The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) wear standards policy was released by the Department of the Army on the 22nd of April 2005. The current information contained on this website pertaining to the authorized wear standards for the ACU is not final and subject to change.
Q: Can you explain the process of how you redesigned the uniform?
A: Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 2d Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat Team sat down with engineers at Soldier Systems Center, Natick, MA, and helped craft a uniform that borrowed ideas from a number of different military uniforms, such as individually modified special operations uniforms and the Army's BDU-styled flight suit.
Q: What, in your mind, are the most important improvements?
A: The 14 key improvements of the ACU are:
Incorporation of the Mandarin collar design
Use of elbow pouches with Velcro closures for internal elbow pad inserts
A zippered front closure, reinforced with Velcro which provides a smooth surface when worn with the OTV
Knee pouches with Velcro closure for internal knee pad inserts
Leg cuffs with front closure tie which allows more comfortable closure on the outside of the boot collar
Use of hook and pile fasteners for rank insignia
Tilted chest pockets with hook and pile closure, optimized for use with the front opening OTV
Incorporation of a 3 slot pen pocket for easy access, optimized for use with the OTV
Hook and pile sleeve cuff closures which provides positive closure for all sizes
Forward tilted cargo pockets for easy access whether sitting, kneeling, or standing – incorporated elastic drawstring for positive closure during movement
Maximized design for use with the OTV, with easy access pockets and maximized storage space
IR feedback American Flag that provides both day and night recognition for friend or foe identification
Permanent IR feedback squares affixed to each shoulder for night time identification
Bellowed calf storage pockets with Velcro closure on the left and right leg
Q: Why was the color of the uniform changed?
A: The Army employed to a digital camouflage pattern, a mix of green, tan and gray that camouflage experts say will help Soldiers blend into woodland, desert and urban environments effectively.
Q: The colors of the flag patches have been changed. How so and why?
A: The American flag will have infrared properties for night identification in a tactical environment; traditional full color style for garrison.
Q: How and when were the new uniforms tested?
A: The Stryker Brigade of the 3/2 IN evaluated initial ACU uniform designs on training exercises at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA and Joint Readiness Center at Fort Polk, LA, in early 2003. The 2nd Stryker Brigade, 1/25th IN evaluated a more refined uniform design on training exercises at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA and Joint Readiness Center at Fort Polk, LA in October 2003. Finally, the 3/2 IN evaluated the final prototype for 8 months during their deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
Q: When and where will they be used, and by how many Soldiers? Will they be used in Iraq?
A: The ACU will start fielding in February 2005 and complete fielding (including active, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers) by 2007. Soldiers in units deploying to Iraq or Afghanistan will be issued ACUs beginning in February 2005. New recruits will start receiving them in October 2005. The ACU will be available in clothing sales stores in the spring of 2006.
Q: I understand that with the new design, Soldiers will no longer need to shine their boots. Is this true, and if so, why not?
A: The historically black boot will be replaced with tan boots. The plan is to start replacing the two pairs of black combat boots issued to new recruits with two pairs of tan boots in October of 2005. The two new boots are the "Army Combat Boot (Hot Weather)" [NSN series 8430-01-514-4935] and the "Army Combat Boot (Temperate Weather)" [NSN series 8430-01-516-1506]. Both of these new boots are constructed with desert sand colored, rough side out leather and a shock attenuating soling system designed for increased durability and comfort compared to the old boots. Do not apply polish to the new boots as the rough-side out leather is designed as a non-polish, highly breathable leather. Polish will damage and discolor the rough-side out surface as well as severely impact boot breathability. Both the ACB(HW) and the ACB(TW) are authorized for wear with the current Desert Combat Uniform as well as with the new Army Combat Uniform. Both of these new boots will be issued as part of the clothing bag effective Oct 05.
Q: What are the new uniforms made of?
A: The ACU is made of a rip-stop fabric and will be treated with a wrinkle-free finish and come in a blend of 50 per cent cotton, 50 per cent nylon.
Q: Are the new uniforms considered more "stylish" than the ones currently in use? Was this a concern?
A: The ACU is a warrior uniform; it's a uniform designed by Soldiers, stated by Sgt Maj of the Army Kenneth Preston. The goal was not to change the look of the Army, said LTC Dave Anderson, PM Clothing and Individual Equipment. The goal was to find a more functional uniform.
Q: Who is making the uniforms, and in what plants?
A: The ACU will be made wholly in plants throughout the United States. The process will allow competitive bids on the contracts, affording companies to have equal opportunities to obtain contract award for the ACU.
Q: How much did the old uniforms cost to make?
A: The cost of the old uniform (retail sale) is $56, after 25 years in full rate production.
Q: What is the predicted lifetime of the new uniforms, and how does that compare with the old ones?
A: Current wear out rate for the BDU is 6 months. The ACU uses the same material and is anticipated to have the same wear life.
Q: How many of them are being made?
A: Beginning in Feb 05, 85,000 uniforms will be produced; uniform production beginning Aug 05 will be 400,000 per month. 400,000 per month will be maintained through initial fielding, and expected to ramp down to 200,000 per month by Jul 08.
Q: How long was the old uniform manufactured?
A: The BDU was adopted in 1980; DCU developed after the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
Q: What will happen to old stocks of the old uniform?
A: They will be issued until exhausted based on a mandatory possession date TBD.
Q: Why is it that only now the color black been removed? Didn't designers know long ago that black is not found in woodland areas?
A: Technological advances have provided engineers with better data analysis. Black was originally put in the BDU to separate the other colors and to help with shadows. What was found is no matter what color you make a uniform, if black is a property, and you are not standing in front of something black, the moment you move, the eye immediately picks up the black. Testing found that a digitized pattern worked better in more environments.
Q: What is the largest waist size that this will be made in?
A: ACU will maintain the same sizing system as the BDU/DCU. The largest BDU comes in a size XXL/XXL.
Q: There have been conflicting articles that talks about an elastic leg cuff versus a drawstring leg cuff. Which is correct?
A: ACU has a draw-string leg tie
Q: Where are the forward-tilted cargo pockets? (number 12 on the list of changes) On the trousers? Or are these the ones on the shoulders?
A: Tilted cargo pockets are located on the front chest pockets of the blouse as well as the cargo pockets on the trousers.
Q: Various articles have specified hot weather and temperate weather desert boots. Only desert boots? Will Soldiers wear these in garrison in CONUS?
A: The historically black boot will be replaced with tan boots. The plan is to start replacing the two pairs of black combat boots issued to new recruits with two pairs of tan boots in October of 2005. The suede style tan boots come in two styles: one for hot and one for temperate weather will be issued to new recruits. Polish is not a requirement for the tan boot.
Q: Some articles have listed 2 additional changes to the uniform: a 2-inch black nylon web belt and moisture-wicking socks. Are these additional changes to the uniform?
A: The 2-inch nylon web belt and moisture-wicking socks are recent additions to the Soldiers Clothing Bag as a result of independent program requirements identified from deployed Soldiers. These changes to the uniform are not directly attributed to the development and introduction of the ACU.
Q: The article says 3 versions have been developed. Does that mean that there were 3 versions as it was being developed? Or will there be 3 versions for the Soldiers to use?
A: The article refers to the evolution of the uniform features, which went through 3 iterations that were evaluated by the 3/2 IN Stryker Brigade. The 1/25th Stryker Brigade evaluated the third iteration in October 03 utilizing 3 different camouflage patterns. As a result of all the evaluations, the design evolved to a single version of the ACU with the current camouflage pattern.
Q: Does the ACU and boots meet the Soldiers' needs in colder environments?
A: The ACU and Army Combat Boot (Hot Weather and Temperate Weather) are designed for temperate to hot weather environments. The ACU can be supplemented with current cold weather clothing and individual equipment as required by the operational environment in order to meet the cold weather needs of Soldiers.
Q: Has a final decision been made about the continued wear of black boots for Airborne and Special Operations Forces Soldiers?
A: No
Q: Did Soldiers complain about anything during testing?
A: Soldier comments indicating deficiencies or discrepancies during evaluations were noted and corrected during ACU design evolutions.
Q: Is it possible to receive a complete listing of all of the items and national stock numbers that are associated with the new Army Combat Uniform?
A: The ACU is a prototype and no stock numbers have not been assigned. This will occur as a matter of course in the life of the program (est. approx. Oct/Nov 04).
Q: When will the Army National Guard begin receiving the new uniforms?
A: Order of fielding for the ACU has yet to be determined by the Army G3.
Q: Who fabricated the prototype ACU for evaluation?
A: American Power Source, Fall River, MA and STEPS - Southside Training Employment Services, Inc., Victoria, VA fabricated ACU prototypes.
Q: Isn't velcro noisy (the original reason for having buttons instead)?
A: During the evaluation, the advantages of employing hook and pile fastener in the ACU (as well as that currently used in the Interceptor Body Armor) far outweighed the disadvantages associated with the use of the material. In addition, it was determined that the issue of noise associated with the hook and pile fastener in a tactical environment could be overcome with familiarity and use during training (noise and light discipline) much like what Soldiers currently do when employing weapons and individual equipment items in a tactical environment. Additionally, hook and pile fastener material assists in preventing "hot spots" and discomfort caused by body armor and load carriage equipment worn over top of button down pockets and flaps.
Q: For officers, where do we affix our branch affiliation?
A: Branch has been eliminated from the Army Combat Uniform
Q: As the uniform ages, is there a way to repair the Velcro tabs as they become clogged and worn out?
A: Commercial Velcro will be sold in clothing sales for the repair/ replacement of Velcro. Additionally soldiers have been using the small weapons cleaning brush to clean out any sand and dirt from the pile and it has been working very well.
Q: Due to the cost of the uniform, has there been thought of reinstating the uniform allowance to the officer population? Will officers and senior enlisted get a free issue up front to bring all soldiers online? I project it will cost me as an officer, approximately, $536 for an intial issue of 2 uniforms, 2 prs boots, patrol cap, and 5-7 moisture wicking t-shirts. Obviously, that will go up if I am required to have 4 uniforms on hand as currently I am supposed to in a TOE unit.
A: The clothing allowance is currently being reviewed by the senior Army Leadership for the ACU.
Q: Is the patrol cap more like the boonie cap that provides a bill that surrounds the head shielding the neck from the sun or more like the traditional patrol cap that most units no longer wear? As it stands now, most units (like those at Fort Hood) have a Kevlar or beret only policy meaning that many no longer even purchase soft caps. Even the 1st Army has recently adopted this policy within the last six months.
A: The patrol cap is an upgraded soft cap with double thick bill, no earflaps and a lower profile. The current policy on the patrol cap is for commanders to allow their soldiers to wear the patrol cap when appropriate.
Q: Will there be a regulation that will prohibit the dry cleaning, starching, and pressing of the uniform? The current policy changed over time with the current BDU to allow the starching and creasing of uniforms due to accepted norms and culture within the Army thereby allowing a "creep" in increasing total cost of ownership of the new uniform.
A: A wear and care pamphlet will be published with guidance from senior Army leadership prohibiting the starching, pressing and ironing of this uniform.
Q: Besides the changes in the pocket configuration of the pants, where any considerations made to allow greater freedom of movement in the upper leg room in the pant? For some of us, the current BDU pant offers little in the way for extra leg room in the quadracept area other than buying another size up and creating a tent effect in the look of the uniform. Does the pant have a gusseted crotch like rock climbing pants?
A: Current pants sizing configuration remain the same.
Q: Has a decision been made on whether we can have sew-on badges, or if they have to be pin-on?
A: The CSA has authorized only pin-on skill badges for wear on the ACU. The sew- on is no longer authorized. This new change will be incorporated in the new 670-1.
Q: Is there a regulation that governs the wearing of the new Army Combat Uniform?
A: AR 670-1 covers the wear of all Army Uniforms. It has been re-written to cover the wearing of the ACU. You may obtain a copy of the AR 670-1 by visiting this link.
Q: My Soldiers are going out and purchasing "Knock-off ACUs" on their own. Is there an authorized source my Soldiers may use to purchase ACUs until they become available in AAFES stores and how can I tell that a "Knock-off" uniform is authentic.
A: There are no authorized or certified sources for commercial Army Combat Uniforms (ACU) made to the official "specification". The only authorized specification compliant ACUs are produced for Government Contracts. At this point, if a Soldier wasn't issued an ACU by the Army, then it isn't specification compliant, since no authorized commercial sales have been made. After 1 Jan 06, AAFES Military Clothing Sales Stores will be the only stores authorized to sell specification compliant ACUs.
Each uniform that is issued by the Army or sold through AAFES should have two tags. One near the collar that tells the size and a second one located somewhere else on the uniform that specifies a government contract number (along with an National Stock Number -NSN) and care instructions . AAFES is the only commercial source that is authorized by the Army to sell ACUs procured under Government contract, that comply with the specification. Valid ACU Government contract numbers either start with SPO (awarded by the Defense Logistics Agency/Defense Supply Center Philadelphia) or with W911QY (awarded by the contracting office at Natick, MA on behalf of the Product Manager - Clothing and Individual Equipment).
The U.S. Government cannot certify the authenticity of the ACUs Soldiers may be procuring on their own. Nor has there been any guidance from HQDA that precludes a Soldier from buying a "Knock-off" ACU , other than the requirement in AR 670-1 that Soldiers wear specification compliant uniforms. A Soldier thinking about buying an ACU from a source other than AAFES should consider the following:
The uniform may not meet appearance standards and specifications per the AR for wear and appearance
The uniform may not meet durability and wear specifications (ie, seams may fail, color may fade, material may not be constructed properly leading to tearing, ripping, or development of holes)
Since there is no contract number in the "Knock-off ACU", the Army (or AAFES) is not obligated to sustain or exchange a defective uniform (Uniform warranty is VOID).
The Soldier is spending his own money to purchase a uniform he will probably get at no cost if or when deployed
The mandatory possession date for 2 sets of ACUs is May 07 and for 4 sets of ACUs is May 08. Soldiers are advised and encouraged to wait for issue of ACU if or when deployed, or wait for availability of the ACU at the AAFES Clothing Sales Stores beginning January 2006 and avoid the acquisition of a possibly substandard quality uniform.
Soldier Equipment Answers
Q: What is the Current Soldier Wearing?
A: The Current Soldier is wearing Desert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU), and Desert Combat Boots or Air Force Desert Flyers Boots and is equipped with either the Advanced Combat Helmet or the Ground Troop And Parachutist Helmet, the PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device, the Soldier Intercom System, the Tubular Hydration System, the Interceptor Body Armor, the Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE), Nomex Flyer's Gloves, and Knee and Elbow Pads. His weapon includes the M4 Carbine with a Close Combat Optic.
Q: What is the Advanced Combat Helmet?
A: The ACH is .5 lb. lighter than the Ground Troop and Parachutist Helmet and provides fragmentation and ballistic protection. This helmet is cut higher all around the helmet, to reduce interference with the Interceptor Body Armor and MOLLE Rucksack. It also allows for greater mobility, especially in the low-crawl position, and allows for greater hearing ability. Comfort is improved due in part to the lighter weight, as well as the padded suspension system making the helmet more stable.
Q: What is the Ground Troop and Parachutist Helmet?
A: Also known as the Personal Armor System for Ground Troops, the PASGT Helmet provides ballistic protection against fragmenting munitions. It has a small visor and contains a cradle suspension system. Additional components are available to improve impact protection between the helmet shell and head as well as parachutist retention straps to ensure the helmet does not roll forward off the head during airborne operations.
Q: What is the Soldier Intercom System?
A: The Soldier Intercom is a handheld-type VHS short range two-way radio with whisper headset intended for squad members to enhance verbal and non-verbal communications during night, urban or heavily wooded operations when lines of visibility are obstructed. The system also includes a carrying case and support components to program up to 32 channels and perform battery charging and life expectancy maintenance.
Q: What is the Tubular Hydration System?
A: The Tubular Hydration System integrates in the MOLLE Rucksack/Assault Pack and allows for hands-free, on-the-move hydration. The water pouch can hold up to 70 ounces.
Q: What is the Interceptor Body Armor?
A: The Interceptor Body Armor is a combination of an Outer Tactical Vest and ceramic Small Arms Protective Insert plates. The Outer Tactical Vest stops fragmentation, as well as handgun rounds. The front and back ceramic plates are able to stop multiple rifle rounds.
Q: What is the MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE)?
A: The MOLLE vest is a modular system consisting of a load carrying vest, multiple packs and pouches that can be configured and tailored to suit the user's need and mission requirements. It includes a Tubular Hydration System and is compatible with Interceptor Body Armor. The front of the vest contains webbing that allows for ammunition, first aid, canteen, grenade and radio pouches to be attached to it. This same webbing is found on the front of the Interceptor Body Armor. Therefore, if the MOLLE is not needed during certain missions, Soldiers can transfer their pouches to the Interceptor Body Armor. The Main rucksack, Assault Pack, Combat Butt Pack and NBC Equipment bag have the same lacing system to allow “plug and play” attachment of any of the pockets and pouches.
Q: What is the Nomex Flyer's Glove?
A: Nomex Flyer's Gloves are snug fitting thin gloves constructed of flame resistant Nomex and leather to provide outstanding tactility and flash fire protection and basic anti-contact/temperate environmental protection.
Q: What are the Knee and Elbow Pads?
A: The Knee and Elbow Pads are a Commercial Off-the-Shelf Technology that the Army has procured to compliment their fielded equipment items. These allow for elbow and knee joint protection when Soldiers are crawling on the ground, or dropping to the ground.
Q: What is the Desert Battle Dress Uniform (BDU)?
A: The Desert BDU is a 3-color pattern of tan, brown and sage jacket and trousers. This type of pattern makes it harder for the enemy to detect the outline of the Soldier among his surroundings day or night. Permethrim insect protection is impregnated in the fabric to reduce the occurrences of insect bites.
Q: What are the Desert Combat Boots?
A: The Desert Combat Boots were designed during the first Gulf War. They are a tan variant of the black Enhanced Hot Weather (jungle) Boot with a 100% rubber sole for comfort on soft sand and hot weather construction for ventilation. The DCB is extremely effective in hot sandy environments.
Q: What are the Air Force Desert Flyer's Boots?
A: The AF Desert Flyer's Boots are a tan version of the recently adopted black Infantry Combat Boot. They have a waterproof breathable liner and composite sole construction for impact protection and durability against more rugged terrain. The AF DFB is significantly more suitable to high mountainous desert and lower temperatures.
With the that stick out on the leg pockets, do you have to tuck them in?
Posted on 03/24/07 18:07:36
pmvhg pfbnui wrote:
frhcts awtj mhyoltngu ofds rfwn oukwnpz qhwg
Posted on 09/19/07 19:49:02
rick wrote:
is jrotc goin to wear acu's
Posted on 12/21/07 00:39:29
latisha riddick wrote:
is the bdu gortex authorized for wear with acu's?
Posted on 03/08/08 20:58:56
adam frye wrote:
what does the little square patch on the cuff of the acu top on the left sleeve and the same little square on the left cargo pocket what are they and what purpose does it serve?
Posted on 03/28/08 07:28:31
PVT Kaleb Gilmore wrote:
The black squares are infrared friend-or-foe identifiers.
Posted on 05/05/08 22:34:34
donald cleveland wrote:
is it legal for pawn shops and ebay to sell ACH kelvars and what regulation or policy covers it.
Posted on 05/19/08 20:49:55
Allan wrote:
can someone please tell me about the green t-shirt that is being sold to go with the acu's? Is it authorized or not?
There is a disagreement between my wife and my daughter (they are the soldiers) I am retired.
Posted on 06/09/08 09:34:00
nathan mullins wrote:
are drill sargent hats allowed to (j)rotc cadets? please say yes!
Subscribe to Army.com Field Report RSS
