After market uniforms present risk Published May 21, 2009 By Brad Jessmer Air Force Uniform Office WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Air Force authorized a single "all-season" version of the Airman's Battle Uniform, or ABU, for wear service-wide, making any other version or claims of a "summer weight uniform" unauthorized. The one exception is a 100 percent cotton ABU, which is only authorized for wear in the firefighter and electrician career fields. The official authorized ABU is only available from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, or AAFES. The current issue ABU is designed to be worn in all climates. All claims or advertisements for a summer ABU are not recognized by the Air Force, and any uniform consisting of the "rip-stop" material is unauthorized. "If you're wearing a uniform with rip-stop," said Katie Leahy, Air Force Uniform Office designer, "it will be pretty obvious, since it's a highly identifiable unauthorized material" The authorized ABU underwent intensive research and development in order to meet the physical demands of a military utility uniform. It also meets an official standard for infra-red detection that is questionable for unauthorized uniforms. "Essentially, if you don't buy it from AAFES or it hasn't been issued to you," said Capt. Gail Hammer, AFUO project manager for ABU, "it is not only unauthorized, but presents many risks." Hammer further explained that risks involved with unauthorized uniforms includes quick fading, increased maintenance requiring ironing, and you cannot return them to AAFES if they fail. Any uniform you purchase from AAFES may be returned for any type of garment failure. Advertising may also mislead by placing certifications not recognized by the Air Force on a garment. For example, some unauthorized uniforms advertise a certification, such as General Services Administration, or GSA, compliance. "Having GSA approval on a garment is meaningless when the Air Force doesn't approve it first," Capt. Hammer said. "You're taking a big risk when you purchase an aftermarket uniform instead of what the Air Force supplies to AAFES." Another major issue with buying aftermarket uniforms is no guarantee where they are made. All products manufactured for the Air Force are made in the United States, in accordance with the Berry Amendment. Authorized uniforms are required to meet Air Force standards, while unauthorized aftermarket uniforms are most likely made off-shore and potentially substandard. "Our focus is to ensure airmen receive uniforms that meet Air Force standards," said Maj. Michael Perry, program manager, Air Force Clothing. "Authorized uniforms are not only American made, but meet critical standards that are not guaranteed with uniforms purchased outside of AAFES. Through AAFES you purchase quality Air Force issue uniforms that meet all standards and are guaranteed against failure." For any questions regarding Air Force uniforms, send your correspondence to; 648AESS.clothing@wpafb.af.mil.