Mission-Ready Garb

Without designers having the knowledge of technology and aeronautics, aviation cabin crews would likely survive in the air. Fashion plays a crucial part in the mobility and functionality of our military branches, especially the Air Force. Designers must incorporate sustainable materials & packaging, intelligent fabrics, and even 3D printing for a successful product lifecycle. The AFUO (Air Force Uniform Office) must fit-test and develop patterns for more than 520 individual items. Now more than ever, manufacturers are encouraged to add bold colors and symbols highlighting their country's creative culture and personality. This has, in part, sprouted "aviation fashion," which has taken a life of its own since 2016. It draws from the inspiration of the history and aesthetics of flying. This indeed shows the unknowing appreciation for the Human Systems Division and AFUO. This article will dissect the designers' and engineers' responsibility to ensure mission-ready AF uniforms.

In June of 1950, the USAF image began to form. Officials in the USAF established a "Branch" to oversee the apparel creation effort and became deeply involved, mainly because they needed to acquire individualized uniforms quickly. The Air Force uniform was the subject of study and improvement conducted by the Quartermaster of the Army. Throughout World War II, they began taking measures toward establishing a unique uniform. Jack Waid, an Air Force Materiel Command History Office member, notes that Deputy Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Lauris Norstad of Army Air Forces Headquarters believed that recruiting and morale-boosting might be

achieved with a unique outfit. (2020) The outfits worn by the airmen consisted of summer and winter ensembles, together with many combinations.

Apart from creating uniforms for aircrew and particular purposes, the Aeromedical Laboratory also developed uniforms for operations. Waid mentions, "In mid-1952, when Headquarters Air Research and Development Command (ARDC) (an AFMC antecedent) activated, the Uniform and Personal Equipment Division stood up to specialize in clothing matters. Within ARDC, 52 people directly contributed to the development of Air Force clothing" (2020). Given the wide range of clothing and uniform items that have been established or are in formation, the objective of the Air Force clothing program was significant. Both sexes needed different attire for a variety of jobs and climates. However, most service uniform pieces completed completion of development and were uniquely Air Force in the early 1950s. The needs for flying apparel were thought to be constantly changing and never fully addressed. The idea was that crew-flying suits and aviator gear would likely be modified as aircraft efficiency increased.

"The Air Force uniform has its heritage reaching back to the Balloon Corps of the American Civil War. Thus, from very meager beginnings of simple observation and reconnaissance, the Airman of the transition period and beyond can be proud of the uniform worn by the Air Force" (Waid, 2020). The Enlisted Army Olive Drab (OD) "Ike" jacket or waistcoat uniform was still worn with the brown shoe throughout this transitional time. New Air Force silver/blue chevrons were applied. With a hollow circle surrounding it, this symbol resembles the Air Force's most recent enlisted USAF logo, although it is gold instead of silver. The airmen also donned a gold circle carved out to display the old prop and wings emblem of the United States Army Air Forces (AAF). Even the Army wheel cap had new brass, a gold eagle, and a hollow circle around it. The Air Force's image has evolved; it used various colors, patterns, and textiles. The Air Force is currently perceived as more efficient. Yet, a new outlook for the whole department is rising, which has been and will continue to affect and modernize the uniform look.

The Air Force and Space Force announced a new initiative to put the organization on top in international competition: The Great Power Competition. The main goal is to reshape, refocus, and reoptimize both branches by securing the visual of supremacy in the eyes of other nations, according to the Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall: "We need these changes now; we are out of time to reoptimize our forces to meet the strategic challenges in a time of great power competition" (Reoptimization for Great Power Competition). Military superiority is essential in this upcoming rollout plan, consisting of four central outlooks: develop people, generate readiness, project power, and expand capabilities. In mid-February of this year, an interview was conducted between Sec. Kendall SAF/PA regarding the new rollout, all of the essential "who, what, where, and why" questions were addressed. It is believed that the entire Air Force Department is facing a strategic security and environmental threat. The DAF feels ready for conflict but has yet to prepare for it, which is why fifteen hundred airmen and guardians were involved in this new initiative.

Dress & appearance requirements have been updated since the GDP initiative was announced; there are minor critiques here and there, according to the informational video provided by Staff Sgt—Jazmin Granger on Air Force TV. However, the new PT uniform rollout has more significant changes. The latest sportswear, which is meant to be more comfortable, is

the first time the service has updated its PT clothes in almost 20 years. The new uniform is nearly comparable to the old ones, including a tracksuit, a thinner jacket, ventilated, moisture-resistant running shorts, and lengthier shorts with compartments. The only difference is that it is available in female and male sizes instead of unisex. One hundred fifty airmen in all participated in the clothing evaluation process. Airmen have to start adopting it in 2026 despite its delayed arrival. "The military designs its workout clothing in part due to a 1941 law passed to support American jobs and suppliers that requires military uniforms to be made in the United States, limiting options of major retailers that outsource production," says Courtney Mabeus-Brown, in her article regarding New Air Force PT uniforms roll out after 2-year delay, published in 2024. Unique order uniforms also have significant involvement this year.

Although military uniforms are made to fit typical body shapes, plenty of people have trouble obtaining a proper fit because of their unusual body shapes or even health concerns. Service personnel who do not fit the usual size range are provided with special-order gear by the Air Force. Special-order and custom-measurement are the two most prevalent custom orders—writer and Agile Combat Support Directorate of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Maj. Tiffany Low wrote a segment about this in early March. "First, a service member tries on several standard sizes to determine if a common-size garment can be used. If not, the store associate indicates the best fitting standard size, describes how the garment fits improperly, and takes the service member's body measurements" (Special-order Uniforms Provide Accommodations, 2024). Although special-order uniforms are a crucial bonus to the USAF branch, they continue to expand inclusivity through female fitment.

Initially, the Air Force provided women with several unique uniforms. Women in the Air Force (WAF) began their careers in the same clothes as males, and the Army utilized Army Air Corps uniforms till roughly 1953. Maj. Low notices that the overall rank-and-file staff and upper management favored styles reminiscent of airline flight attendants for the updated Air Force attire. (Female Fitment: Robins distribute new two-piece flight suits, 2023) Fast-forwarding to 2024, women are starting to drive the effort to acquire fresh Advanced Aircrew Combat training as personnel of the 461st Operations Support Squadron and the Robins Women's Initiative Team. Maj. Gloria Ramirez-Hickey discusses this with Kisha Foster Johnson, under 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs. "'This a huge deal because women are typically wearing flight suits made for men,' said Ramirez-Hickey. 'Women Airmen had to either wear huge suits or get them tailored. The new suits account for women's waists, hips, and chest areas, making a more comfortable fit. And when you're comfortable, you can focus on your job'" (Female Fitment: Robins distributes new two-piece flight suits, 2024). According to Ramirez-Hickey, the Air Force Life Cycle Management came up with this program to provide women with specific flight suits. Fifteen thousand outfits were purchased by the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) and given to female active-duty pilots who did not have ejector seats.

Considering the history of USAF uniforms, the new initiatives affecting their evolution, and how service members respond positively to the latest updates, this only highlights how essential designers and engineers in the AFUO, ARDC, AFLC, and AFMC are within the branch. The operational, historical, representative and aesthetically appealing factors within uniform creation alteration are noticeable in every aspect of the Air Force. The US military successfully developed a great representation of creating and maintaining an image for the world to follow.