Current USAF Issue A-2s

[Marv]

Here are a few pics of my Cooper A2 (Orange label), not sure of the year of manufacture but because of it's spec and use of hardware etc. I think it's probably from the late 80's.









It's patched up as 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, 8th Airforce.

 

[Dumb&dumber]

Label says 01 , so 2001.
Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[morrison2951]

Nice patches! Yep, likely from the late '80's or so as looks like my orange label Cooper A-2 from that era.

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Doctor Damage]

USAF website - rules for wearing A2. Maybe someone currently serving can explain what it all means lol

 

[Stearmen]

USAF website - rules for wearing A2. Maybe someone currently serving can explain what it all means lol

FDU, is Flight Duty Uniform. DFDU is Desert Flight Duty Uniform. this is generally, the Nomex flight suit. Aviation badge would be pilot or air crew wings, and parachutist service aeronautical rating, would be self explanatory!

 

[Doctor Damage]

Someone who is a 46L and wants a Cooper A-2 in new condition should check out this e-Bay listing, price is steep, but it appears unworn and the knits are still tight and snug.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/181935709074?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Monsoon]

USAF website - rules for wearing A2. Maybe someone currently serving can explain what it all means lol

Aircrew are authorized A2s as soon as they have their AO (aeronautical order) regardless if they've finished training or not. For enlisted guys, that AO also gives them their wings. You get your AO and can be taken off flying status for whatever reason, you'll still keep your wings.

Space weenies have to finish their training and be certified before they get the jackets.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Aircrew are authorized A2s as soon as they have their AO (aeronautical order) regardless if they've finished training or not. For enlisted guys, that AO also gives them their wings. You get your AO and can be taken off flying status for whatever reason, you'll still keep your wings.

That allowance seems kinds of daft. If I was in and had the choice I'd never wear leather unless I was actual on-the-job aircrew or retired from it.

Space weenies have to finish their training and be certified before they get the jackets.

I have no idea what the USAF has to do with space - surveilance satellites?

 

[Doctor Damage]

Here's a summary of modern-day A2 contracts (from a Japanese website, of course):

 

[Monsoon]

That allowance seems kinds of daft. If I was in and had the choice I'd never wear leather unless I was actual on-the-job aircrew or retired from it.

I have no idea what the USAF has to do with space - surveilance satellites?

Most guys are with you. They don't wear A2s unless they are on flight status. And the AF has a huge portion of the Space Surveillance gig. Google "ISR".

 

[Stearmen]

Most guys are with you. They don't wear A2s unless they are on flight status. And the AF has a huge portion of the Space Surveillance gig. Google "ISR".

You obviously don't live around here! All the ground bound NORAD and other high tech service member personnel wear them.

 

[Doctor Damage]

^ Maybe they should introduce black A2s for those people, and keep brown A2s for active and retired flight status people.

 

[Dumb&dumber]

Here's a summary of modern-day A2 contracts (from a Japanese website, of course):
m

On Ebay.com, two Cooper A-2 in Horsehide. One here Ebay N# 291620264849

 

[Dumb&dumber]

Two Cooper A-2 Horshide on Ebay.com right now.
One here Ebay N# 291620264849

 

[ButteMT61]

I've noticed that in airports, many pilots now wearing "A-2"s. I say in quotes as they are based on the A-2 design, but are mostly all black and have elastic waistlines. I get that many of those cats are likely more comfy in that, but come on - if I were a pilot, I'd get JC to make me a kickass (black if it's required) A-2 and rock the **** outta that auto-pilot!

 

[bn1966]

Me too Butte....what an Air Stewardess magnet

 

[Banzai]

Certain airlines have an A-2 type jacket as part of their uniform. I think United used to use the G&B Skyline jacket.

 

[Banzai]

I wasn't issued my A-2 until I finished Mission Qual Training in the F-16. It was considered a bit of a rite of passage. Certainly not as soon as I got my AO.

 

[Monsoon]

I wasn't issued my A-2 until I finished Mission Qual Training in the F-16. It was considered a bit of a rite of passage. Certainly not as soon as I got my AO.

Yeah, same here. Seems like according to the reg you can give the dude a jacket when he gets the AO, but I seriously doubt any squadron does.