn't hear if anything fell off on the outside. I miss my OG-107s......
LOAD CLEAR! LOAD CLEAR! To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing. Elbert Hubbard
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Strong Like Bull, Smart As Rock
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khyros (11/18/2007)
Hmph... Raise your hand if your initial issue of BDUs consisted of the heavy weight ones with the Elvis collar... Thank you very much.... [raises hand]
Gold Class 92-03
The Warrant Officer – an officer appointed by the Secretary of the Army based on a sound level of technical and tactical competence. The Warrant Officer is a highly specialized expert and trainer who by gaining progressive levels of expertise and leadership operates, maintains, administers, and manages the Army’s equipment, support activities, or technical systems for an entire career. WTF? Who's Mr. Pillow Pants? - Clerks 2
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Regular Joe
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| Raises hand. I took the pockets out, makes a huge difference. Uniform is worthless when wearing armor, only the ankle pockets can be used. Problem is the folks approving the uniform never deploy, so they refuse to accept our input. They are worse then FOBBITS!
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Ei Temporis Vita Semper Resumo Sese
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