SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 – The U.S. Space Force has begun its service dress prototype wear testing, which will continue for three months as Guardians evaluate and provide feedback on the durability, functionality and comfort of the new uniform design. The wear tests signify the final stage of uniform development prior to production and force-wide distribution.
More than 106 Guardians across the world have begun wear testing the Space Force service dress prototype. Testers will receive the most updated lightweight jackets, service dress coat, pants, skirts and shirts. They will also receive a guideline handbook for proper wear of the uniform, a wear-test log, uniform history and feedback survey link.
“I’m proud to wear a uniform that represents our service’s unique culture and symbolizes the Guardian values we adhere to,” said U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear, who was also selected to wear test the new uniform. “By integrating feedback from Guardians at every step, our uniform was designed to promote public recognition of the Space Force’s critical role in protecting and defending our nation.”
“I am excited to be one of the Guardians selected to test wear our service dress uniform; a visible representation of our unique culture,” said U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Whitney, Director of Staff for the Space Force. “The path for development of our uniform has been as unique as our service, with many variations over the last two years based on direct feedback from Guardians worldwide.”
The Space Force selected Guardians from eight installations to test how the uniform performs in different climates: Camp Smith, New York; Cavalier Space Force Station, North Dakota; Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas; Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; Lackland AFB, Texas; Landstuhl Air Base, Germany; Vandenberg Space Force Base, California; and Yokota AB, Japan.
“Upon initially viewing the new service uniform, I was attracted to the distinct look of the coat,” said U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. Kristopher Jaynes, Peterson Space Force Base uniform volunteer. “It was unlike any other dress uniform. Then putting the uniform on, I immediately noticed how comfortable it was. The material stretched with the movement of the body, lightweight and non-restrictive. The uniform team have done an outstanding job by delivering a unique and functional uniform to the field.”
“The new Space Force service dress was designed with deliberate consideration for utility, function, quality, and heritage,” added Col. James Jenkins, Director of the Change Management Team in the Office of the Director of Staff.
The Space Force unveiled its initial service dress uniform sample in September 2021, after which Guardian feedback was solicited through several events to further develop the prototype. The service completed its final service dress uniform fit test March 27-31 at the Pentagon.
Overcoming material shortages and supply chain delays during the COVID-19 pandemic, the wear test is underway and will conclude near the end of the calendar year. Once the feedback is analyzed and completed, production of the uniform will begin and be available to all Guardians in 2025.
By SAF/PA Staff Writer
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs