Some not wearing ABU shirt - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Some not wearing ABU shirt

It’s hot out there — especially if you’re wearing the airman battle uniform shirt.

But don’t let the heat drive you to buy a lighter-weight version of the shirt, which you’re not supposed to have.

Some airmen are taking off the heavy nylon-blend shirt — also called a blouse or coat — and putting on an all-cotton one that’s a no-no unless you work around flames, sparks or other fire hazards.

The all-cotton ABU — shirt and pants that look just like the nylon-blend versions except for the weave — is available from base uniform stores and mail-order companies, including the Military Times Gear Shop. Most outlets make it clear the all-cotton ABU should be worn only by those in specific career fields.

Safety — not summer comfort — is the reason the Air Force allows the lighter-weight ABUs. Cotton takes longer to catch fire and doesn’t melt like many man-made fibers do.

“It’s an Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement,” said Ruth Ewalt, chief of the uniform program and policy office for the Air Staff.

For overheated airmen, there’s relief on the horizon. The Air Force expects to roll out a light-weight nylon-blend ABU shirt next year.

Can’t you feel the breeze already?