Ellsworth Cold-weather gear policy change

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Bolt
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Air Force recently authorized commanders to use their discretion to authorize deviation from policy for wear of cold-weather battle dress uniform outer garments with the new airman battle uniform throughout the winter months.

"The original guidance was based on the fact that the mandatory wear date for transitioning from BDUs to ABUs was 2011," said Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel in an AFNEWS article dated Jan. 15.

"I decided it was time to relook at our wear policy based on the limited availability of the new all purpose environmental clothing system jacket, the fact we have new Airmen joining our Air Force who have been issued nothing but the ABU, and the overwhelming response from Airmen in the field to the new ABUs," General Newton said.

Col. Scott Vander Hamm, 28th Bomb Wing commander, has authorized the wear of all existing approved extreme cold-weather gear with the ABU while in the duty section and required for duty purposes for all Ellsworth personnel. All Ellsworth Airmen are authorized to wear the BDU field jacket, gortex jacket and or pants, black knit cap and gloves with the ABU.

"The safety of Ellsworth's Airmen is critical as we train and prepare to deploy. Part of staying safe is staying warm in the ever changing South Dakota climate," Colonel Vander Hamm said. "The wear of the new ABU should not detract from our ability to stay warm and thus our ability to conduct our day-to-day mission."

Airman should refer to the Ellsworth policy letter dated 16 Jan. for specific cold weather uniform guidance, Colonel Vander Hamm said.

The Ellsworth change to the wear policy for cold-weather gear is scheduled to end June 1.