Uniform changes come to Southwest Asia

Published Aug. 14, 2008
By Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson
380th AEW Public Affairs

SOUTWEST ASIA -- U.S. Air Force members of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here are transitioning from Desert Combat Uniforms to Airman Battle Uniforms to meet newly published AFCENT guidance.

United States Air Forces Central issued a memorandum July 31 providing guidance for all pending and current deployers in the USAFCENT Area of Responsibility.

The memorandum, from manpower, personnel and services, states, "All Airmen deploying to the AOR on AEF 5/6, and beyond, will be issued ABUs by their home station prior to departure."

"We're doing our best to prepare for this next deployment cycle," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Mitchell, the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The incoming cycle of deployers is not the only consideration for the chief of supply, "We also have folks currently stationed here who don't fall into the regular deployment cycle," Sergeant Mitchell said. "We'll need to provide them with complete uniforms."

The 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, is preparing to issue ABUs to those Airmen deployed or assigned to this location whose return date takes them beyond Oct. 1.

The base hosts permanent party members on one-year assignments and deployers who don't fall within the typical cycles. More than 500 of that group will be here beyond Oct. 1.

"We are working through all the issues during this transition to provide the support possible. (The 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron) is assisting with setting up a local Blanket Purchase Agreement for name tapes and U.S. Air Force tapes," said Lt. Col. Tanya Kubinec, 380th ELRS commander.

The deadline is approaching quickly and time will tell if supply can meet demand. The 380th ELRS folks intend to do whatever is in their power to meet the guidance, Sergeant Mitchell said.

Incoming deployers should seek further guidance from home station unit deployment monitors and at respective individual equipment offices.

Individuals who are currently at deployed locations will receive guidance from their chains of command. Members stationed at this location can expect updates in their Daily Bulletin.

Squadrons must submit a letter -- identifying current deployers who will be here beyond Oct. 1 and signed by respective commanders or first sergeants -- to the 380th ELRS Material Management Flight.