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.

The Ranks of the U.S. Army

The ranks of U.S. Army personnel are often worn on their military uniforms to distguish their status. Army rank patches are worn on shoulder (or in some cases the on sleeve) of the uniform.

There are 9 levels of enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army. The first of the U.S. Army ranks commence with the Private and conclude with Sergeant Major of the Army.

Alongside each proper Army rank name is the abbreviated rank identifier and the enlisted grade (or pay grade.) An enlisted grade begins at E1 and ends at E9. Grades E9, E8, E7 and E4 are distinguished since each of them has multiple ranks linked to them.

Below is a list of each rank found the U.S. Army and there distiguished chevrons (or stripes) that define each rank insignia

• Private, PV1, E1 is a basic recruit grade and rank. Their collar and sleeve are bare as they wear no insignia.
• Private, PV2, E2 wears insignia of one chevron on the collar and sleeves.
• Private First Class, PFC, E2 wears insignia of one chevron and a rocker
• Specialist 4, SP4, E4 is somewhat a unique rank. It is the only enlisted rank which doesn't bear rockers or chevrons. Instead, its rank is a solid shield with one eagle centered on it.
• Corporal, CPL, E4 wears the insignia of 2 chevrons.
• Sergeant, SGT, E5 sometimes referred to as 'Buck Sergeant', wears the insignia of 3 chevrons.
• Staff Sergeant, SSG, E6 wears insignia of 3 chevrons and one rocker.
• Sergeant First Class, E7 wears insignia of 3 chevrons and 2 rockers. Platoon Sergeant, E7 is of the same rank as Sergeant First Class and so wears the same number of Army rank patches- 3 chevrons and 2 rockers.
• Master Sergeant, E8 wears insignia of 3 chevrons and 3 rockers.
• First Sergeant, E8 wears insignia of 3 chevrons and 3 rockers but has more authority than Master Sergeant. One small diamond resides in the space of the rockers and chevrons.
• Sergeant Major, E9 wears 3 chevrons and 3 rockers. A small 5-pointed star resides inside the space of the rockers and chevrons.
• Command Sergeant Major, E9 wears a small 5-pointed star with a wreath within the space of 3 chevrons and 3 rockers.
• Sergeant Major of the Army, E9 is the highest enlisted rank and he represents all the Army enlisted soldiers. Centered between 2 5-pointed stars is the eagle from the United States Great Seal. This is centered horizontally within the 3 chevrons and 3 rockers.

Each one of the U.S. Army rank insignia patches. There are specific patches for certain types of military uniforms, such as MultiCam or ACU Army rank patches. There are even rank patches in sew-on and Velcro options, depending on the standards of the Army or military branch.

Each Army rank is special in its own unique way and holds a valuable position in the military hierarchy. Soldiers serving at any level of the order of military are equally as essential as their fellow service members even though their training, duties, responsibilities and ranks may vary.

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.

The Purpose & Importance of Infrared (IR) Military Patches

Infrared (IR) patches hold an important function for the U.S. Military. IR patches help signify fellow soldiers in field, thus protecting them from friendly fire. In addition, infrared patches provide crucial information to battlefield medics and hospital staff, such as blood type.

A soldier's IR patch is an indispensable uniform accessory. During the daytime, IR patches can be seen without a visible reflective glow. However during the night, infrared patches become illuminated while being observed through night vision technology.

Purpose & Types of Military Infrared Patches

There are a number of military IR patches for different components of the military-issue uniform. The most common types are IR flags, Army unit patches, and blood type patches.

Infrared flags, or IR flag patches, serve as a type of combat identification used by soldiers. During the night, IR flags help units distinguish soldiers amidst the battlefield.

Holding a similar purpose as IR flags, infrared Army unit patches are designed to help soldiers to distinguish those who are apart of particular Army unit or division. Some examples may include the 1st Army Division IR patch or the 172nd Stryker Brigade IR patch (as shown in the image) which indicate various levels of certification training and military experience.

The final IR patch carries a very important purpose. That is the blood type IR patch. As its name denotes, the blood type IR patch tells medics the specific blood type of a fallen soldier during the dark. As one of the most critical military uniform patches in the field, the blood type IR patch holds great importance to provide adequate medical attention accordingly.

Current Events & Restrictions of IR Patches

During the initial production of IR patches, they were made available for both the military and civilians. This resulted in terrorist regimes such as the Taliban and Al-qaeda acquiring infrared patches for their own use.

Because the coalition attack aircraft were restricted from firing upon anyone wear infrared patches, these terrorist groups were able to avoid attacks from opposing forces.

As a result of this issue, the United States State Department has restricted the exportation of IR patches. Although similar versions of the IR patch have been produced and sold overseas, they are not infrared receptive through night vision gear.

Only select military surplus stores offer IR patches for sale. You can find many different military-issue IR patches to serve many different functions.

This post was contributed by Tyler Tafelsky.

Top 3 Military-Issue Boots That Meet ACU Regulations

If you are a member of the U.S. Army and were the ACU (Army Combat Uniform), then you will most definitely benefit from buying high quality and comfortable military boots for sale. A good name brand that represents top quality is the first aspect to consider for when searching for military-issue boots. Boots are the only item separating your feet from natural elements, and they are on your feet for the greater part of the day.

To help you pinpoint a great pair of military-issue boots that suit ACU regulations, below we highlight three particular products that have earned solid reviews and respect from consumers.

1. Nike SFB Military Boots 

You are a real athlete with special needs which is why the Nike SFB Military Boots for sale offer you the best modern materials and the latest scientific research provides. This lightweight protective military boot is strong enough to handle everything coming their way.

Some of the features that make the Nike SFB Military Boots so outstanding, include:

• Engineered from the ground up to fulfill the needs of first responders
• Quick drying overlay materials
• Lightweight for high mobility performance
• No break-in period needed

As many fellow armed forces individuals can attest, you can't go wrong with these military boots made by Nike. The best deal we found for these military boots for sale was www.RangerJoes.com

2. Altama Tan Desert 8" Hoplite Boot  

As you may have already experience, traditional boots aren't exactly friendly when it comes to handling impact and harsh military conditions. These Altama Tan Desert 8" Hoplite Boots are crafted to make your life inside the military much easier so you can focus on what really matters.

Some of the unique features of the Altama Tan Desert 8" Hoplite Boot include:

• Protective foam impact pods
• Oil, slip and acid resistant
• Nylon coated brass innersole
• Made in the USA.

The impact pods on these Altama military boots allow for a secure and safe feet. Its lightweight design might hide the fact that they protect your feet from everything that can come along from every angle, thanks to their coated brass innersole. For all those who prefer products made in America, these military-issue boots fit the sale.

One of the best online sources to find Altama military boots for sale is MilitaryUniformSupply.com. Here you can find a wide spectrum of military-issue boots from some of the leading brands (including Belleville, shown below.)

3. Belleville Tactical Research TR101 MiniMil Ultra Light Desert Tan Boot

As you might have heard from your fellow companions, not all military-issue boots are good for running. These incredible military boots for sale designed and crafted by Belleville are a high quality solution to that problem, since most of its materials and parts are created to provide a lightweight feel, great comfort, and field tested durability.

The Belleville Tactical Research TR101 MiniMil Ultra Light Desert Tan Boots boast a number of great qualities.

• Insole: Single density molded EVA
• Outsole: Slip resistant rubber
• Midsole: Compression molded EVA
• Upper: Nylon and leather

These military boots from Belleville are an exceptional option for military personnel who where both the ACU and MultiCam uniforms, two of the most common military uniforms today. In addition to Military Uniform Supply, you can find these military-issue boots available at other large online retailers like Amazon and eBay.

As you can see, the particular features these three choices of military-issue boots become assets in the field. When it comes to quality military boots for sale, you might go for a particular brand, feature or benefits. Just be sure to do your research and be selective. Your feet (and maybe even your life) depend on it.

The Rise of MultiCam in Today's Military Uniforms & Combat Gear

MultiCam® is a advanced camouflage pattern that's becoming quite popular due to its incredible effectiveness in the field, as well as its unique and innovative design.

MultiCam was designed to disguise users amidst a wide range of environments, seasons, and conditions. The objective behind its creators was to develop a new camouflage that centers on the need for optimal concealment in a wide spectrum of terrain and changing conditions.

While there are a wide range of camouflage options that suit the demands for concealment in specific environments (such as that of today's desert and woodland BDU's), MultiCam is known to be effective in a wide array of landscapes and conditions, making it one of the most revolutionary developments to support the United States Armed Forces.

The Design Behind MultiCam Camouflage

MultiCam camouflage is a complex pattern composed of many different layers and colors. The background color scheme consists of a tan/brown gradient with light shades of green in between. The frontal layers of MultiCam include a green/yellow color gradient with blotches of brown and a slight pink scattered throughout the camouflage's pattern.

The desirable feature behind MultiCam is its ability to conceal a user by deceiving the eye's perception of color. In essence, the visible appearance of MultiCam seems to change from slight green to brown, depending on the brightness and backdrop of the environment. This makes MultiCam uniforms and combat gear ingenious applications for a wide range of situations, particularly for use in the Middle East.

The Emergence of MultiCam in Today's Military Uniforms & Gear

MultiCam uniform attire and gear has exploded over the last few years. For military issue applications, MultiCam uniforms have become increasingly demanding as more combat situations are present in Middle Eastern environments. Retailers like Military Uniform Supply have realized this rise in demand MultiCam uniforms and combat gear.

Beyond military use, hunters and outdoors men are also finding MultiCam to be a unique choice for their attire. The uniqueness of this camouflage pattern has earned recognition amongst many different markets.

2013 Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids: Army & Military Uniforms!

Military Halloween costumes are without a doubt some of the most awesome, especially if you're in Military family. Unlike other Halloween costumes, Military Halloween costumes give your kids a sense of action and excitement while enjoying Halloween night.

It's not easy to find good quality Military costumes for kids. Many Military Halloween costumes are on the cheap side and have basic camo clothing and maybe some face paint. Well if you're looking for Military Halloween costumes for your kids, look no further. We found the solution to find top-quality and authentic Military Halloween costumes. The place is Military Uniform Supply, and they offer an abundance of options.

Authentic Military Costumes for Kids

Unlike other sources that offer only basic army clothing and camouflage for kids, Military Uniform Supply is offers a full line-up of authentic kid's military clothing and uniforms. These kids military uniform packages come complete with everything a kid needs to suit up like a real soldier for Halloween. From the fatigue cap to the uniform accessories, each kid's military uniform includes many different components and authentic camouflage.

At Military Uniform Supply, you can select from various kid's military uniforms. Each package is a miniature replica of an actual uniform of the US Military. From the ACU (Army Combat Uniform) to the DCU (Desert Combat Uniform), all of these army uniforms are truly authentic.

In each 2013 Halloween military costume set, you can find the follow clothing components and accessories:

• Kid's Uniform Jacket
• Kid's Uniform Pants
• Kid's Under T-Shirt
• Kid's Ball Cap (one size fits all)
• Uniform Name Tape (customized to your name)
• Uniform Branch Tape (Select from: U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard)
• U.S. Flag Patch
• 2 Rank Insignias
• 2 Authentic Army Unit Patches

In addition to finding complete military uniform packages, you can also buy single articles of military clothing, such as camo pants, jackets, accessories and more. Beyond making your 2013 Halloween awesome, these military uniforms are also ideal for many types of outdoor activities, including hunting, boy scouts, and paintball or airsoft.

To start searching for Military costumes to gear-up for your 2013 Halloween, visit MilitaryUniformSupply.com for all types of Army and Military costumes fo kids.

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.

Find Authentic Clothing Of The Civil War

With the American Civil War a major turning point in the country's history, clothing of the Civil War is used for various purposes depicting the glory of those times. A nation's history shapes its present and the lessons learned from it are as timely today as it was then. The online military outlet, MilitaryUniformSupply.com offers Civil War Union and Confederate reproduction uniforms plus an assortment of accessories the same as the ones actually used in those times. A reputable source of Civil War items, MUS.com ensures high quality and dependability when it comes to vintage Civil War clothing, gear and other paraphernalia.

Perfect for reenactments, costumes and as collectors' items, Civil War Union uniforms at MilitaryUniformSupply.com can be further customized with accessories such as replica brass buttons to make them more authentic. The Civil War U.S. Fatigue Sack Coat made of dark blue wool that was issued to Federal Troops during the Civil War is an exact replica of those worn by Union soldiers. It is an unlined coat with one inside breast pocket and comes with brass U.S. Eagle buttons. The Civil War Sky Blue U.S. Foot Trousers matches the sack coat and is made of sky blue wool. These are unlined trousers with pewter four-hole buttons. Reproduction Civil War Union Kepi Caps and Union Forage Caps are also available. Both made of blue wool with complete lining, these caps include genuine leather bills and neck straps with leather sweat bands inside. To make the Union Civil War Uniform complete and as authentic as possible, Civil War Adjustable Canvas Suspenders in natural color are sold along with Civil War leather gauntlets which were used by the Cavalry and other soldiers. An assortment of brass buttons representing the different Union states are also available for further customization if desired.

The Civil War Confederate uniforms, like the Union uniforms, can also be bought at MilitaryUniformSupply.com. Grey sack coats and foot trousers worn by Confederate soldiers as well as high quality accessories such as bras and chevron buttons, caps, muslin shirts and other Confederate items are sold at this online military supplies outlet. Issued to Confederate Troops during the Civil War, these uniforms are made of mixed grey wool and accessorized with either the grey forage or kepi cap. Muslin shirts worn beneath the grey coats lend a more genuine feel to these clothing items. Soldiers from the Confederate states used specialized brass buttons to identify the specific state from which they came from. At MUS.com, you can find these buttons in various sizes and in the exact design that were used in the original items.

The American Civil War happened 150 years ago but its lessons will forever be imprinted in the hearts of the American people. Often reenacted, the respect we have for the famous and unknown personages of those times is reflected in our remembrance of them. Coming up with a Union or Confederate uniform that is as authentic as can be is a form of respect and tribute for the many that helped shape the nation as we know it today. At MilitaryUniformSupply.com, we can offer a cost effective solution for your Civil War uniform needs, whether you are wearing one for reenactment purposes, as a costume for varied occasions or to complete your Civil War collection.

Relied upon by many customers for almost two decades, MUS.com is your source for high quality and rare Civil War items for your every need. Get high quality at great prices for all your Civil War essentials at MilitaryUniformSupply.com. Visit www.militaryuniformsupply.com today and contact the MUS.com customer sales department if you have questions. Coming up with the perfect Civil War Union or Confederate uniform is easy with MilitaryUniformSupply.com.

Find popular military uniform items with ease

The Multicam camouflage pattern helps soldiers hide in different environments, seasons, elevations and weather conditions. Its strong points hinge on its ability to reflect the surrounding environment, disguise volume and shape and balance of scale and contrast. The people behind the Multicam camouflage pattern spent a year and a half testing the design with the US Army, which they called Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern or the OCP. The results of these tests were more than what they hoped for and after two consecutive tests where they were consistently top ranked, they produced it for large scale use and was henceforth known as the Multicam.

The Multicam camouflage pattern is a single camouflage pattern made up of seven different hues. Designed to reflect some of the colors of the environment, it mimics the green shades of a forest canopy or the seemingly monotonous tan of the open desert. One of the Multicam camouflage pattern’s strengths is its ability to distort the way the human eye perceives shape, volume and color. Since only a small portion of the human eye actually sees colors, the brain fills in the majority, which tricks the observer in perceiving the Multicam as part of the background. The Multicam design works to blend instead of utilizing contrast. This is why it works in a variety of environments including close distances. Usually, short distances compromise concealment when a soldier uses a camouflage with bulky or pixilated patterns.

The Multicam Camouflage Pattern is used by the Armed Forces of several countries. In the United States, Multicam uniform items are used by the US Military’s Special Operation’s Command. The US Army’s 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Charlie Company was spotted wearing Multicam uniforms. The Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Homeland Security also use it. The USAF also announced that they will be using the Multicam for some of their official uniforms.

The online military store, MilitaryUniformSupply.com offers Multicam ACU items, including boonie hats, name tapes, branch tapes, rank insignias, unit patches, belts, socks and other accessories and paraphernalia on top of Multicam jackets, trousers and boots. Offering high quality, military specified items, MUS.com makes it easy for shoppers to locate items that are difficult to find because of the sheer number listed under it. The website’s quickfinder pages enable visitors to gain easy access to the items they are primarily looking for without wasting precious time figuring out where it is. Located on the left side of the MUS.com pages under the heading “Categories”, the Unit Item Quickfinder is divided according to divisions. If you’d rather browse through the website according to item, you will also easily find them in the category list.

MUS.com’s Item Quickfinder allows customers to easily pinpoint what they need as it is represented in the image provided in the page. This feature is different than the Unit Item Quickfinder. For instance, if you are interested in Woodland BDU items, clicking on the image corresponding to it will bring you to the page where each Woodland BDU item is labeled and can be easily clicked on if you want to learn more about it or if you plan on making a purchase. If you’re looking for ACU Uniform and Multicam Uniform items, the same Item Quickfinder method can be used for easy access.


With MilitaryUniformSupply.com’s considerable experience in selling military items, you can be assured that you can find what you need in the quickest, easiest way. If you are looking for convenience, quality and affordability when buying popular military uniform items, choose MUS.com.

Top Source for Multicam Gear and Equipment

When it comes to military clothing, few can equal the large inventory that the online military store, Military Uniform Supply.com has. They are specialists in military uniforms, clothing and gear and accessories as well as kids’ military clothing. When it comes to multicam gear and equipment, MUS.com is the top source wherein you can get all that you need or desire at reasonable costs. For military personnel, people whose passions are directed towards all things military and for those whose fashion sense are geared towards it, taking a look at what MUS.com has to offer can definitely give you something to be happy about.


MilitaryUniformSupply.com has a great selection of Multicam jackets and coats printed with the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern and made with a combination of varying amounts of nylon and Cotton Ripstop, polyester and Cotton Battle Rip and polyester and Cotton Twill. This collection is available in ACU or BDU styles and is based on military specifications. They also sell Propper Flame Resistant Multicam ACU Style Jacket made of Tencate Defender M fabric that sets the standard for fire retardant military combat uniforms. Water proof ECWS Gen-2 Multicam parkas and Multicam Tru-Spec M-65 Field Jackets are also available and many others.


The Multicam jackets they offer have counterpart trousers in the pants and trousers category of the website. Multicam ACU pants are worn with its specified jacket for official purposes. They are made in the Multicam pattern and use a combination of nylon and Cotton Ripstop, Polyester and Cotton Battle Rip and Polyester Cotton Twill. Like the jackets, they are made according to military specifications. They have Multicam Frog Trousers and Propper ACU Pants Flame Resistant Multicam. The former are sewn to the official Marine Frog specs and the latter is approved for use by the US Army. They also sell the BDU Zipper Fly Shorts in Multicam which is made of 65% polyester and 35% Cotton Ripstop.


The high demand for Multicam uniform clothing has increased the need for Multicam footwear. At MUS.com, you can choose the right Multicam footwear that will answer your needs perfectly. They have the Belleville KIOWA TR505-Lightweight Tactical Research Multicam which boasts of a sleek, low profile outsole for enhanced feel and mobility. They also have the Belleville KHYBER TR-560 Mountain Hybrid Boots, Belleville 330 ST Waterproof Steel Toe Flight Boots in chocolate brown, Belleville 700 Waterproof Duty and Insulated Boots in black, Belleville 340 DES Hot Weather Desert Boots Flight and Combat Vehicle in tan, Belleville 551 ST Hot Weather Steel Toe Combat Boots in olive drab and the Altama 4250 USMC Certified Hot Weather Combat Boots in olive Mojave. For women, the Belleville F340 Hot Weather Flight and Combat Vehicle Desert Boots in tan are also available. All these can be worn with Multicam jackets and trousers.


As for multicam equipment like bags and backpacks, headgear, plate carriers, MOLLE gear and field equipment, you can find them all at Military Uniform Supply.com. They also carry branch and name tapes, Multicam flags and patches, rank insignias, Kevlar helmet bands and helmet covers and Multicam shirts. Practically everything you’ll need to come up with an official Multicam military uniform can be found at www.militaryuniformsupply.com.