Optical brighteners OK for ABUs Published Sept. 9, 2008 KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- Airman Battle Uniform care instructions have changed. Initial ABU optical brightener policy was based on Army research and guidance. In 2007 the Army conducted an extensive field evaluation with uniforms laundered in various detergents with and without optical brighteners. The Army's testing determined that Army combat Uniforms laundered in detergents containing optical brighteners do not pose a detection threat to the wearer in an operational environment. After reviewing the Army's test results, the Air Force's ABU research came to the same conclusions. Effective immediately, the ABU may be laundered in detergent containing optical brighteners. All other care instructions on the inside label of the garment should be adhered to. If you have any questions, call Capt. Johnathan Zulauf, military personnel flight commander, at 846-8979 or Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Engram at 846-5459.