Academy's Uniform Board to discuss uniform changes Published Oct. 4, 2013 By 1st Lt. Brandon Baccam Academy Spirit U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Academy's Uniform Board is set to meet next month, where they plan to discuss changes to uniform wear for the entire Cadet Wing. Meeting twice a year, the Uniform Board addresses concerns from cadets about uniform wear and recommends changes based off of their input. "The board is truly an (Academy-wide) integrated and collaborative process," said Col. Michael Pipan, director of training support for the Commandant and chair of the Uniform Board. "The 'changes' that we recommend cover a wide-range of issues. For instance, the board considers how many of each item is issued to cadets and the timing of that issue - that sounds very mundane, but it makes an enormous difference in dress and appearance." Among many changes, a raincoat featuring Gore-Tex will now be added to the blues uniform combinations, providing an inclement weather option that previously was not available. "As we (returned) to more wear of the blue uniform, it became apparent to cadets and the Commandant that we really lacked a good, all-weather blue uniform option," Pipan said. Currently, inclement weather options for the blues uniform include the lightweight jacket, the parka and the overcoat. These options provide little protection against rain and are not optimal for all types of inclement weather. An all-weather coat was once issued, but has been retired twice due to lack of use. "For the blue uniform, we brought back the cadet raincoat in modern form," Pipan said. "This will allow us to be that proud 'sea of blue' that we expect in noon meal formation, parades (and) football games." Also new to the cadet uniform issue list will be the Ripstop Airman Battle Uniform. The fabric that makes up this uniform is lightweight and features a Ripstop stitching. Traits of the RABU are the same as the traditional ABU - they are machine washable and wrinkle-free with permanent creases in the arms and legs. "RABUs look essentially the same while providing a higher resistance to tearing incurred during Basic Cadet Training or daily cadet life," said Cadet 1st Class Christian Brechbuhl, a two-time member of the uniform board. "The biggest advantage of having RABUs is they provide a better uniform for the training we conduct." Making a change to uniform wear is no easy process. The majority of recommendations suitably come from the Cadet Wing - surveys are taken and Cadet Wing leadership provides additional input, which is then presented at the board meetings. "The board uses a very deliberate process in analyzing potential changes," Pipan said. "Very important is the business case analysis. Is the change worth it in terms of cost and efficiency and what is the timeline for implementation?" Once the board approves items, they are sent to the Commandant and then to the Superintendent for approval, Pipan said. And while these changes can take several years to implement, cadets remain dedicated to the uniform process as they phase in for incoming cadet classes. "The common uniform instills a sense of pride in the Cadet Wing and connects us to the Air Force as a whole," Brechbuhl said. Academy staff and leadership also praise the cadets on their diligence. "What is really encouraging to me is the level of commitment of the cadets," Pipan said. "(They're) highly motivated, dedicated, analytical, and possess a quite mature perspective on the Air Force's Academy mission and image." In the next meeting, the board will discuss changes to the blues uniform pants and the issue of hydration systems, among other items. Results from the previous two uniform boards include: · Athletic Jacket will be made slightly longer. · Issue of a second Service Coat moves from 4 degree to 3 degree year. · Y-shaped garters will be added to cadet issue. · Rappelling gloves used for courses in Jacks Valley will have a style change. · Boxer briefs will replace the traditional brief. · Compression shorts will be added to cadet issue. · Light weight knee-high boot socks will replace half of the current issue. · Light weight knee-high dress socks will replace the current mid-calf dress sock. · Athletic shorts are migrating to a high wicking non-mesh fabric. · Earmuffs will be added to the blues uniform cold weather gear. · Hydration Bladder -Web belts and canteens are being replaced by hydration systems. . · Parade Pants design will be changed to "bibbers". Phase-in will begin with the class of 2017 and 2018. · Black Combat Boots will be added to the blues uniform.