DAFB dual status

To: Senators Biden, Carper and Congressman Castle


We, the undersigned from Dover AFB, wish to inform you of our displeasure concerning dual status Air Reserve Technicians "ARTS" uniform wear while in civilian status. ARTS have two rolls, Monday through Friday we are in civilian status, during drill weekends and annual tours we are in military status. These two rolls are distinctively separate because our civilian pay grades do not match our military pay grades. We as WG/GS employees are not permitted to perform supervisory duties; therefore if we wear the uniform to work we cannot legally perform the rolls of our rank in the military. If forced to wear the uniform Monday through Friday, and render proper customs and courtesies we would essentially be giving our services at a discount rate considering we do not receive the pay or benefits of our active duty counter parts. The initial cost alone for the AF in the first year would be 7.5 million dollars with an annual fee each additional year to put its dual status employees "ARTS" in uniform full time. During a time of war where our resources need the money more than anything is this a logical venture for the Reserves? By doing this the AF runs the risk of losing experienced technicians to preserve their rights as civilians. Not because they are unpatriotic or ashamed of the uniform. Because they dont want to ruin the integrity of the stripes on their arms.

That being said, we the undersigned from Dover AFB are requesting your support and leadership in stopping this ill conceived idea that civilian employees need to wear the military uniform while in civilian status.