The Monday Blues

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  For those tired of the monotony of wearing the same uniform every day, Airmen will now have the choice of short sleeve with an open collar or long sleeve with a tie. 

These are decisions that most Airmen will have to make each Monday from here on out due to a new Air Force policy that went into effect Monday. 

"During our recent four-star summit, we had several discussions concerning our uniforms, including the wear of our blue uniform on a routine basis. We all feel that part of our image, culture, and professionalism is instilled in our blues," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz in his Sept. 4 policy letter. 

With the new uniform policy change, not all Airmen will have to wear their blues once a week. Blues will be worn by Air Force personnel in appropriate carrier fields, General Schwartz said. He also stated that installation commanders have the authority to adjust the new policy to meet mission requirements. 

Although the new uniform of the day for Monday came as a surprise, many were more than willing to don their blues once a week. 

"I like wearing the blues uniform. Everyone looks sharp," said Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, command chief of the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein. "I'm happy to see that the Air Force is getting back to an old tradition. When I walked out of the gym this morning it was refreshing to see everyone in their blues." 

It was not only senior enlisted members who were excited about the policy change, but also junior enlisted members who could not wait to get back to Air Force roots. 

"I believe wearing blues reminds you that you are part of something bigger than yourself. There is a history to the Air Force, the history of the Airmen that have come before us - we need to remember that," said Staff Sgt. William Lane, 1st Combat Communications Squadron. "Wearing blues can remind us of our history and take us back to basics: 'Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.'" 

Not only did the policy change come as a shock to countless Airmen, but it also left numerous Airmen at clothing sales who were trying to get their blues in order for the first day of mandatory wear. 

"It seemed the whole base was in here Friday and Saturday. It was a mad house," said Marion Weber, manager of Ramstein clothing sales. 

However, she believes it was a first time rush, and the store has increased orders to fulfill future needs. 

Prior to Sept. 11, 2001, the main uniform for most Airmen were blues.