Missile field defenders receive multi-cam uniforms

by Senior Airman Brittany Y. Bateman
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

2/10/2015 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.  -- Security forces Airmen across 20th Air Force began receiving the new Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern uniform Feb. 2, 2015.

The OCP includes cold-weather gear, which provides seven levels of protection against the extreme conditions encountered at northern-tier bases, as well as new duty gear and personal protective equipment that has been redesigned with the missile field mission in mind.

Defenders at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota are no strangers to the harsh weather those bases can bring, as well as challenges typical to the missile field terrain.

"The push for the model defender uniform started about a year ago," said Capt. Michael Morgan, 91st Security Support Squadron officer in charge of operations. "The 91st SFG commander at the time felt that the current pattern, the Airmen Battle Uniform, was not sufficient for the tactics and the mission that we perform out in the missile field."

These items include ballistic glasses, new pouches, knee and elbow pads, multi-tools, plate carriers and extreme weather clothing.

"The push was to use similar patterns to those we have in Afghanistan, so we incorporated that into the model defender uniform," Morgan said. "With the environment we work in year around, specifically the cold weather, we need something that can give our Airmen the warmth they need to be out in the drastic temperatures we work in."

While receiving the new uniforms, many Airmen expressed their excitement to get the improved gear.

"I like the new uniforms. They fit better and are a lot more comfortable," said Airman 1st Class Charles Schultz, 791st Security Forces Squadron response force leader. "Especially when we go out to the field and we're providing security for the missiles. It's a lot more comfortable to be in the new uniforms."

The first group of defenders will begin wearing the uniform Feb. 9, 2015. Distribution of the gear is expected to be complete by the end of March.

The Model Defender Program is one of many Force Improvement Program initiatives in which leadership made wholesale changes to better empower the Airmen to ensure they had the resources needed to be effective in their jobs. The command collected more than 300 FIP recommendations from the Airmen in the field, and the roll-out of the OCP uniform is proof that their ideas get implemented.