The landscape of United States Air Force uniforms has evolved significantly over the past decade and a half. For nearly thirty years, the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) with its woodland camouflage was the standard for Airmen. However, in a move towards modernization, the Air Force transitioned to the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) starting October 2, 2007, at Basic Military Training. This marked a significant shift in the visual identity of the Air Force. Then, on April 1, 2018, another change occurred as the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), shared with the U.S. Army, began replacing the ABU.
With the ABU now phased out and no longer authorized for official wear, many Airmen are faced with the question of what to do with their旧uniforms. While some may have discarded them or repurposed them for work around the house, others have simply stored them away. Senior Airman Michael A. Sanchez, from the 908th Airlift Wing’s 25th Aerial Port Squadron, recognized a valuable opportunity to repurpose these uniforms by collecting and donating them to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
The Civil Air Patrol, a congressionally-chartered, federally-supported non-profit corporation, serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Their mission is to “transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders” through various programs, including aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services like search and rescue and disaster relief. Crucially, the official uniform for CAP members is the ABU, making them ideal recipients for these retired uniforms.
Sanchez, a former CAP cadet himself and now a Group II noncommissioned officer advisor and historian in CAP’s Georgia Wing, understands the program’s value firsthand. “It’s an outstanding program to be involved in as a kid,” he stated. “It not only instilled in me the core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, but it also taught me discipline, attention to detail, and how to be a better citizen.”
However, Sanchez also recognized a barrier to entry for many aspiring young Americans: the cost of uniforms. While the CAP does not actively solicit donations, they gratefully accept them, with the exception of boots and socks. The transition from ABUs to OCPs within Air Force Reserve Command presented a perfect opportunity. Sanchez realized that National CAP Headquarters, conveniently located at Maxwell AFB, could act as a central distribution point, channeling donated ABUs to CAP units nationwide, thereby enabling more young people to participate.
To kickstart this initiative, Sanchez placed donation boxes in his building, encouraging his fellow Airmen to contribute. He also collaborated with the Reserve and Active Duty Public Affairs offices to broaden awareness of the donation drive. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with donation boxes filling up rapidly.
Chief Master Sgt. Tracey J. Piel, 25th APS aerial port manager, expressed immense pride in Senior Airman Sanchez’s proactive and innovative approach. “When one of my Airmen approaches me with an idea that they want to develop, or a problem with a solution, it is truly rewarding,” she commented. She lauded their forward-thinking mindset, recognizing these individuals as the future leaders of the Air Force.
Piel emphasized the synergy between the USAF and the CAP, highlighting their shared commitment to national defense and service, albeit through different avenues. She views the ABU donation effort as a valuable means of strengthening the partnership between the Air Force and CAP. “Airmen are uniting for a cause while providing for our CAP partners who in turn provide the Air Force and community with invaluable support,” she affirmed, describing it as a mutually beneficial endeavor.
CAP Col. Jayson A. Altieri, past Chairman of the CAP Board of Governors and Alabama Wing member, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the cost-saving benefits of Sanchez’s initiative for CAP volunteers and its alignment with the Total Air Force concept. “CAP, through our congressionally mandated Aerospace, Cadet, and Emergency Services programs, saves the total US Air Force millions of dollars annually by freeing up Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Reserve assets for other critical homeland security missions,” he explained. “Airman Sanchez’s efforts to help equip members with serviceable field uniforms means our CAP volunteers can refocus their efforts and financial contributions to other lines of effort.”
Captain George Yarchak, CAP Maxwell Composite Squadron deputy commander for cadets, expressed his gratitude for the influx of donated field uniforms, which are essential for supplying cadets aged 12 to 18. “I am proud of the tradition and relationship we share with the Active, Guard, and Reserve Units of the USAF,” he stated. “We are honored to wear the ABU field uniforms.”
For Airmen looking to donate their old ABUs, the process is straightforward. Items should be clean, serviceable, and devoid of name tapes. However, there is no need for dry-cleaning or removal of unit patches, rank, or service tapes. Donations of dress blues and shoes are also welcome. By donating your no-longer-needed Airman Battle Uniform Camo, you can contribute to the development of future aerospace leaders and support the vital missions of the Civil Air Patrol, ensuring these uniforms continue to serve a purpose within the Air Force family.
