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Editorial: ABU could be even better

The new airman battle uniform is winning praise from the right people as it makes its debut in the war zone. Airmen wearing the ABU say they like it, and — perhaps as important — so do the soldiers with whom they are serving.

Such sentiments will bolster airmen’s pride.

The initial objections to the digital tiger-stripe pattern have faded. Instead, airmen praise the permanent press material, which looks crisp even after a day in the field. And they like having a single uniform to wear both inside and outside the wire, instead of two.

Still, they have two serious concerns:

• They worry that the denimlike fabric is too heavy and hot.

• They are concerned that there is not yet a fire-resistant version available.

It may be that the weave of the fabric will make the ABU more breathable than the starched uniforms most airmen have now. But the fact is that the Marine Corps desert utility uniform uses a similar heavy-weight fabric — but only for the trousers. The Marines’ blouse is made from a lighter material.

The Air Force apparently kept costs down by having both pieces cut from the same cloth. But while that was meant to be a good deal for the Air Force, it may not be such a good deal for airmen working in the summer sun. Heat and discomfort don’t just sap energy — they can sap morale, as well.

Of greater urgency, however, is the pressing need for a fire- resistant ABU.

Both the Army and Marine Corps have recently introduced fire-resistant versions of their battle uniforms. The Marine Corps has delivered its version to troops in the war zone, and the Army is about to. The Air Force must follow suit — and fast.

Roadside bombs are the leading cause of death in the war zone — two airmen were killed in such an attack near Kirkuk last week — and a uniform that suppresses fire can limit injuries and possibly save lives.

Air Force officials say they intend to follow the Army’s lead — a wise move that can save duplication of effort — but they cannot afford to dawdle. A fire-resistant ABU is needed as soon as possible. Lives depend on it.