Army Uniforms

Army ACU Items Shop for government spec U.S. Army ACU uniforms, branch tapes, name tapes, rank insignias, jackets, trousers, parkas and more.

Army Combat Uniform Specifications (PDF)

Army Combat Uniform What is the Army Combat Uniform? The Army Combat Uniform consists of a jacket, trousers, moisture wicking T-shirt and brown combat boots. The ACU will replace both versions of the battle-dress uniform and the desert camouflage uniform. The black beret will be the normal headgear for the ACU, but there is a matching patrol cap to be worn at the commander's discretion. (Scroll down for illustrations) What changes were made from the BDU? There were 20 changes made to the BDU. The bottom pockets on the jacket were removed and placed on the shoulder sleeves so Soldiers can have access to them while wearing body armor. The pockets were also tilted forward so that they are easily accessible. Buttons were replaced with zippers that open from the top and bottom to provide comfort while wearing armor. Patches and tabs are affixed to the uniform with Velcro to give the wearer more flexibility and to save the Soldier money. Soldiers can take the nametapes and patches off their uniforms before laundering, which will add to the lifecycle of the patches -- also, the cost to get patches sewn on will be eliminated. Uniform changes include: Mandarin collar that can be worn up or down; Rank insignia centered on the front of the blouse; Velcro for wearing unit patch, skill tabs and recognition devices; Zippered front closure; Elbow pouch for internal elbow pad inserts; Knee pouch for internal knee pad inserts; Drawstring leg cuff; Tilted chest pockets with Velcro closure; Three-slot pen pocket on bottom of sleeve; Velcro sleeve cuff closure; Shoulder pockets with Velcro; Forward-tilted cargo pockets; Integrated blouse bellows for increased upper body mobility; Integrated Friend or Foe Identification Square on both left and right shoulder pocket flap; Bellowed calf storage pocket on left and right leg; Moisture-wicking desert tan T-shirt; Patrol cap with double thick bill and internal pocket; Improved hot-weather desert boot or temperate-weather desert boot; Two-inch, black nylon web belt; and Moisture-wicking socks. Who will get the ACU? All Soldiers, regardless of unit or function, will receive the new uniform. When will Soldiers receive the ACU? The ACU will be fielded to the Army - Active, Reserve and National Guard - beginning in April 2005. Soldiers in deploying units will be issued the new ACU first. Fielding to the total Army should be complete by December 2007, said officials from Program Executive Office-Soldier.

Army Streamlines Service Uniforms to One Blue Army Service Uniform Decision Reflects Simplicity, Utility, Quality and Tradition WASHINGTON (Army News Service) -- Army service uniforms will be streamlined to one blue Army Service Uniform, the Army announced today. “World-class Soldiers deserve a simplified, quality uniform. The blue Army Service Uniform is a traditional uniform that is consistent with the Army’s most honored traditions,” said Sgt. Maj. Of the Army Kenneth O. Preston. “We have all of these variations of uniforms - green, blue and white,” said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker. “It makes sense for us to go to one traditional uniform that is really sharp and high quality and which Soldiers will be very proud to wear. And that’s what we’ve done by adopting this blue Army Service Uniform that reflects simplicity, quality, utility and tradition.” Many Soldiers already own an Army blue uniform (now to be called the Army Service Uniform) and may continue to wear it. Improvements will be made to the fabric and fit. Reduction of the number of uniforms will reduce the burden on Soldiers for purchases and alteration cost. Introduction in the Army Military Clothing Sales Stores should begin in fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007. Introduction in the Clothing Bag should begin first quarter 2009. The Mandatory Possession Date is expected to be fourth quarter fiscal year 2011. A wear-out date for the Army Green Class A and White dress uniforms will be determined at a later date. The consolidation of Army service uniforms is part of a streamlining process. In 2004, the Army reduced the number of battle dress uniforms from three to one when it adopted the Army Combat Uniform in place of the Woodland Green Battle Dress Uniform (winter and summer versions) and the Desert Combat Uniform. That uniform consolidation has been a resounding success in terms of Soldier acceptance and reducing the variety of combat uniforms with which they must deal. Army Blue as a uniform color traces its origins back to the National Blue and was first worn by Soldiers in the Continental Army of 1779. Besides tradition, the Army Service Uniform reflects utility, simplicity and quality. In utility, the blue Army Service Uniform provides a basic set of components that allow Soldiers to dress from the lowest end to the highest end of service uniforms with little variation required. In simplicity, the blue Army Service Uniform eliminates the need for numerous sets of green Class A uniforms, service blue uniforms and, for some, Army white mess uniforms (and tunics, for women). Streamlining various service uniforms into one Army Service Uniform reduces the burden on Soldiers in the same manner that the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) did for the field utility uniform. In quality, the blue Army Service Uniform is made of a durable material that is suitable for daily use without special care. (Source: U.S. Army)