Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper talked to airmen at Fairchild AFB (WA) about upcoming changes in the Air Force during a visit to the base on August 22.

He shared his thoughts on the new uniform, deployment issues and the acquisition of new tankers.

One change he mentioned was what's going to happen to the Air Force, which is researching a replacement for the current battle dress uniform.

"Anyone who wears the current uniform knows the first time you take it to the dry cleaners that will be the last time any air passes through it. And a lot of times we find ourselves out on ramps in 115-degree temperatures," he said. [He didn't comment on the availability of dry cleaners in battle zones --ed.]

Researchers are experimenting with the same materials the Marines use in their new uniforms. "With the borrowing of the material, we also borrow the durability and wash-and-wear characteristics, which saves our people money," said Jumper. "Right now we are still in the test stages," he said. "We are still playing with the different camouflage patterns."

Three hundred uniforms are being tested in hot and cold conditions, and the people doing the testing and suggesting the improvements are airmen doing their jobs out in the field, Jumper said. "All I ask is that you give (them) a try, and then decide if you like them or not," he said.

Tanker Deal Should Be Quick

Addressing the proposed lease of new aerial refueling aircraft, the general said if the deal is closed, he is confident the transition will be quick.

Air Force officials selected, and the Defense Department has approved, the Boeing 767 as its tanker candidate. The new aircraft will be able to deliver 20 percent more fuel than the 43-year-old KC-135E model. It can be refueled in flight and has the capability to refuel Air Force, Navy, Marine and allied aircraft on every mission.

"We should be able to do the same mission with fewer airplanes, and we don't take away the crews, so the crew ratios will be higher," he said. "If you have a higher crew ratio, you get an airplane that is more reliable (and is) available more of the time, and we should be able to make this job easier even if the ops tempo stays high," Jumper said.

"We have proven in our recent battles that we are the world's greatest Air Force," he said. "And, while it may be tough to constantly improve the best, the Air Force continues to do so."

[Thanks to Airman Christie Jurgens, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs --ed.]

FMI: www.af.mil