LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) --
Two members of the Air Force uniform board visited here this week to introduce the test Air Force utility uniform to the base populace.
The board members talked about the test uniforms at 14 meetings throughout the week and one mass briefing at the base theater Wednesday, said Capt. David Burnett, base point of contact for the wear test.
Models at the briefings allowed attendees to see the test uniform as well as the already-approved new sweater, service dress jacket and physical training uniform.
We had tremendous response, said Captain Burnett. People are very receptive. We've been getting and fielding tons of questions.
As the only Air Combat Command base selected to wear test the uniform, 50 Langley people will be selected to wear the utility uniforms for six months beginning Feb. 9. The purpose of the test is to generate feedback about fit, durability and functionality.
One hundred and fifty people have been initially selected as potential wearers, and the final selection of the 50 will be made on a basis of who the uniforms fit.
The blue, gray and green tiger-stripe camouflage ensemble is a departure from the current woodland pattern uniform and includes many new features that are intended to increase functionality and provide a distinctive look for airmen of the 21st century, according to Air Force officials.
When photos of the uniform were first released, it raised a few eyebrows. It looked very odd, said Lesa Webb, health services management, about the first time she saw a picture of the uniform. In person, it doesnt look as bad as I thought.
Captain Burnett was also surprised the first time he saw the uniforms. But, he said, after seeing it for two days at a conference, the sight of the new uniforms became commonplace to him.
Its definitely Air Force-distinctive, he said. We can tell a Marine from 100 yards away, and now well be able to tell an airman from 100 yards away, too.
Seven-hundred and fifty uniforms will undergo wear testing from January to July across the Air Force. Beginning in April, a Web site will be established so that everyone may provide feedback on the uniforms.
A final decision on the uniform is expected in December 2004. If approved, production could begin as soon as 2005, with a phase-in date to be determined.