The new Air Force uniform, called the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU), is the most distinguishable of all the new military uniforms.  This Air Force uniform was announced to the public in 2003 and is currently in the process of being fully instituted into the Air Force.  It will completely replace the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) by 2011.

The most obvious difference of the new Air Force uniform is its camouflage design, which is a tiger stripe design.  This pattern first came into existence during the Vietnam War era.  The updated version of the pattern has been “digitized,” and looks similar to the Army’s ACU, the Marine Corps’ MARPAT, and the Navy’s Navy Working Uniform in that regard.

Close-up of the new tiger stripe pattern

In terms of items included in the new Air Force uniform, they are very similar to the old BDU.  A patrol cap or boonie hat is worn on the head.  A moisture-wicking, sand-colored t-shirt is used under the blouse.  The trousers are basically the same as the BDU, and combat boots are required to be sage green (tan boots are allowed for a limited time).

The original blouse was supposedly too thick and caused soldiers to get too hot, but revisions are being made to correct this problem.

We’re so excited that the new Air Force uniform is one of the new military uniforms you can actually get for yourself!  For everything you want in the new tiger stripe pattern, check out this selection.  These military surplus items are sure to be a favorite!

Read about the other BDU replacements here.

Written by Craig Kent, member of the Best Military Surplus team.