APBI brings Innovation for Warfighters

  • Published
  • By Brad Jessmer
  • Air Force Uniform Office Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Members of the Air Force Uniform Office attended the Advanced Planning Brief for Industry in Springfield, Va., May 12-14, to present and challenge members of industry with current and future design needs for uniforms and equipment.

The APBI is a networking opportunity between industry and the Government that allows different manufacturers to see the latest concepts and spark competition for future production. Speakers were present from all military branches and discussed possible innovations and upgrades centering on this year's APBI theme "lighten the load for the warfighter."

"We presented several uniform items in hopes of generating a competition among industry members to create the best solutions," said Richard Keefer, Chief, AFUO. "Each company will present different prototypes and give us the opportunity to pick the best."

According to Keefer, the AFUO creates the concepts and designs that are presented to industry at the APBI. Companies are then invited to improve upon the concepts and respond to the AFUO with their prototypes.

"A good example is how we are developing our Physical Training Uniform (PTU)," said Dana Jonas, AFUO clothing designer. "We needed a lighter weight and breathable fabric, so we developed the patterns here (AFUO) and submitted the concept to industry. Different companies responded with garments based on our patterns, using their unique fabrics, giving us the opportunity to pick the best product."

A mass briefing was held on the first day of the APBI to describe requirements for each service branch. More specific and detailed equipment briefings were held on day two. This more precise format allowed industry members to attend briefings they were most interested in.

Air Force uniform items presented at the APBI included the prototype PTU, Fire Resistant Equipment, the Improved Airman's Battle Uniform and the Stain Resistant Boot concept. Conversely, some uniform and equipment concepts are shared across the services.

Fire Resistant Equipment are necessities service-wide, and were discussed with industry by representatives from each military branch. In some cases, the Air Force may adopt a uniform approved by another branch, but most all uniforms are designed and submitted to industry from the AFUO.

According to Debra Klensch, AFUO clothing designer, the AFUO maintains an open-door policy to industry. "We welcome industry to come show us what they have," said Ms. Klensch, "and to keep us up to date on their latest developments, so we may continually improve our products and ensure our airmen have the best there is to offer."

For any questions regarding Air Force uniforms, send your correspondence to; 648AESS.clothing@wpafb.af.mil.