Cecil Harvey, 502nd Logistics Readiness Squadron lead supply technician, helps Air Force basic military training trainees assigned to the 326th Training Squadron during initial issue of the first Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform on Oct. 2, 2019, at JBSA-Lackland, Texas. The OCP uniforms were made available for purchase for Airmen Oct. 1, 2018. The mandatory wear date is April 1, 2021. Air Force photo by Sarayuth Pinthong.
Trainees in the first week of October began receiving new operational camouflage pattern uniforms as they enter basic military training at JB San Antonio-Lackland, Texas—the latest step in a multiyear process to implement the new uniform.
The Air Force is issuing the uniforms to BMT personnel, as well as to those entering the Reserve Officer Training Corps, about a year after the service announced it would adopt the OCP pattern as its standard uniform.
“Trainees who are here in (Airmen Battle Uniforms) will continue to wear them throughout their time here and will be replaced when they get their clothing allowance,” Bernadette Cline, clothing issue supervisor, said in an Oct. 7 USAF release.
The clothing is rolling out over three years, and all must wear OCPs as of April 1, 2021. Boots, socks, and T-shirts must be “coyote brown” as of June 1, 2020, with officer ranks changing to “spice brown,” according to the release.
Airmen already receive OCPs when they deploy.
The Air Force made the switch for a better fit and feel, as well as to blend in with soldiers during joint deployments.