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The process of replacing the Army's current BDU "woodland" pattern (used since 1981) with the ACU, was to begin in April 2005 , it actually started in February through the Rapid Fielding Initiative, 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 U.S. which produces the current Battle Dress Uniform .


THE ACU



  • Patrol cap, a straight-sided, flat-topped soft cap, similar to an old-fashioned Pittsburgh Pirates hat, but with a double thick bill and internal pocket. Nametapes are now worn on the back of the patrol cap. The ACU, like the BDU, is worn with the black beret in garrison; the patrol cap may be authorized for the field by the unit commander, when wear of the Helmet is not necessary.

  • Jacket:

  • ---Hook fastener backed U.S. Army and last name tapes

  • ---Hook fastener backed Rank Insignia over the breastbone.

  • ---Loop fastener 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 Identification Friend Or Foe (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 armour, worn in the down position otherwise.

  • ---Zippered front closure, reinforced with hook and loop fasteners, designed for use with OTV.

  • ---Tilted chest pockets with hook and loop closure, to fit with OTV.

  • ---Blouse bellows for increased mobility.

  • ---Hook and loop 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.

  • ---Two forward tilted thigh storage pockets with elastic drawstring and hook-and-loop tape for closure during movement.

  • ---Two calf storage pockets with hook and loop closure, one on each leg; the pockets are bellowed.

  • Moisture-wicking socks

  • Tan suede combat boots, either hot weather or temperate weather versions.



NOTES


The color black was omitted from the uniform, to distinguish it from the Marine Corps colors, and to minimize the color black, which, during movement, is noticed by the human eye very quickly.

The olive drab, tan and green battle dress uniforms are now replaced by a neutral gray greens and light tan with dapples.

In peacetime, the colorful red, white, and blue American flag is worn instead of the subdued infrared absorbent version. Subdued unit patches are always worn. 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.

In combat, the gray would tend to match the environment after use; for example, dust could cover up the gray. Gray is also a neutral color, and thus does not tend to catch the eye as more saturated colors would. Current samples of Body Armor do not match the camouflage, although there are new units being manufactured.

The cost to each soldier is US$76 per uniform, as compared to US$58 for a BDU. All insignia is at an extra cost; normally about US$2.50 plus the cost of sewing the hook fastener to the back of the patch. Nametapes are also extra, generally US$2.


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