Airmen can use regular detergent on ABUs

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WASHINGTON --  In two recent announcements, Air Force leaders said Airmen are now authorized to wash their Airmen Battle Uniforms in regular detergent, regardless if the detergent uses optical brighteners, and that a lighter ABU may be available next year.

On March 25, the Army released a memorandum concluding that ABUs laundered with detergents containing optical brighteners do not pose a detection threat to the wearer in an operational environment.

"After reviewing Army test results and conducting follow-on evaluations we have determined that changes from laundering ABUs in detergents containing optical brighteners are negligible," said Lt. Col. Chuck Arnold, chief, recognition and uniforms branch, directorate of force development at the Pentagon.

While any detergent can be used to launder the uniform, fabric softeners or bleach should be avoided. The uniform should be tumble dried at the low heat setting, too.

The ABU, which replaces the temperate and hot-weather Battle Dress Uniform and the Desert Camouflage Uniform, made its first appearance in late summer 2007 when it was issued to Airmen deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan and Southwest Asia. It was also issued in October to basic military trainees in the initial-issue clothing bag. It was authorized for wear by all Air Force personnel, including Reserve and National Guard, in November.

The ABU, which was fit-and-wear tested in 2004 and altered based on feedback, is designed to be a wash-and-wear uniform. Starching and hot pressing is still prohibited; these procedures deteriorate the fiber in the uniform.

In response to criticism that the ABU is too hot, the Air Force's top uniform lab, based at San Antonio's Brooks City-Base, is designing a lighter ABU blouse. While the pants will remain the same, the new blouse will consist of a thinner, more flexible fabric.

The uniform will be indistinguishable from the current design, said Lt. Col. Gary Salmans, 648th Aeronautical Systems Squadron commander. Airmen will be able to purchase the lighter ABU in about a year.