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Letters

THUMBS UP FOR ABS-G

We are using the war-zone airman battle uniforms in Baghdad and I love them.

They have more pockets, they’re very lightweight and comfortable, and they look much better than the ABU. They are perfect for the combat zone.

The battle muscle shirt is a little hot at times, and it doesn’t have a name tape with the airman’s rank on it. The blouse still has pockets on the front, and I really don’t understand why because they cannot all be used when we have all our gear on.

I don’t know why the Air Force didn’t make ABS-Gs [airman battle system-ground] as the main duty uniform. They are a step in the right direction for Air Force uniforms when airmen are deployed.

— Airman 1st Class Jorge Barrera, Baghdad

As the Air Force’s command senior enlisted leader for Air Forces Central, I have had the opportunity to wear the ABS-G on multiple occasions outside the wire in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have worn the ABS-G on missions with explosive ordnance disposal, Security Forces/Office of Special Investigations and during convoy operations.

While we may never find the 100 percent solution to meet the needs of all mission sets, my assessment of the ABS-G is extremely positive. On several missions, my team members wore the Army combat uniform while I was in the ABS-G.

In 100-plus-degree weather, conducting dismounted combat patrols, the ABS-G outperformed the ACU on several counts. First, the combat shirt with the individual body armor provided better comfort, flexibility and improved airflow. At the completion of the mission, I was able to remove the combat shirt and was completely dry. I was able to rehydrate faster than my fellow airmen who were sitting in the ACU, soaked in perspiration. The pockets on the pants, ensemble shirt and combat shirt offer options for placement of professional gear.

Some airmen have said the ABS-G is somewhat warm during their operations. But they may not have tried conducting those same operations in the ABUs or desert flight suit worn in the past, which were too hot, lacked utility and were uncomfortable.

— Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

SECURITY NEEDS FORTIFYING

Is it too much to ask to recruit more security forces airmen?

Augmentees and force-protection personnel are helping, but it is just not enough. Not to mention, the quality is not the same.

The Army asked for more soldiers, and they got them, yet the Army still pulls from our numbers.

We are in critical manning, and giving us anything other than more cops is a setback. Extending basic training just won’t do, and it is becoming a baby-sitting job for security forces personnel to watch after them.

It is not an E-2 position to supervise E-4s through E-7s while still developing themselves.

— Senior Airman Markeis McCray, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.

BRING BACK SQUADRON PT

We have effectively failed to change to a culture of fitness. This has been accomplished by quitting.

Squadron physical training helps fitness as well as morale and camaraderie. Other branches have instituted it, and they also have missions to meet.

The Air Force is opting to support the individual approach over teams for PT, which will lead to failure.

Let’s get our heads together and toss out some more ideas before we accept failure. We should not abandon squadron PT.

— Tech. Sgt. Brandon K. Tillman, Camp Taji, Iraq

1ST SHIRTS SEEK NO PROPS

In response to a letter calling for a badge for first sergeants [“Recognizing 1st sgts.,” Sept. 21], I believe they are already recognized.

First, the duty itself is considered a special position of trust that senior noncommissioned officers can fill. First sergeants wear a distinguishing diamond device embroidered on their chevrons, and they get two extra-weighted airman promotion system points after 36 months of service.

I can honestly say that I don’t know any first sergeants who do it for the recognition. Service before self, maybe, but definitely not recognition.

— Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Hutson, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas