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ACC command chief talks uniforms, EES with Shaw’s enlisted

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  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • 9th Air Force Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Airman Battle Uniform, physical training uniform and the Enlisted Evaluation System were the main topics of discussion during an enlisted call here Sept. 19 with Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Sullens, Air Combat Command command chief.

"I want to talk about what's important to you," he said.

He began with the Airman Battle Uniform.

"What color is your boot?" the chief asked an audience member who was wearing green suede boots. "It's the color of hydraulic fluid. That doesn't work."

A green leather boot that doesn't require shining is currently being tested, Chief Sullens said. The weight of the uniform is also being examined. However, the ABU will be the official AF combat uniform, but it's still being modified.

"Including new pocket placements, weight and making it fire resistant," the chief said. "The Army is on their seventh rendition of their new uniform. Remember, this is our first."

The new fire-resistant equipment for the ABU, the Airman Battle System - Ground, looks like the ABU, but it's not the same, he said. It is equipment that is designed to allow Airmen to go out in harm's way. The Air Force is waiting for delivery of the uniforms.

Chief Sullens then addressed issues with the PT uniform that are being reviewed, including the size and material of the shorts, the material of the shirts and the addition of a long-sleeve shirt.

The chief also talked about the new Enlisted Performance Report.

"Even with the new EPR, we still talk about the system being inflated," he said.

The chief advised NCOs to set standards of evaluation and support them.

Chief Sullens closed by thanking Airmen for their service.

"If we're not doing what we are doing here and forward (to fight the Global War on Terrorism), we would be (fighting the war) here, so thank you," Chief Sullens said.