Airmen who aren’t keeping up with the uniform changes that went into effect Oct. 1 may find themselves out of regulation. Airmen may no longer wear the black fleece as an all-purpose environmental camouflage parka liner. Further, the 2EXX, 3AXX, and 3CXX legacy badges are no longer worn and the green fleece outer garment must have a name, service designator, and rank affixed to it. The 100-percent wool pullover sweater also is now prohibited. It will be replaced with a looser fitting, smooth fabric pullover sweater. Air Force Personnel Center officials have also announced that the phase-out date is Dec. 31 for the gray and dark blue scarves, mittens, and earmuffs. Also, wearing the Battle Dress Uniform and the Desert Combat Uniform is authorized until Nov. 1, 2011. After that, the Airman Battle Uniform and ABU items will be mandatory. (Wright-Patterson report by Brad Jessmer)
Active-duty transgender troops have until June 6 to self-identify and begin the voluntary separation process or wait and risk possible involuntary separation later—even as questions linger over how that decision might affect their security clearances for future employment.