Civilian guards test new uniform

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Civilian guard members of the 18th Security Forces Squadron got a new look when they began wear testing a prototype uniform Feb. 8.

The civilian guard uniform was designed to match the Airman Battle Uniform. Its lighter color was the result of feedback from civilian guard members.

"Our civilian guard members wanted a lighter color due to the summer heat," said Master Sgt. Mark Finch, 18th SFS master labor contract employee liaison. "We provided them with five color samples which closely resembled the colors in the ABU. The majority of our members chose the tan color."

Different materials were also sampled to suit the needs of the civilian guard members.

"Two samples of different materials were also provided," Sergeant Finch said. "One material was cotton, which was lightweight; however, the material required maintenance to keep a professional appearance. The other material, which was chosen by our civilian guard members, was a polyester blend. This material is low maintenance and does not require ironing."

After a decision was made on the color and material, civilian guard members gave various design ideas. Modifications were added to the traditional Battle Dress Uniform design including a left shoulder pocket for pens and a pocket inside the pants cargo pocket that can hold a cell phone.

Sergeant Finch said designing new boots was more challenging than designing the rest of the uniform.

"We wanted a boot like the desert boots to match the uniform," he said. "The shoe company developed a boot from scratch and the result was a lightweight suede and nylon boot similar to the desert boot. Unfortunately, tan nylon was not available and green was used as a replacement. More than likely, we will go with a boot that is all leather yet still lightweight."

In keeping the entire uniform as low maintenance as possible, the new boot will not require shining or polishing.

Following the design process, the new uniform was presented to Col. Max Kirschbaum, 18th Mission Support Group commander, for approval. Once approval was given for the designs, the next step was to gain the approval of the 18th Wing commander.

"We took advantage of a visit from Brig. Gen. Punch Moulton," said Sergeant Finch. "We had one of our civilian guards in a sample uniform and General Moulton approved the uniform for wear. We then provided all our input to the Government of Japan. The GoJ Labor Management Organization funds and supplies uniforms for our civilian guards."
After several meetings with GoJ and changes made to the uniform, another prototype was produced.

"We still have some time to make minor modifications before the end of the Japanese fiscal year, Feb. 28," said Lt. Col. Greg Foster, 18th SFS commander. "The final uniform will be the result of many people providing suggestions and unit leadership listening to what the wearer wanted.

Hopefully, we'll see all of our civilian guards in the new uniform soon," he said. "It may look odd in the beginning seeing tan uniforms and the woodland BDUs at the gates, but once the Air Force begins distribution of the ABU, the two new uniforms should compliment each other."