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Bidding farewell to BDUs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Saphfire Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In recognition of the battle dress uniform's retirement, Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander, allowed Airmen to give their BDUs one last hurrah on Oct. 31, one day before the official phase-out date.

The BDU was first issued in 1981 following the Vietnam War. It was worn by every branch of service until 2005 when the United States Army began issuing the army combat uniform.

"For over two decades, the BDUs have been our duty uniform, and as stated in our creed, we are faithful to our proud heritage," said Chief Master Sgt. Vincent Howard, 355th Fighter Wing command chief. "Honoring this uniform on its last day of service reflects that."

The U.S. Air Force first began issuing their BDU replacement, the airman battle uniform, to Airmen who were deploying to conflicts in the Middle East. By 2007, the ABU was being distributed to basic trainees and it became available for purchase at military clothing sales stores in 2008.

"I've seen three uniforms in my Air Force career; fatigues, BDUs and now ABUs," said Senior Master Sgt. Basil Payne, 355th Dental Squadron superintendent. "The BDUs were the most comfortable. They had both summer and winter weight and I hope they do the same with ABUs."

Battle dress uniforms became obsolete as of Nov. 1. The ABU is now the only official uniform of the U.S. Air Force and Airmen are no longer authorized to wear the BDU or any of its components, such as black boots.

"When we see the BDU in Air Force historical literature and on display in museums, I think we'll take a measure of pride in the fact that we proudly wore it on its final day," Howard said.