Around the Air Force Published May 27, 2009 JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- Officials discourage aspirin use by troops in combat zones Defense Department officials are directing servicemembers and government civilians deployed in overseas war zones to refrain from taking aspirin unless under a doctor's orders. Military medical authorities also advise that troops slated for deployment to combat zones should cease taking aspirin at least 10 days before departure. For more information, read the Air Force Print News story at http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123147097. Air Force officials standardize informal uniform A standardized informal uniform is now authorized for wear and will be mandatory starting Jan. 1, 2011. Informal uniform items will be bought through the local purchase program. For uniform details, read the Air Force Print News story at http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123149476. New uniforms: Comfortable, functional are goals Officials from the Uniform Program Office continue to work for Airmen, researching and purchasing uniforms that provide more function, protection and comfort. Current and near-term uniform needs will take precedence over introducing long-range new initiatives. Upcoming changes include a lighter weight fabric for the ABU coat; increased production of APEC parkas; a new policy allowing commanders to authorize wear of black boots in specific industrial work areas; fielding fire-resistant equipment to protect Airmen from burns caused by explosive devises or fire experienced during ground combat (for Airmen on specific missions); and a new PT uniforms. For more information, read the Air Force Print News story at http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123149221. After market uniforms may present risk The Air Force authorized a single all-season version of the Airman's Battle Uniform, or ABU, for wear service-wide, making any other version or claims of a summer weight uniform unauthorized. The one exception is a 100 percent cotton ABU, which is only authorized for wear in the firefighter and electrician career fields. The official authorized ABU is only available from AAFES. The current issue ABU is designed to be worn in all climates. All claims or advertisements for a summer ABU are not recognized by the Air Force, and any uniform consisting of the rip-stop material is unauthorized. For more information, read the Air Force Print News story at http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123150536.