[Monsoon65]

You're right, TR. The AF was looking for a style, morale and a service identity statement. Initially, when they said they were moving away from the BDU, the new uniform would NOT be used for deployments or contingencies. It was to be a home station uniform only.

When they came out with that abortion of a blue tiger stripe, the troops had a fit and it went back to the drawing board. When they came out with the digital tiger stripes, they went to the field and asked what the Airmen liked and disliked about the new uniform. I think most were asking for sleeve pockets and no stripes on the sleeves anymore. We got the inside map pocket and the little pen pocket on the sleeve.

PRC117F is right. The AF Uniform Board said that sleeve pockets weren't a priority and that it would interfere with the sleeve insignia. Then they turned around and came out with the Goretex raingear with sleeve pockets and stripes on the tab on the front of the jacket.

When it came to the actual camo pattern, most guys were wondering if it would really work. I don't think anyone got a straight answer to that question; I know I still haven't.

As for the AF SNCOs, I can just answer for myself. I told the troops that if they didn't like it, take the survey they were supplying and let higher HQ know. Tell them what's good and what's bad with the new uniform.