Camp Atterbury, IN —
Sitting on top of the Hummer, wearing the new Airman Battle Uniform under-armor shirt.
Whenever we wear our Individual Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV, aka, body armor,) we sweat, a lot. First of all, they’re heavy (because of the ceramic bulletproof plates inside.) Second, we wear them over our uniform, which, until now, has consisted of a t-shirt, and an extremely hot outer shirt.
We found out a few days ago that our team is the first to be issued a new Air Force uniform item … a long-sleeve t-shirt designed to be worn under the body armor. Modeled after a shirt the Army already wears, it is supposed to keep us a bit cooler while wearing it, but still provide the camoflauge and protection of wearing the outer shirt.
I tried my new shirt on for the first time today. It’s okay, but I don’t think I’ll wear it much (unless I have to.) I didn’t really notice the difference in temperature … I still perspired a lot when wearing it with my IOTV.
But I’m not complaining … at least they’re giving us new gear.
