Fleece liner not an option for RAF Mildenhall outer garment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Thomas Trower
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Leaders at all levels of the 100th Air Refueling Wing here are reminding Airmen the sage green fleece liner should not be worn as an outer garment, in accordance with current Air Force and U.S. Air Forces in Europe policy.

Wear guidance for the green fleece formerly worn only as the All-Purpose Environmental Clothing System liner has yet to be released and incorportated into Air Force Instruction 36-2903, "Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel," although exceptions exsist for Airmen deployed in the Air Forces Central area of responsibility.

"The green fleece jacket should not be worn as an outer garment until Air Force guidance is published," said Chief Master Sgt. Antonio Hickey, 100th ARW command chief, in an e-mail to all 100th ARW first sergeants. For Airmen needing alternative ways to bundle up for the oncoming winter season, the chief went on to state that USAFE policy on the mixing of Airman Battle Uniform and Gortex parka has been extended.

"Airmen working in conditions that require exposure to extended periods of cold and wet conditions may 'mix and match' the ABU uniform with the Gortex cold weather garments," stated Gen. Roger Brady, USAFE commander, in his Oct. 29, 2008 policy memorandum. "The 'mix and match' combination should be worn much like maintenance coveralls -- in the location where individuals are exposed to the cold and wet but not for wear to and from the duty station or elsewhere on the installation (i.e. BX, Dining facility, etc.)."

Results of the 98th Air Force Virtual Uniform Board released June 10, 2009, and subsequently updated two days later, identified the fleece over garment wear option, however postponed wear guidance to be determined by the Air Force Personnel Center at a later date.

As for the AFCENT fleece liner wear exception, Airmen are authorized the wear of the Air Force sage green liner as an outer garment. This is not to be confused with the Army green fleece liner, which may only be worn by Airmen assigned to Joint Expeditionary Taskings, or the older black fleece liner.
"The [Air Force sage green] liner may only be worn with the ABU by Airmen serving inside the wire and when worn as an outer garment, it will be zipped to mid upper-chest. In the interim, while HQ USAF develops wear option and policy for the liner; rank, service and name tape will not be worn," said Maj. Gen. William Holland, AFCENT deputy commander, in his policy memorandum dated Jan. 19, 2009. "Be advised, Airmen are not authorized to wear the Army green fleece liner, unless they are currently serving in a Joint Expeditionary Training Tasking and the Army liner was issued prior to deployment. Also, please note the black fleece liner is not authorized for wear as an outer garment."