Modern issue A-2: the new collector item?

[Former.USAF.C130]

Interesting perspective. I would suggest that the current-issue USAF A-2, might be seen as a recruitment tool, making aviation to seem especially glamorous. I have never held a current-issue USAF A-2 in my hands, but I had some experience with the nylon MA-1 jackets of the Vietnam era, and they were nothing to write home about in terms of quality, so I wouldn't expect much from the current issue USAF A-2. As to the CWU, I have the CWU-45. I appreciate that it is light weight, and I can vouch for the fact that the CWU-45 is quite adequate against the low winter temperatures and winds we get around the Chicago area, and yet light enough to wear indoors..

One more thought: what is the likelihood that a leather A-2 was actually worn in the operations of the Gulf War? I was under the impression that the temperature got pretty hot in the region of operations.

 

[ZuZu]

Interesting perspective. I would suggest that the current-issue USAF A-2, might be seen as a recruitment tool, making aviation to seem especially glamorous. I have never held a current-issue USAF A-2 in my hands, but I had some experience with the nylon MA-1 jackets of the Vietnam era, and they were nothing to write home about in terms of quality, so I wouldn't expect much from the current issue USAF A-2. As to the CWU, I have both the 36 and the 45. I appreciate that they are light weight, and I can vouch for the fact that the CWU-45 is quite adequate against the low winter temperatures and winds we get around the Chicago area.

I agree that it's a recruitment tool and I used to see the ROTC Air Force guys wearing them at UC Berkeley when I worked there- from a distance they looked pretty cool. My problem with them is that they had a chance to get the reissue right and instead went with the Avirex/Jeff Clyman Clown Show. It's sad because a square, well proportioned jacket with angular pocket flaps would have looked way better and was totally possible at the beginning. I know it's a silly thing but it bugs me.

 

[Pilot]

With all due respect.
The Stewies and other female personnel in Dubai.. so far disagree

 

[Pilot]

Stuff it!

 

[Pa12]

I agree that it's a recruitment tool and I used to see the ROTC Air Force guys wearing them at UC Berkeley when I worked there- from a distance they looked pretty cool. My problem with them is that they had a chance to get the reissue right and instead went with the Avirex/Jeff Clyman Clown Show. It's sad because a square, well proportioned jacket with angular pocket flaps would have looked way better and was totally possible at the beginning. I know it's a silly thing but it bugs me.

I agree that it's a recruitment tool and I used to see the ROTC Air Force guys wearing them at UC Berkeley when I worked there- from a distance they looked pretty cool. My problem with them is that they had a chance to get the reissue right and instead went with the Avirex/Jeff Clyman Clown Show. It's sad because a square, well proportioned jacket with angular pocket flaps would have looked way better and was totally possible at the beginning. I know it's a silly thing but it bugs me.

I’m with you. Don’t know why they felt they had to “modernize “it. Dropped the ball in my opinion.

 

[Former.USAF.C130]

I agree that it's a recruitment tool and I used to see the ROTC Air Force guys wearing them at UC Berkeley when I worked there- from a distance they looked pretty cool. My problem with them is that they had a chance to get the reissue right and instead went with the Avirex/Jeff Clyman Clown Show. It's sad because a square, well proportioned jacket with angular pocket flaps would have looked way better and was totally possible at the beginning. I know it's a silly thing but it bugs me.

Not making excuses for Mr. Clyman, but he says on the Cockpit website that the current issue A-2 was designed to incorporate changes wanted by USAF pilots. Beyond that, Cockpit is a government contractor, and we know what that means: mediocre product at the lowest feasible cost.

 

[ZuZu]

Not making excuses for Mr. Clyman, but he says on the Cockpit website that the current issue A-2 was designed to incorporate changes wanted by USAF pilots. Beyond that, Cockpit is a government contractor, and we know what that means: mediocre product at the lowest feasible cost.

Everything Clyman says about this is complete bullshit. I lived in those times- I had old Avirex 1978 jackets. Same POS jacket as the supposed pilot inspired new A-2. And I kind of disagree about what you say military stuff- they have standards. CWU's are well designed and sewn as are most actual uniform items. No- I think Clyman lobbied and finally got his way and ruined the whole idea. Hell- look at the new Navy Surface Warfare black jacket- it's cool- it has weird design elements that are interesting (like the odd velcro pocket flaps with fake buttons) and it's very specific.

 

[Former.USAF.C130]

Everything Clyman says about this is complete bullshit. I lived in those times- I had old Avirex 1978 jackets. Same POS jacket as the supposed pilot inspired new A-2. And I kind of disagree about what you say military stuff- they have standards. CWU's are well designed and sewn as are most actual uniform items. No- I think Clyman lobbied and finally got his way and ruined the whole idea. Hell- look at the new Navy Surface Warfare black jacket- it's cool- it has weird design elements that are interesting (like the odd velcro pocket flaps with fake buttons) and it's very specific.

I joined the USAF 60 years ago. I was discharged 56 years ago. I shouldn't be opining on matters which have occurred since. The CWU did not exist then. I have one now, and I like it. I have an old Avirex B-15 leather jacket. The leather is not damaged at all, but the color of the leather has not stood up at all well: the sleeves are a different color than the body, , and the color of the back is much more faded on one side than the other. I was not a great fan of the clothing given aircrews in the mid-1960's. The flight suits were flammable; if you put them in a dryer on "high" they were truly too hot to handle when dried.