The New Army Combat Uniform
A new camouflage pattern isn't the only uniform update the Army is making. Many aspects of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) are changing as well. From new pockets to the removal of hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures, the ACU is getting a complete makeover.
"I'm very excited about the replacement for the ACU," SMA Chandler said in a virtual town meeting on January 9, 2015. "It's a much better uniform. It provides much better protection for you. We put a lot of thought into the design. I think you'll find it's a much better quality uniform than what you have today."
From new pockets to the removal of hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures, the ACU is getting a complete makeover. These changes were implemented with the release of the new OCP uniforms.
"The Army is making several design changes to the ACU in response to soldier inputs to make their uniform better and more functional," said Army Spokesperson William Layer.
Changes Approved by Army Uniform Board
1. The upper-sleeve pocket will feature a zipper closure instead of a Velcro closure for easier access. These new pockets will look similar to those found on combat shirts.
2. The upper-sleeve pocket will also now be at least 1 inch longer. Feedback on post-combat surveys showed that soldiers require roomier pockets and more room for patches.
3. The new ACUs will no longer offer internal elbow pads and Velcro elbow patches. Both those characteristics were found useless in the field and deemed a waste of money. However, one feature that will stay the same is the doubled fabric for extra reinforcement on the elbow area.
4. Say goodbye to the cord-and-barrel lock on the cargo pocket. It will no longer exist on the new ACUs.
5. ACUs will no longer feature knee pads or patches. There will still be reinforced fabric in the knee area.
6. The lower-leg pocket has previously used a Velcro closure. From now on, it will feature a one-button closure instead.
7. The mandarin collar is no more. Instead, you'll see a traditional fold-down design.
8. Only two pen pockets instead of the usual three.
9. After complaint that the drawstrings on the uniform pants' waistband looks unprofessional, it was proposed they be removed from new ACU pants.
Changes That Didn't Make the Cut
10. The Infrared (IR) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) tag will be still be on the right sleeve but would have been removed from the left sleeve.
11. It was under discussion that lower-leg pockets will be removed completely.
Soldiers will get new boots to accompany the OCP uniform as well. Darker coyote brown boots will replace desert tan boots as the official standard-issue. Major military boot suppliers have already started directing the production of new boots that will comply. It's also expected that gloves will be in this same colorway. Not only will the darker colorway provide better concealment in a wide variety of environments, but it will also hide dirt and wear better than the current desert tan boots.
T-shirts will be also be slightly darker in a tan 499 color. As for all binding components of the uniform, such as loop and hook, thread, zippers, etc., these will also be in tan 499. This color is currently used for MultiCam uniforms.
Images via Army Times
The Army also updated the Army combat shirt. The new version, known as Army Combat Shirt Type II, boasts more camouflage coverage on the sides and chest. Currently it's still made in OEF-CP. No word on when the Type II combat shirt will transition to OCP.
