Uniform board release fleece wear policy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 98th Air Force Virtual Uniform Board authorized wear of the sage green fleece as an outer garment with the airman battle uniform earlier this month.

According to the policy released Oct. 9, "wear of the sage green fleece as an outer garment without name tape, service designator, and rank is authorized until 1 Oct. 2010. The sage green/black fleece without name tape, service designator, and rank will continue to be authorized as a liner with the APECS. Phase-out date for the black fleece is 1 Oct. 2010." 

The sage green fleece may only be worn over the ABU top, and is not authorized to be worn solely over a T-shirt, thermal underwear and similar undergarments, when worn as an outer garment. 

According to the message signed by Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Personnel at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, authorized wear of the sage green fleece requires:
-- the fleece must remain zipped no lower than halfway between the name tape and the collar,
-- the collar must be folded over and resting on the shoulder, chest and back when the zipper is not completely zipped,
-- the bottom length of the fleece must be as close to length of ABU top as possible,
-- the sleeves must be worn down at all times, and
-- the fleece must be kept in a neat, serviceable and professional appearance at all times. 

After 1 Oct. 2010, the following items are required:
-- a Velcro ABU print last name tape with dark blue block lettering, centered between the zipper and sleeve seam on the wearer's right chest,
-- a Velcro ABU print U.S. Air Force tape with dark blue block lettering, adjacent to the name tape and centered between the zipper and sleeve seem on the wearers left chest,
-- a Velcro subdued cloth rank with a solid sage green background, flushed and centered above the last name tape on the wearer's right chest,

Items authorized for wear with the fleece include black or sage green leather, suede or knit gloves, black scarves that are tucked in, and black ear muffs. Black or sage green knit watch caps are also authorized, not to be confused with the fleece watch cap, which is not.

"You have until Oct. 1 to get it [name tape, service designator and rank] but I encourage Airmen to get it as soon as possible," said Chief Master Sgt. Al Hannon, 354th Fighter Wing command chief. 

The alterations shop, located in the AAFES shopping center, takes three days to finish the name tapes for the fleece jacket. 

Airmen with questions regarding this article should address them through their chain of command, or by calling the Air Force Personnel Center at 800-525-0102, or DSN 665-5000. 

To review the official message, visit the uniform information link on the Air Force Portal.