Forward Fashion: Get ready for new Airman Battle Uniform

READY FOR DUTY
The new Airman Battle Uniform will go out to the field around the middle of next year. Airmen assigned to Air Expeditionary Force rotations 7 and 8, scheduled to deploy between May and August, will be among the first to get it. They can buy the ABU about six weeks before they leave, officials say. It should be available to other Airmen by next summer. Once the ABU is available in base clothing stores, Airmen are authorized to wear it. In all, the new gear will cost about $370 plus badges and rank. Clothing allowances will increase in October.

ABU HAT
Cost: $5.98

“SAND” COLORED T-SHIRT
Cost: $4.35

ABU BLOUSE
Uniform officials added a slender vertical pocket to the blouse’s left forearm. Inside, there is space to store maps or small notebooks.
Cost: $39.41 for men and women

ABU COAT
The Air Force All Purpose Environmental Coat, or APEC, is made from a material that repels wind and water. It features a roll-away hood, six pockets and long vents under each arm.
Cost: $173.25

ABU TROUSER
The pants now feature an elastic waistband for easy give and take and added calf pockets. A pocket within a pocket will allow Airmen to stow smaller items such as cell phones.
Cost: $41.95 for men and women

SAND RIGGERS BELT
Cost: $3.15

BOOTS
These new green boots won’t be ready for the ABU’s rollout in May, officials say. For the short term, Airmen will sport the tan boots ($97.50) worn with the existing desert uniform.
Cost: $100.55

BOOT SOCKS
Cost: $2.30 per pair