Releasing the heat: Rescue Reservists eligible to receive new, light RABUs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Natasha Dowridge
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Rescue Airmen of the 920th Rescue Wing here will now have the option to perform their combat-search-and-rescue missions in a lighter version of the Airmen Battle Uniforms. Patrick is one of 16 test bases for the lighter nylon-cotton blend Rip-stop Airmen Battle Uniforms.

The new summer-weight uniforms will eventually replace the heavier ABUs. The RABUs material is similar to that of the recently phased out Battle Dress Uniform and Army's Combat Uniform.

920th RQW enlisted Rescue Reservists interested in receiving the new uniforms will first need to contact and receive a letter from one of the following individuals.

Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Grant, 920th maintenance squadron, avionics flight chief
Master Sgt. Janita Smith, 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, medial administrative assistant
Tech. Sgt. Wendy Stewart, 308th squadron supply manager
Staff Sgt. Sarah Bolin, 920th aircrew flight equipment technician

Reservists then take the letter to clothing sales where they will receive two sets of summer weight tops, trousers, individual name taps and chevrons. A new ABU hat will also be issued to insure the colors match. Reservists will need to purchase their own specialty badges.

The new RABU hats will be released in November, said Ms. Cheryl Alston, military clothing/north shoppette manager. All pieces of the new uniform are made in America.

Officers will have to purchase their own RABUs.

Military Clothing Sales is located at 514 Falcon Ave, Patrick AFB FL 32925.

For more information about the 920th RQW, log on to the wing's Web site: www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.