USAF: Air Force uniforms: How materials are selected

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- Air Force Uniform Office officials have a responsibility to provide Airmen with functional and effective military uniforms, but in doing so are asked the same question over and over: "Why can't you just purchase clothing from a brand company and put the Air Force symbol on it?"

The answer to this question may be summed up in two words: Berry Amendment.

According to the Berry Amendment, USC, Title 10, Section 2533a, Department of Defense officials are required to give preference in procurement to domestically produced and manufactured products, most notably food, clothing, fabrics and specialty metals. Congress originally passed domestic source restrictions, as part of the 1941 Fifth Supplemental DOD Appropriations Act, to protect the domestic industrial base in the time of war.

What this means is a company that makes its product entirely in the U.S. will be given preference over a company that has any aspect of its production from a foreign source.

There have been many comments coming from the field asking why AFUO officials don't contract with a major clothing producer, such as Nike or Under Armor for physical fitness uniforms, to provide uniform items upon which the Air Force logo could be placed.

"All of the uniform items -- service dress, PT, utility, flight suits -- must be manufactured in the U.S.," said Maj. Michael Perry, Air Force clothing program manager. "The (Berry) amendment holds us to this in order to preserve not only American business, but national security."
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