Back in black

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scotty Sweatt
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Esprit de corps is not just a phrase at the 916th Aerospace Medicine Flight, it is the way they do business. Recently, 916th AMDF Commander Col. William Bobbitt had an idea designed to strengthen the bonds not only within his squadron, but in squadrons through-out the 916th Air Refueling Wing. As of the June unit training assembly, 916th ARW personnel are authorized to wear black T-shirts under their Airman Battle Uniforms.
Col. Bobbitt said that he thought of the pride instilled in the flying community relating to the wear of one's individual squadron colors with their flight suits. He discussed the idea of having their own distinctive colored T-shirts within his squadron where he received overwhelming approval from squadron members. 

Col. Bobbitt approached 916th Wing Commander Col. Fritz Linsenmeyer detailing the idea of having each squadron in the 916th ARW wearing their own colored T-shirt on Sundays of each UTA to show their squadron pride. Col. Bobbitt said that upon receiving feedback from Col. Linsenmeyer "He loved the idea." 

Unfortunately, as the idea was researched, there appears to be a concern as to whether or not the wear of colored T-shirts under the ABU is authorized. But no worries, not to be defeated Col. Bobbitt sits proudly wearing his black T-shirt, which does appear to be authorized for this purpose. "We are wearing the black to capture the spirit of what we are trying to do", said Col. Bobbitt. He admits that it is a disappointment not to be able to wear their colors, noting the unit cohesion that he has seen in other squadron s from similar initiatives, but he takes it all in stride. 

916th ARW personnel are encouraged to support these efforts by wearing their black T-shirts during Sunday of the drill weekends.