The New BDU Appears: 
The Air Force has rolled out its new battle dress uniform, saying it will be available in Fiscal 2007. This latest one survived the wear test that proved the undoing of an earlier blue, tiger stripe version. Officials say the new BDU incorporates things that airmen said they wanted, including pockets for small tools and pockets that are useable even when wearing body armor. They describe the color as “soft earth tones” of tan, grey, green, and blue. It’s also supposed to be easier to maintain—no ironing. And, the term of preference is ABU—for Airman Battle Uniform.
Trainees in Basic Military Training and technical school no longer have the option to try alternate PT drills if they fail an initial assessment, according to a policy change the Air Force made in April. The move is part of a larger shift out of the classroom and into hands-on,…