Blake Hall
The U.S. Army recently announced plans to update the standard camouflage pattern on the Army Combat Uniform.
The new uniform will feature a new color scheme, pattern and several other features. Check out the differences between the current Universal Camouflage Pattern (left) and the new Operational Camouflage Pattern (right).
When Universal Camouflage Pattern was first adopted in 2004, its pixelated look quickly drew the ire of the Army community. Through an optical effect called isoluminance, the eye interpreted the various blotches of color on the camouflage pattern as one single color block. Instead of fading into the environment, soldiers became bright green, easily spotted targets for enemy fire. Obviously, this is the opposite of what any good camouflage is supposed to achieve.
The Army’s short-term fix was to adopt the Multi-Cam pattern manufactured by Crye Precision. Troops overseas tested the uniform in several combat situations, and Multi-Cam proved so successful that it served as the template for the new Operation Camouflage Pattern.
New uniforms will be available for sale on July 1st, and the Army will roll out the new pattern in several phases. By next January, Operation Camouflage Pattern will come standard in all Army cloth bags.
The new uniforms also include various adjustments to the pockets, straps and buttons. For the full lowdown on the uniform update, ArmyTimes.com has multiple descriptions and photos detailing each change.
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