The silver oak leaf of the USAF Lieutenant Colonel insignia is rendered as dark blue for the subdued cloth rank insignia that Air Force regulations require for the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) and black for the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) utility uniform. Lieutenant Colonels also wear subdued cloth rank insignia with the APECS (All-Purpose Environmental Clothing System), the ECWCS (Extended Cold Weather Clothing System), Woodland Gore-Tex Jacket, Improved Rain Suit, and on the Patrol Caps worn with the ABU and OCP.
While the OCP will eventually replace the ABU (all personnel must have replaced their ABUs with OCPs by 1 April 2021), it is not simply the ABU with a new camo pattern. Other changes include rank insignia placement (all personnel wear rank insignia on the chest of the OCP coat), optional attachment methods (personnel may opt to sew insignia directly onto the chest or use the Velcro mount for easy attachment and removal), and new uniform components (Coyote Brown T-shirts and boots).
Use the “Pattern” and “Style” selectors to the right to customize an insignia for attachment to a specific uniform or uniform component. Refer to AFI 36-2903 for wear guidance or use the basic outline below to make your choices.
ABUSew-on: ABU coat collars, Patrol Cap
Rank with Velcro: Sage Green fleece (when worn as outer garment with ABU)
Gortex Loop: APECS, Improved Rain Suit
OCPSew-on: OCP chest, Patrol Cap
Rank with Velcro: OCP chest, Coyote Brown fleece (when worn as outer garment with OCP)
Gortex Loop: ECWCS, Woodland Gore-Tex Jacket
More USAF Lieutenant Colonel Insignias and Devices