Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Army Combat Uniform
The Army Combat Uniform, or ACU, is a new combat uniform to be worn by the US Army. It uses a universal camouflage digital pattern of camouflage similar to that of USMC MARPAT. It blends green, tan, and grey to work effectively in woodland, desert, and urban environments. It also features numerous design improvements based on input from soldiers.
The process of replacing the Army's current BDU "woodland" pattern (used since 1981) with the ACU, will begin in April 2005 and is scheduled to be completed by December 2007. Currently multiple camouflage patterns and caps are in use at the Army posts.
The ACU and its component materials will be manufactured by the existing industrial infrastructure in the US which produces the current BDU.
| Contents |
The ACU
- Patrol cap, a straight-sided soft cap, similar to an old-fashioned Pittsburgh Pirates hat, but with a double thick bill and internal pocket. The black beret remains authorized for wear with the new ACU. In combat, the helmet replaces the patrol cap.
- Jacket:
- Velcro backed US Army and last name tapes
- Velcro backed rank insignia over the breastbone.
- Velcro faced shoulder pockets for unit patches, skill tabs and recognition devices, such as the infrared (IR) feedback American flag - this provides day and night recognition for IFF.
- Permanent infrared (IR) IFF squares are sewn to each shoulder for nighttime identification.
- Mandarin collar, worn up in combat to fit with the Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) body armor, worn in the down position otherwise.
- Zippered front closure, reinforced with Velcro, designed for use with OTV.
- Tilted chest pockets with Velcro closure, to fit with OTV.
- Blouse bellows for increased mobility.
- Velcro cuff closures.
- Three-slot pen pocket on the left arm for use with OTV.
- Elbow pouches for elbow pad inserts.
- Moisture wicking tan T-shirt.
- Two-inch black nylon web belt
- Trouser:
- Knee pouches for knee pad inserts.
- Forward tilted calf storage pocket with elastic drawstring for closure during movement.
- Forward tilted calf storage pocket with Velcro closure, on each leg; the pockets are bellowed.
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Combat boots, either hot weather or temperate weather versions.
Notes
The color black was omitted from the uniform, to distinguish it from the USMC colors, and to minimize the color, which is distinctive in combat.
The olive drab, tan and green battle dress uniforms are now replaced by a neutral grey with dapples.
In peacetime, the colorful unit patches and red, white and blue American flag could still be worn instead of the camouflage versions. When laundering the uniform, the patches can be removed. There is a spot on the uniform for the ribbon and skill decorations (for peacetime use, as they are eye-catching). The Army Black Beret is still authorized for use with the ACU. The web belt is black, however, which does not quite fit with the stated reasons for avoiding black.
In combat, the grey would tend to match the environment after use; for example, dust could cover up the grey. Current samples of body armor do not match the camouflage.
The cost to each soldier will be $88 per uniform, as compared to $58 for a BDU.
Related topics
External links
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details