Unit patches and skill tabs don't make a damn bit of difference in a fight ("Really!?"), but good luck convincing the badge hunters to give up wearing their knick-knacks on their cammies. This seems like a good compromise.



Personally, I liked wearing isomat kneepads inside the pockets on my MCCUU's, I thought they were far more comfortable while patrolling or climbing than the Altas. The drawback there is increased wear on the fabric at the knees.



IMO, the US military is so enamored with the IBA and SAPI that chest pockets are a moot point anywhere other than garrison. That's why I like the velcro closures on the MCCUUs, I can get to my ID card easily in garrison, and I never use the chest pockets in the field.



That actually sounds like a pretty good idea, depending on how well they carry it off.



This is the first feature listed that I will actually come out and say is not such a good idea. This is begging for Murphy to swing into action and snag some guy's cuff while on patrol, producing the characteristic RRRIIIIIIIIIP.



Yeah, should've gone with the buttons. It can be a PITA to close, but you're going to use these pockets in a tactical environment, so go for the quieter solution.



I like.



It's about time somebody woke up. I think the Marine Corps may be taking steps to ban Underarmour Shirts.

Overall, I think it's a good move. I hope they change the color scheme from what is shown in the picture, though.

I didn't see this posted earlier but here is an overview.

Its a PDF file so it takes some time to load.

New BDU

FWIW, the SMA came and talked to a smattering of units at my post. I was able to fondle.. yes, fondle, the new uniform.

In all honesty, I can't wait for this to show up so I can get it. It's not perfect, but it sure is a better answer for what is needed as a uniform. Looks like I'll be getting one sooner than everyone else..

Yaay. Stryker. :rolleyes:

Here is the latest in Canadian Combats (not that your not familar with it I'm sure).

Center and bottom drawsting
Inside velcro pocket (ie ID)
Cargo Pants have sand traps and velcro front pockets with large leg pockets with buttons.
Only complaint is that there should be pockets along the sleeves.
Not sure what the fabric is off hand
Later generation of the pants and shirt have an overlap of fabric covering the pocket buttons.
Name tag and flag is velcro, rank is a slip on.
Cuffs are buttons.
Also keep in mind that this is the standard across the whole army, whether they are logistics or ground pounders.


http://image1.lightbox7.com/scoobienewbie/dsc00475.jpg
http://image1.lightbox7.com/scoobienewbie/dsc00476.jpg
http://image1.lightbox7.com/scoobienewbie/dsc00477.jpg

Sorry for the bad quality.

more pics
 

more pics

I was watching the History Channel the other day and they had a deal on about the different gear over the years. One uniform that looked pretty good was the USMC OD jungle thing as seen in that movie about the Navajo code talkers.

I'm not an infantry guy, aviation. I do have experience with the ABDU. It's got many features the new uniform has. The velcro will wear out in as few as four washings. It is load when opening, thats not a problem around helo's but I assume it where you fellas do your stuff. The zipper front will dent your chest, and our vest is nothing compared to the load you guys carry. It will just unzip with the slightest chance. I work for the Army's RFI, I have seen it in a few of its variations. The Stryker guys up at Lewis have some versions of it. Some like it some don't. I think most like it 'cause its different.

Ok, I actually got a chance to see the ACU in person....The color is a bit darker than most photos showand the material seems very comfortable (although I'm not sure of how rugged it will be). I still think there's WAAAY too much velcro and the zipper thing I'm not too comfortable with either....time will tel. :munchin

The zipper should be perfect for you guys. IIRC, its a double-pull zipper, so that way you can keep the top zipped, but leave the bottom half open to make room for your tanker abdominal impact pad (aka beer gut). :D

:p Wow! Hilarity at it's best.....I guess I know someone won't get to warm up behind my tracks on cold winter mornings. ;)

Is it just me, or do the main problems with this uniform seem to be (from reading you guys talking about it) its zippers and Velcro? There are other things on it that aren't needed (the plethora of pockets come to mind), but they aren't a serious detriment.

Could this be solved by simply using buttons and not wearing badges on your ACU? Just sew Name, U.S. Army, Unit & Flag on the blouse, then rank insignia on the PC?

As for the color of the material, would the darker photos from this website be more representative of the "true" color? Bottom row, first and third on the left, BDU vest & M4.

http://globalsecurity.org/military/s...ground/acu.htm

just easy is all
 

Those are just some of the easiest things to pick on...yes there is of course more.
The photos you are referring to are studio photos without "daylight lighting"-it is the same uniform in all photos...

Eagle

Hi

Stupid as it may sound, why dont you guys (who are currently still in it) speak to Nike or Adidas about making a Clima-Cool BDU for you guys. Seriously, they have the technology and the know how on how to produce good quality products.

Adidas makes boots specially for the GSG9 people and you cant buy it on the market...

I am sure they will go out of their way to help...discreetly...

Just a suggestion although I understand this is the US Army and not a racing team or whatever..

Avtar

What I mean was to come out with a BDU that was breathable and practical for your line of work...something that was light weight unlike the current BDU's which I know do get heavy if you sweat in them or if they get soaked...

Just a suggestion...
Avtar

Hoot,

Lightweight and breathable is nice, but durable is much more important. That's the biggest difference between sport-related gear (sport climbing, ultralight backpacking, endurance racing, etc) and military gear. Someone out there for fun can decide to go home if something breaks or the environment is too harsh for the gear they're carrying. A soldier has a mission he needs to complete by a cetain time regardless of weather, broken gear, torn uniforms or physical condition. That requirement alone is exactly why soldiers often carry heavier, lower-tech equipment than the 140lbs, 2% body fat, professional eco-challenge guru that has a support staff, isn't worried about someone hunting him, and will be finished (and completely spent) after 4 or 5 days.

As for BDUs, a light, wicking material would be nifty, but would snag/tear/abrade away to nothing within days when worn in a soldier's normal operational environment. Additionally, soldiers are often transported in combat vehicles and aircraft, which tend to become big, fiery balls when hit by enemy fire. At that point, a flash-proof cotton outer shell would be much more user-friendly than a highly flammable (and melting vs. charring) set of clothes.