The Progression of Military Name Tapes

Military name tapes is essentially a name tag that would be attached to the uniform of a military personnel. Military name tapes cannot be placed anywhere on the uniform, there are regulations and instructions laid out to ensure its proper placement. Name tapes are generally worn on the right side of the shirt or jacket, just above the pocket.

Military name tapes can be attached to the uniform by sewing the name tape on the shirt or jacket. The name tape may be a cloth, plastic or a Velcro tape. Military name tapes and tags may also be embroidered onto the shirt or jacket directly. There are digital name tapes available too.

There are a variety of name tapes for various military uniform types:

• ACU (Army Combat Uniform): Sew on name tapes are no longer used for Army Combat Uniforms. They are name tapes with black letters made from digitized fabric with hook fastener or Velcro.
• ABU (Airman Battle Uniform): These are name tapes with blue letters and come in twill winter weight material.
• MultiCam Uniforms: These name tags have black letters and are made on 1 inch MultiCam fabric strips. They are 5 inches in length with Velcro on the back.
• A-TACS Military Uniforms: These name tapes are 5 inches in length and have a Velcro backing. They are available in olive drab and black threads
• Woodland BDU (Battle Dress Uniform): The specific colour for Woodland BDU name tapes is olive drab and are made on 1 ¼ inch olive drab fabric strips with black letters.
• DCU (Desert Camouflage Uniforms): These military name tapes are made with 1 inch cotton webbing tape

BDU and DCU name tapes are the traditional types, whereas Army ACU, ABU, ATACS and Multicam name tapes are newer variety that have progressed in their development.

The main purpose of these military name tapes are the easy recognition. Sometimes their designations can also be seen here. In the battle field a name tape or tag is very useful. Looking at the tape what kind of treatment is necessary that can be decided. In case of emergency this tape also helps to reach their nearest family members.

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.

3 Exceptional Backpacks for Military & Civilian Use

Choosing the most appropriate backpack might represent a challenging task in some cases, as there are numerous aspects you have to consider if you want to obtain a high quality and very resistant pack that can also offer you numerous other functions.

Considering the elementary details of every military backpack available is essential in this situation. If you are not completely sure regarding the most fitted choice you should make, these three  military backpacks are very suitable for both civilians and military personnel.

The Bugout Bag is the first most appropriate option you have when choosing military backpacks, as it can provide you an impressive number of features and benefits. There are three patterns this backpack provides, including ABU, ACU and Multicam, which present different colors and models, keeping, though, the original design. However, this backpack is not only very suited for soldiers, but it can constitute an adequate choice for all traditional travelers.

The main features of the Bugout Bag are an internal frame, expandable main compartment, rugged and abrasion-resistant exterior, hydration compatibility, panel organization, Molle and Pals panels, tuck away shoulder harness, padded waist belt and a material that is 1000-D Cordura. Choosing this backpack will offer you the possibility to store numerous objects and items, as it has many zippered pockets and open slots available. With a very affordable price for everyone's pocket, this backpack constitutes a very valuable acquisition mostly for military personnel, especially if they need to prepare for war or other military duties.


The 3 Day Pack military backpack is an ideal option for soldiers who prefer effectiveness and functionality instead of style, as it has a very attractive Multicam pattern. This backpack can provide people complete comfort while carrying it, as it includes many remarkable features, like comfort, removable waist strap, heavy duty carry handle, adjustable padded shoulder straps, adjustable sternum strap, an 1000-D Cordura material and many others.

 If you appreciate functionality and comfort and you want to store all the items you need for your trip, the 3 Day Pack backpack represents an excellent choice for all your needs and expectations, as you can carry it easily, without feeling the unpleasant sensation most backpack involve. Its reasonable price makes this military backpack the most suitable option for you, as it can be successfully used any time you need because of its very durable material and complete load stability.

If you have to accomplish a military duty, but you are not extremely sure about the backpack you should use, the Sling backpack is more than adequate for all your needs. Given that it has a very functional and attractive design as well, this military item is right for every soldier and other military personnel who need a backpack with a large storage space and other features included.

There are numerous benefits associated with this backpack and the most remarkable ones are external pockets, padded back, mobile phone case, compression straps, quick-release single strap and carry handle. This backpack can be easily used and it provides complete access to all its pockets, so it is more than right if you need it for military purposes. The Sling backpack has a attractive ACU pattern, which makes it perfect for military duties that require camouflage.

Whether you opt for the Bugout Bag, 3 Day Pack or Sling backpack, all these military-grade backpacks for sale can simplify your military duty and allow you to obtain a large storage space, where you can keep all the items you need in order to succeed.

This post was contributed by Tyler Tafelsky.