Army Unveils Design Changes to Combat Uniform

The U.S. Army rolled out its plan today to outfit every soldier with Army Combat Uniforms in the new Operational Camouflage Pattern. We ran a story on the effort today on Military.com.

The new pattern -- which replaces the Universal Camouflage Pattern -- is very similar to Operation enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern, or MultiCam, soldiers have worn in Afghanistan.

But in addition to a new camouflage, the ACU will feature several design changes based on soldier feedback, according to Col. Bob Mortlock, the head of Project Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment.

THE COLLAR

The new collar features a fold-down design. The Army eliminated the hook and loop closure and the mandarin collar flap extension.

UPPER SHOULDER POCKET

The upper shoulder pockets no longer have a flap with hook and loop closure. Instead there is a side zipper closure and large field for mounting patches.

SLEEVE PEN POCKET

The new pen pocket now has two pen slots instead of three.

CARGO POCKETS

The Army removed the draw cord and barrel lock on the cargo pockets.

LOWER LEG POCKET FLAP

The flap on the lower leg pocket no longer has a hook and loop closure. Instead there is a single button closure.

Uniform officials have also removed the drawstring on the trousers. The ACU will no longer feature internal elbow and knee pads. Uniform officials have sewn up the elbow and knee pad pockets but left the extra layer of material for double reinforcement.