Blue Mondays

  • Published
  • By Senior Airmen Ashley Crawford
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Visiting an Air Force base on Monday may seem more "blue" than usual. For Traditional Reservists and some Air Reserve Technicians who may have not worn blues uniform on a consistent basis, there is now a one in seven chance they will.

"During a recent four-star summit, we had several discussions concerning our uniforms, including the wear of our blue uniform on a daily basis," stated General Norton Schwartz, United States Air Force, chief of staff in a recent memorandum to all Air Force personnel. "We all agreed that part of our image, culture, and professionalism is instilled in our blues."

Currently in effect, the memorandum states the blues uniform will be the duty uniform worn every Monday by Air Force personnel.

"We are warriors first and foremost, but we are also a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional force and that's reflected in our uniforms as well as through our history," said Lt. Col. Michael Laughton, 459th Air Refueling Wing, executive officer.

Most are welcoming the new policy, such as Master Sgt. Susan Bruechert, 459th Mission Support Flight, first sergeant.

"I think it's a good thing," added the Sergeant. "It helps to maintain your uniform so that you know it's up to par, and wearing blues gives people a sense of pride."

If blues are not up to par, traveling might be required to locate missing items.

"I went to military clothing to get an idea of what they did or didn't have and the shelves were looking a little bare," said Colonel Laughton. "A cashier explained the order came out on a Thursday and by Monday they were cleaned out."

The policy affects most, but installation commanders have the authority to adjust the policy to meet mission requirements for Airman whose operational duties make the utility uniform a more practical choice.

"You don't pour concrete in blues," Colonel Laughton said. "There is common sense at work here, and above all our mission comes first."

"What we wear doesn't win wars, but it contributes to the war effort. It's very important to be highly visible to the American public. The Air Force blue uniform can be seen and its message understood at a great distance.....an Airman, on duty, serving their country. Someone like that deserves to stand out, not blend in."