Two different USAF Digital Tigers (ABU)?

Hi all,

I was at a shop a few days ago and they had a ton of ABUs that were military inspector rejects (black lines through contract numbers). I noticed two distinctly different models. One is the standard issue with inside pockets while the other lacked inside pockets. Because the contract numbers were destroyed by the black magic marker lines, I couldn't get the usual info. I was kinda in a rush by the time I saw them so I couldn't look at them closely. But I'd have to say that other than the pockets on the inside, there was no other significant difference. Both seemed to be made for the government, not commercial purposes, and the guy running the shop confirmed they were all rejects straight from the factories (there were 2 or 3 different factories on the tags I checked). Anybody know anything about this?

Steve

if it's anything going by my Gen1 tigers, the prototypes only had 2 chest pockets on the jacket. But then again they are rejects and that could have been why they were rejected.

I've been told most USAF personnel cut out the inside pockets in Iraq due to the heat.

I hope I would have noticed if the other style had only 2 pockets vs. 4, but then again I was pretty tired by that point so who knows

Because the dates were unreadable I couldn't determine when the other version was made. My two sets (which came from a PX) have 2006 contract dates on them. I suppose if the internal pockets were deemed a negative then perhaps the model without internal pockets is a more recent issued item?

BTW, this is typically how the US does "trials". It spends a ton of money testing out one thing and then puts something else into production that's almost completely different

Steve

Well, well... it appears that the ABU has in fact changed:

Based on some discussions on an Air Force forum, it looks like the change was made in early 2008 or perhaps late 2007. Thinner material, no internal pockets. Both changes apparently designed to deal with the fact that they are too hot. At the time the clothing shops had a mix of both, so definitely a transition period.

Based on this article there may be more changes coming along too:

http://www.4af.afrc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123106483

Another article talking about the new ABU "coming soon", yet as mentioned it was already appearing in base clothing stores. Strange:

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/05/airforce_lighter_abus_050808w/

Good to get that little curiosity itch scratched

Steve

It must be nice...I have YET to acquire an ABU....noone seems to have them anywhere around here...
OF COURSE...I am looking for ones badged....

Steven

You won't likely find used ones for a while. Many bases still are only now getting stocks for first issues.

Steve

Speaking of ABUs, my friend in Qatar sent me a locally embriodered boonie in the ABU embriodered for my CAP squadron. I will post pics when I get the time.
Andrew