Rare item! U.S.A.F. Staff Sergeant rank insignia for ABU Gore-Tex (size 6)

This is a loop-style colonel rank patch for the United States Air Force.

The color is gray.

Reference:
The ACU (Army Combat Uniform) is a new type of camouflage uniform that the US Army began deploying in April 2005. It was adopted as the successor to the green-based BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) used since around 1980 and the DCU (Desert Camouflage Uniform) used in combat in desert regions. Camouflage patterns used include UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern), OEFCP (Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern), and OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern). In 2014, OCP was approved for use by the US Army as the official camouflage pattern, with unit deployments beginning in 2015. As a result, ACU (Universal Camouflage Pattern) is being phased out, with military suppliers selling remaining stock.

The US Air Force announced that all aircrew members will transition from the flight suit to the OCP uniform. Starting from October 1, 2018, all aircrew members are allowed to wear the OCP uniform, and the wear-out date for ABU was April 1, 2021.

The patches, rank insignias, and unit patches/nametapes for ACU (UCP pattern) and ABU (Airman Battle Uniform) will become rare items in the future.

These are actual patches and rank insignias from military surplus and military supply vendors.

The GORE-TEX parka for ACU and ABU is worn with the tab on the chest.

Size: 38×49mm

Search terms:
USAF
ABU
APECS
Colonel

Type: Patch/Wappen/Insignia
Category: US Air Force