The operational camouflage pattern uniform went on sale at the Tinker Air Force Base’s Army and Air Force Exchange Service earlier this month as part of the Air Force’s ongoing transition to a single combat utility uniform to increase readiness and efficacy.
Airmen began purchasing the new uniform at certain Exchanges in April, with other bases including Tinker phasing in throughout the year to ensure production could keep up with the demand. The uniform went on sale at Tinker Aug. 15 and debuted as part of a major sales event that AAFES reported brought in more than $7,700 in sales in the first hour, according to AAFES assistant to the general manager, Rosalina Johnson.
“It was a great debut of the OCP for our Grand Slam event,” Johnson said. “We had great customer turnout for both days and I’m glad we were able to provide a good customer experience for everyone coming to buy the uniform.”
The transition was announced last spring as part of the AF’s change to a single uniform instead of utilizing one for in-garrison and one for deployments. The Army will fully transition to the uniform by Oct. 1, 2019, and the Air Force will fully transition to the uniform by April 1, 2021.
Impetus for the transition originated with Airmen, who provided feedback that the OCP is the most practical, comfortable and battle-tested uniform available. Airmen have consistently indicated that the OCP is a functional uniform and female Airmen have also expressed that the uniform is overall better fitting as well.
“I just recently purchased mine and I’ve found it to be functional,” said Master Sgt. David Walls, 552nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “I’ve heard other Airmen also express similarly how much better they think the uniform is and how it will be a practical change.”
AAFES will also allow Airmen to begin purchasing the uniform online beginning around October. The AF will also outfit Basic Military Training, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and Officer Training School beginning Oct. 1.