Army Combat Uniform

The Army Combat Uniform, short ACU is the current combat uniform of the U.S. Army. Unlike the previous battle dress of the U.S. Army, the Battle Dress Uniform ( BDU), the ACU uses a Universaltarnung, called Universal Camo Pattern (UCP), for all regions and seasons. Were still different camouflage patterns for different regions in use, such as Woodland or 3C Desert In the BDU. The digit altar pattern similar to MARPAT camouflage pattern of the U.S. Marine Corps, contains various grays, beiges and greens. Also, various improvements were introduced by soldiers inputs.

Introduction to the troops

The ACU replaced in the U.S. Army BDU, which has been in use since September 1981. Beginning of the introduction to the band was in 2005, and this process was completed by the end of 2007. In the transition period, both the ACU and the old BDU in different camouflage patterns in use. Meanwhile, even considered to replace the Army Combat Uniform Universal Camouflage Pattern in by a version with the MultiCam ® camouflage pattern, as the UCP camouflage pattern has not been as efficient as it was first thought. In Afghanistan, for example, the sand was too dark, so that the ACU was seen from a distance. In addition, the ACU is not suitable for wooded area. There have been seen for example in Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr already newer uniforms with significantly more dark green, but further details about it are unknown. In February 2010, the ACU was decided to replace it with MultiCam, but this will initially only apply to some U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The proven in Iraq ACU will initially continue in the service, to test whether they still can not be used for other regions.

The uniform in detail

The uniform consists of the following parts:

• Headgear: a straight-sided cap, as it has been introduced in 1943 as a patrol or field cap with the U.S. Army, but with stiffened peak and an inside pocket. The ACU is, as usual with the U.S. Army, worn within military installations with the black beret. Wearing the field cap can be ordered by unit leaders when wearing the helmet is not required. Alternatively, the bush or brimmed hat is worn.
• Field Jacket: U.S. Army and name tag with the surname
• Insignia in the center of the chest
• Upper arm pockets with Velcro for badges such as: units, activity and identification badges, such as the U.S. flag as infrared reflecting material badge (this is for friend and foe by day and night). The left pocket has three pen holder.
• Permanent infrared reflective squares are sewn on each sleeve pocket for friend or foe, and can be covered as needed with a Velcro fastener.
• High lockable collar with Velcro closure. This is the " Outer Tactical Vest " ( OTV ), a combat and protective vest worn. Otherwise, the collar is worn in the folded down position.
• Zip of the jacket, with additional Velcro fastener, for use under the OTV

Special

The ACU uses the same camouflage pattern as the MARPAT uniform of the U.S. Marines, but with different colors, namely green, gray and sand. The color black was not used for the uniform, because "real" Black in Nature is virtually nonexistent, and thus more likely to draw attention to themselves, as to camouflage.

In peacetime, the normal, full-color U.S. flag is worn on the sleeve, otherwise a muted color infrared reflective version is supported. And similarly with the other badges.

There are infrared reflectors that serve the friend - foe identification ( IFF Identify Friend - Foe ) at the shoulders.

The cost for each soldier to 76 U.S. dollars per uniform ( only field jacket, Field Trousers, sand-colored T -shirt, socks, belts, badges and name tag, and BDU Cap - other costs caused by sand-colored boots, backpack, vest, helmet, Camelbak hydration system and various MOLLE bags ), as opposed to the old uniform for $ 58. However, this should change with increasing availability in their favor.