Airmen Wearing New Uniform in Afghanistan

More than 180 joint expeditionary tasking airmen assigned to provincial reconstruction teams in Afghanistan are wearing the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, uniform, this summer as their everyday uniform. These are the first Air Force personnel to don it. “OCPs have a more advanced camouflage pattern that blends in with the Afghan terrain, making our airmen safer and more effective on the battlefield,” said Lt. Col. Shawna McGowan, Air Force future programs branch chief. “The material is also flame resistant, lighter weight than the [Airman Battle System-Ground uniform] and [Airman Battle Uniform], and contains a pre-applied bug repellant.” Feedback has been positive. “OCPs are significantly lighter and breathe easier than ABUs,” said SrA. Sandra Welch, a PRT photographer deployed from Luke AFB, Ariz. Air Force officials have said the OCP will eventually become in-theater standard issue for all USAF personnel. (Khost report by Capt. David Tomiyama)