MultiCam Uniform Regulations of the U.S. Army

The MultiCam is currently the official military uniform worn my U.S. Army soldiers in Afghanistan and throughout the middle east. Like other military uniforms of the U.S. Army, standard-issue wear of the MultiCam uniform comes with specific regulations to improve battle-readiness and discipline of specific dress codes. The primary purpose of MultiCam uniform regulations (as well as other common uniforms) is for the evaluation, interpretation, revision, and development of acceptable military uniform and insignia dress codes that will improve the uniformity and image of U.S. Army units.

In this Army and Military blog post, we outline the general military-issue regulations of the MultiCam uniform.

MultiCam Trousers

MultiCam trousers is held up by a two-inch web belt that is made of nylon, and includes Velcro pouches for inserting knee pads. The trousers must always be tucked into the top of the boots or secured by drawing the string at their bottom ends. Trousers must never extend below the third eyelet from the boot’s top. MultiCam trousers manufactured using flame resistant materials are currently standard issue for soldiers being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

MultiCam Jacket 

Much of the MultiCam jacket regulations focus on the patches and insignia worn on the jacket. The embroidered rank insignia is 2 inches in height and 1 3/4 inches wide. It must always be worn centered between the front hook and loop-face pad of the MultiCam jacket for all U.S Army ranks. The rank insignia’s background may be either the universal camouflage pattern or just plain olive drab, and must always match with the background of the name and the name tape.

The U.S. flag patch must always adorn the right shoulder pocket flap of the MultiCam jacket. Current MultiCam regulations also require that the Army jacket must never extend below the top of the cargo pocket or go higher than the bottom of the side pocket. Finally, the MultiCam jacket sleeves must strictly be worn down at all times.

MultiCam Headgear

The MultiCam typically includes the Advanced Combat Helmet, a patrol cap, a fleece hat for cold weather, and boonie hat. Green, maroon, and tan berets may be worn in barracks by army special forces, paratroopers and Rangers, in that order. The green micro fleece cap is only allowed for use in the field and garrison outside of unit patrols while camouflage cover rank must always be sewn when worn although its use is limited because it is often obstructed by the night vision device mount.

MultiCam Undershirt

MultiCam military uniforms must be worn with a moisture wicking cotton tan t-shirt. The MultiCam undershirt must be worn underneath the coat and tucked inside the trousers at all times.

A pure cotton foliage-green T-shirt is authorized for MultiCam regulation wear by soldiers in special training environments or for those deployed in Korea, Afghanistan or Iraq. Black T-shirts are the standard issue for the uniforms worn by certain instructors on Army posts in areas like the Ranger School, Special Forces, Snipers, Jumpmaster, Airborne, Sapper, and Pathfinder (although much less common.)

MultiCam Combat Boots 

Military-issue combat boots for the MultiCam uniform must be made from tan rough side out cattle hide leather that has a plain toe and tan rubber outsoles. The boots must at all times be diagonally laced using tan laces, with any extending lace neatly tucked into the top of the boot underneath the bloused trousers, or securely wound around the top of the boot.

There are no metallic cleats, side tabs, or zipper tacks that are either sewn or laced in allowed by the MultiCam regulations. The MultiCam must at all times be worn with the official tan Army Combat Boots and moisture wicking socks. There is also a Mountain Combat Boot that is provided to cater for tough terrain and Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots for walking on snow and ice. An innovative Modular Boot System is in development to eventually replace the current Army Combat Boot in the near future.

The U.S Army is a uniformed service where a soldier’s discipline is partially dependent on the manner in which they wear their officially sanctioned uniforms, as well as by their personal grooming. A smart and well-groomed appearance by all soldiers is thus essential to a functional Army, and contributes fundamentally to the pride and spirit that are the major drivers of an effective military force.

Today's Military Uniforms of the U.S. Armed Forces

The U.S. Armed Forces is composed of many branches of the Military. As a result, there are a number of different military uniforms to support each branch, namely the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Crops.

In this post, we highlight three common military uniforms worn by today's military personnel. Two of these military uniforms (the ACU and Mutlicam) are worn by the U.S. Army, while the other (ABU) is worn by the member of the U.S. Air Force.

ACU (Army Combat Uniform)

The ACU is the latest design of U.S. Military uniform succeeding the Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU) and the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). The Army Combat Uniform features several changes in design including a camouflage pattern change from the BDU and DCU.

As one the most cutting edge U.S. Military-issue uniforms, ACU's are designed as a set comprising a pair of ACU Trousers, Headgears, T-shirt, Army Combat Boots and an ACU Jacket. The headgear comprises an advanced combat helmet, fleece caps for warmth, a boonie hat and patrol caps.

The ACU Universal Digital Camouflage is the standard color pattern for the U.S. Army and includes other digital patterns like; the digital desert which is now officially worn by all officers in undertaking desert combats like the Middle East missions including Afghanistan.

The ACU Digital Camouflage pattern is made from synthetic cotton blended to avoid shrinking and treated with Dupont Teflon to resist stain and water. The Army combat uniform is also currently available in two other important versions: Insect resistant and Flame resistant versions.

ABU (Airman Battle Uniform)

The second newly introduced Army gear for the U.S. Forces is the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) which was adopted by the entire United States Air Force. This transition saw a complete replacement of the Battle Dress Uniform.

The ABU is similar to the ACU in color although it includes a blue color scheme in contrast to the ACU Universal color scheme. The Airman Battle Uniform also incorporates the NIR (near-infra red), which is a similar property with the ACU. However, the hook and loop attachment points and slant pockets are not included in the ABU.

The Tiger Stripe Camouflage based on the Vietnam War is the distinctive pattern in the Airman Battle Uniform. Originally, Tiger Stripe Camouflage was designed for close-range use in thick jungles during the Jungle Warfare of Vietnam. French and American forces used the Tiger Stripe Camo which derives its name from the resemblance it has to a tiger’s stripes.

The first Tiger Stripe camo pattern had 64 stripes but it is unclear who developed this initial design. With over 19 different patterns, the Tiger Stripe mainly features crossing stripes similar to brush strokes which interlock instead of overlapping as is with the regular combat patterns. The patterns are mainly small brown and green stripes interlocked with a larger black brush-stroke to display the effective Tiger Stripe Camouflage.

MultiCam Uniform

MultiCam uniform is a camouflage effort by the United States Army to replace Universal Camouflage patterns which had failed to be effective in the desert sand. This particular Uniform Pattern is proving to be very effective in the Afghanistan War providing a much better camouflage in the desert compared to Universal Camouflage patterns.

The Universal Camouflage pattern was believed to be more effective in all sorts of terrain but the MultiCam pattern proved to be best suited especially in the Afghanistan topography. Multicam is common in many articles of clothing, as well as combat gear, such as MultiCam boots and footwear, backpacks, and other textiles.

Advanced camouflage patterns are aimed at utilizing the digital capabilities of creating shapes that are in close resemblance to the natural objects providing a complete optimum disappearance of the human image at different distances in different locations.

U.S. Army ACU Regulations Summarized

The Army Combat Uniform, or ACU, is currently the official battle uniform worn my members of the United States Army since it was officially launched in June 2004. U.S Army ACU regulations are meant to enhance battle-readiness and discipline through the evaluation, interpretation, revision, and development of acceptable military uniform and insignia dress codes, and personal grooming policies that will improve the image of soldiers and the U.S. Army in general.

An essential component of the U.S Army’s might and efficiency can be attributed to the honor and self-sacrifice that American soldiers contribute through their service by maintaining a consistent military image. Military commanders are therefore responsible for ensuring that personnel under their command present a proper and soldierly appearance at all times in accordance with ACU regulations.

Some of the ACU regulations that are concerned with the various components of a of a soldier’s military uniform include but are not limited to.

ACU Jacket

The embroidered rank insignia is 2 inches in height and 1 3/4 inches wide. It must always be worn centered between the front hook and loop-face pad of the ACU jacket for all U.S Army ranks. The rank insignia’s background may be either the universal camouflage pattern or just plain olive green, and must always match with the background of the name and the U.S Army tapes.

The U.S. flag must without exception always adorn the right shoulder pocket flap of the ACU jacket. Current ACU regulations also require that the Army jacket must never extend below the top of the cargo pocket or go higher than the bottom of the side pocket. Finally, the ACU jacket sleeves must strictly be worn down at all times.

ACU Trousers

The ACU recommended trouser is held up by a two-inch web belt that is made of nylon, and includes Velcro pouches for inserting knee pads. The trousers must always be tucked into the top of the boots or secured by drawing the string at their bottom ends. Trousers must never extend below the third eyelet from the boot’s top. Army Combat trousers manufactured using flame resistant materials are currently standard issue for soldiers being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

ACU Headgear

The ACU typically includes the Advanced Combat Helmet, a cap for patrols, a fleece cap for cold weather, and boonie hat. Green, maroon, and tan berets may be worn in barracks by army special forces, paratroopers and Rangers, in that order. The green micro fleece cap is only allowed for use in the field and garrison outside of unit patrols while camouflage cover rank must always be sewn when worn although its use is limited because it is often obstructed by the night vision device mount.

ACU Undershirt 

ACU military uniforms must be worn with that a moisture wicking cotton tan t-shirt be worn underneath the coat and tucked inside the trousers at all times, while a foliage-green T-shirt made of pure cotton is authorized for wear by soldiers in special training environments or for those deployed in Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq. Black T-shirts are the standard issue for the uniforms worn by certain instructors on Army posts in areas like the Ranger School, Special Forces, Snipers, Jumpmaster, Airborne, Sapper, and Pathfinder.

ACU Combat Boots

Army combat boots for the ACU must be made from tan rough side out cattle hide leather that has a plain toe and tan rubber outsoles. The boots must at all times be diagonally laced using tan laces, with any extending lace neatly tucked into the top of the boot underneath the bloused trousers, or securely wound around the top of the boot.

There are no metallic cleats, side tabs, or zipper tacks that are either sewn or laced in allowed by the ACU regulators. The ACU must at all times be worn with the official tan Army Combat Boots and moisture wicking socks. There is also a Mountain Combat Boot that is provided to cater for tough terrain and Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots for walking on snow and ice. An innovative Modular Boot System is in development to eventually replace the current Army Combat Boot in the near future.

The U.S Army is a uniformed service where a soldier’s discipline is partially dependent on the manner in which they wear their officially sanctioned uniforms, as well as by their personal grooming. A smart and well-groomed appearance by all soldiers is thus essential to a functional Army, and contributes fundamentally to the pride and spirit that are the major drivers of an effective military force.

Technology Infiltrates The Army

With smartphones becoming the preferred mode of communication, it was only a matter of time before the Military can find an excellent use for such technology. That time has arrived with the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office announcing the opening of their mobile-friendly website.

Jason Kelly, PAO emerging media manager agree that "our society is very mobile". Further, he believes that the Fort Meade mobile website makes it easier to get information using smartphones while away from desktop computers. 

The idea just came up two weeks ago but Kelly immediately began designing and testing the application. The result reveals two noteworthy attributes.

·         Designed with the general audience in mind, the application works on any smartphone equipped with an Internet browser.

·         Users can choose to get information like schedule changes via the website or through a text message.

Users can access the mobile version of Fort Meade's website at www.ftmeade.army.mil using any smartphone. The website includes a telephone directory, calendar of upcoming events, directions to post from the surrounding area, the menu for the Freedom Inn Dining Facility, content for the weekly Soundoff! Newspaper and access to social media sites. Kelly reveals they are looking at ways to customize information for internal and external communities. 

To get text messages, users need to register to the service by typing, follow ftmeadealert, and sending the message to 40404.  Text messages for changes in operating schedules will be automatically sent to registered users. Texts are sent via Twitter but don’t require registration in the social media site. Standard SMS rates apply but the service itself is offered free by Fort Meade.

Director of Public Affairs Office, Chad Jones, is pleased with the application's launch. He says, "Our goal at PAO is to make information as accessible and useful as possible". The new mobile friendly website helps the Army do that. Jones adds that he "wants to encourage feedback from the community to make this as effective as possible".

According to Kelly, Fort Meade is the first military community to launch a mobile friendly website that doesn't need additional apps to access. He said, "We’re offering a new example of how to embrace emerging media to better communicate with our community" through the enhanced version of the website. 

The Intelligence Behind The American Soldier’s Clothing And Gear

Gearing up the American soldier for the challenges he encounters in the field of combat is no simple feat. So much thought is put into each item, ensuring that the soldier's concentration is solely focused on the task at hand and not on worrying over his gear.

At Natick, improving what the American soldier wears is a constant challenge. A team of experts that includes scientists, engineers, textile technologists, clothing designers, retired military equipment specialists and experts in other fields, work towards three common goals; and that is to improve functionality, durability and comfort.

The dedication and passion that each expert in the team has is as awesome as their expertise. Assisting in the design of helmets, body armor, boots, gloves, uniforms and flame resistant gear, they never stop improving on these items to ensure that the American soldier has the equipment to survive and at the same time, be comfortable while wearing it. This incessant pursuit of excellence stems from the fact that the experts at Natick want these soldiers to have the best equipment and gear they could possibly provide. Jay Connors, division leader, Warrior Equipment and Systems Division at Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC said, "They are dedicated in this vein because they want to do the right thing by our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines”.

A former Marine Reservist, Connors has travelled to Afghanistan thrice and has been outfitted in the same uniform and gear that the soldiers use. He said he was completely confident because the gear was the best stuff out there and he knows it. The NSRDEC supports the Program Executive Office Soldier by providing them with engineers, clothing designers, textile technologists and chemists for developing soldier gear and clothing. Ben Cooper, a colleague of Connors, is the footwear project engineer in the Footwear Performance Laboratory or FPL. The scientific analyses, which his department does, have a direct influence in the development of the footwear that will eventually be used by soldiers, special operators, Marines and sailors.

The FPL ensures performance by testing stiffness, heat insulation, impact pressure, flexibility and slip resistance until they are fully satisfied with it. Cooper compares the American soldier to a high-performance athlete and that’s what they keep in mind when working on the soldier’s footgear. The FPL has developed waterproof boots, hot weather boots, cold weather boots and blast protective boots. Soldiers in Afghanistan have been equipped with combat boots that provide better ankle stability and more secure lacing systems. These improvements were realized because of the feedback they get from the field. They can only develop the most ideal footgear for soldiers when they have a complete idea of what they want and what they need. Recent data has shown that the improvements made significantly decreased the number of soldiers’ lower leg injuries.

Next up for the FPL is the Modular Boot System which is expected to maximize efficiency without sacrificing comfort or safety.  This footgear will come with three components consisting of two removable liners, an insulated garter and base boot which will be a hot weather, flame resistant boot. The people at FPL are currently working hard to get this boot into circulation as this will considerably cut down the number of boots that have to be lugged around by the soldier. Suitable for dry, wet, extremely hot and cold temperatures, field tests are expected to commence by fiscal year 2013.

Team leader for the Design, Pattern and Prototype Team; Annette LaFleur and her tailors work just as hard as the FPL. The physical environment of Iraq and Afghanistan provides challenges that are more than what the average person would expect in a dry climate. Extreme cold, heat, sand and wind should be considered and according to Lafleur, “to design with the focus on durability and repair-ability is key”. She adds that the soldier’s clothing must work as a system and that means integration is a crucial part of the design. Focusing on designing soldier’s clothing that maximizes ability to accomplish their mission, enhances quality of life, protection and survival ability, Lafleur states that the place and the mission make the clothes. Currently, the focus is on more protective fire-resistant fabrics, the use of breathable fabrics, blast and ballistic protection and always using light fabrics to ensure comfort.

Connors says that the NSRDEC is all about collaboration, resulting to better knowledge, better data collection and the ability to make better decisions. He wants soldiers to know that the division will keep on working to make sure that those in the field have the right stuff to meet their mission requirements.

Army Combat Gear & Uniform Changes Set for 2012

Though the official announcement has yet to be made, Colonel William Cole, program manager of Soldier Protection and Individual Protection said that new hot weather combat boots and stronger ACU pants will be released in 2012. Along with the new boots and pants, a new and better combat glove will also be released.Specific information about these changes are limited, however, it is known that the Twill combat pants will be made of "significantly" stronger fabrics and will come with knee pads. These pants will be using the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern, better known as the OCP. It is noted that the OCP ACUs will likewise have stronger fabrics that offer about a 50% improvement.

The ACU digital uniform will be
made with a stronger material next year.

This improved fabric will most likely necessitate importation of materials and as required by the Berry Amendment, the U.S. Armed Forces should use American made textile. Using foreign made materials for this purpose would have to pass through Congress and necessitates a congressional waiver to be pushed through. The Defender M material consists of 65% flame-resistant rayon and the fibers used in them are from the Austrian based company, Lenzing. Only the fibers are bought from Lenzing, the weaving and all other processing it undergoes thereafter are done in the U.S.

U.S. based manufacturers argue that viable domestic alternatives to rayon are available. Because of this, there are rumors that these manufacturers are seeking to get the congressional waiver cancelled. Alternatives do exist and the Armed Forces are well aware of this fact. In 2008, the Air Force chose the Abrams V fabric for use in flame resistant ground combat equipment, a blend of nylon, cotton and Nomex and 100% U.S. produced. Nomex, however, is more expensive and needs a longer time to produce. Furthermore, rayon is more comfortable, moisture absorbent and can be easily dyed.

The new hot weather boots is expected to provide better ankle and foot support but will most likely be stiffer when worn. In February 2011, the U.S. chose the Belleville 950 Combat Mountain Hiker, which will be issued in addition to the current combat boots. Featuring a Vibram Bifida outsole, it boasts of better support, grip, fit and durability as ut is 20% thicker than what most combat boots have.

Col. Cole's office also revealed that selection is ongoing for the new ACU camouflage pattern, in which 20 submissions are being reviewed. It will be followed by wear and field tests and if all goes according to schedule, production of the new ACUs will commence in October of 2012.

Summary of The U.S. Army 2012 Modernization Plan

The US Army's Modernization Plan for fiscal year 2012 focuses to support budget requests by the President for Army Research, Development and Acquisition of equipment, likewise known as RDA funds.

The Army's 2012 Modernization Plan proposes means to carry out the established goals of the U.S. Army for this specific year. Within the plan, the US Army has prioritized select equipment and essentials for meeting current and future objectives. In part, the emphasis is to enable better preparation for any complex and unpredictable events that may occur.

The Plan takes into consideration the lessons appreciated in wars and conflicts that the United States has had recent involvement. Likewise, it enumerates details and necessities to come up with workable solutions to provide the Army with the equipment and other items to succeed in their operations.

For more information on the 2012 Army Modernization Plan, visit Army.mil.

The U.S. Army: A New Candidate for QR Codes

With cutting edge technology growing more prominently in the Nation’s safety, it is no wonder why the U.S. Army is among the most powerful armed forces organizations in the world. Some people prefer to cling to the old ways but with the tide turning towards technological progress, the U.S. Military cannot afford to be left behind.

Recently, the U.S. Army has tapped the use of QR codes. The Army.mil website recently featured this new technology which opens up a lot of new possibilities for the military as well as civilians. These codes, which stand for Quick Response Code look like little boxes that are stacked on top of one another. Scanned with a Blackberry, Android or iPhone, QR codes can hold a great amount of information.

In order to gain access to the information these QR codes hold, one has to download an application that will enable the Blackberry, Android or iPhone device to read them. Several scanning applications are available and you get them for free. Scanlife, ShopSavvy, Redlaser and JumpScan are some that provide these apps. After downloading them, you can just scan a QR code to unlock its contents. You can also use these apps to scan standard bar codes which you can see in practically everything you buy.

So, how can the Army use QR codes? Currently, Army Career Centers in the Sacramento Recruiting Battalion are creating QR codes to streamline recruiting efforts. These QR codes will be placed on the facility’s windows so that in the event that an applicant comes in with no one to provide him with the information he needs, it will be a simple matter of scanning the QR code to find information about the particular Army Career Center they are interested in. Such QR codes may even allow an applicant to be directed to the Facebook page of the Army Career Center.

If you think about it, the possibilities of QR codes are virtually limitless. A few areas where the use of QR codes has been tested are in trail markers for hiking, business cards, nutrition information, and retail. This is just the tip of the iceberg as people continuously find ways of using QR codes.