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The Army Combat Uniform, or ACU, is a new combat uniform (battledress) to be worn by the United States Army. It uses a universal camouflage digital pattern of camouflage. It blends green, tan, and gray to work effectively in woodland, desert, and urban environments. It also features numerous design improvements based on input from soldiers. The process of replacing the Army's current BDU "woodland" pattern (used since 1981) with the ACU was to begin in April 2005; however, the process actually began two months earlier through the Rapid Fielding Initiative and is scheduled to be completed by December 2007. Currently, multiple camouflage patterns and caps are in use at Army posts.
The ACU and its component materials will be manufactured by the existing industrial infrastructure in the U.S., which produces the current battle dress uniform.
The ACU
- Patrol cap: a straight-sided, flat-topped soft cap, similar to an old-fashioned Pittsburgh Pirates hat, but with a double thick bill and internal pocket. Nametapes are now worn on the back of the patrol cap. The ACU, like the BDU, is worn with the black beret in garrison; the patrol cap may be authorized for the field by the unit commander when wear of the helmet is not necessary.
- Jacket:
- Hook fastener-backed U.S. Army and last name tapes
- Hook fastener-backed rank insignia over the breastbone.
- Loop fastener-faced shoulder pockets for unit patches, skill tabs, and recognition devices, such as the infrared (IR) feedback American flag - this provides day and night recognition for Identification friend or foe (IFF).
- Permanent infrared (IR) IFF squares are sewn to each shoulder for nighttime identification.
- Mandarin collar, worn up in combat to fit with the Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) body armour, worn in the down position otherwise.
- Zippered front closure, reinforced with hook and loop fasteners, designed for use with OTV.
- Tilted chest pockets with hook and loop closure, to fit with OTV.
- Blouse bellows for increased mobility.
- Hook and loop cuff closures.
- Three-slot pen pocket on the left arm for use with OTV.
- Elbow pouches for elbow pad inserts.
- Moisture wicking tan T-shirt.
- Two-inch black nylon web belt
- Trouser:
- Knee pouches for knee pad inserts.
- Two forward tilted thigh storage pockets with elastic drawstring and hook-and-loop tape for closure during movement.
- Two calf storage pockets with hook and loop closure, one on each leg; the pockets are bellowed.
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Tan suede combat boots, either hot weather or temperate weather versions.
Notes
The color black was omitted from the uniform to distinguish it from the Marine Corps colors and to minimize the color black, which, during movement, is noticed by the human eye very quickly.
The olive drab, tan, and green battle dress uniforms are now replaced by a neutral gray-green and light tan with dapples.
In combat, the gray would tend to match the environment after use; for example, dust could cover up the gray. Gray is also a neutral color and thus, does not tend to catch the eye as more saturated colors would. Body armor is being made to match the camouflage, although it is not in common use yet as the Army transitions to the new uniform. Often, body armor is mismatched with components of the desert uniform and is replaced when units get the new body armor in the form of conversion kits that allow the current armor's camouflage material to be replaced by the ACU style material.
The cost to each soldier is US$76 per uniform, as compared to US$58 for a BDU, but clothing allowances in soldiers pay have been adjusted to match the more expensive uniform. All insignia is at an extra cost, which normally runs about US$2.50, plus the cost of sewing the hook fastener to the back of the patch. Nametapes are also extra, generally US$2. Soldiers who purchase uniforms from websites or surplus stores generally have to purchase IR squares to be sewn on, which cost about US$5.
Proper wear
In peacetime, the colorful red, white, and blue American flag is worn instead of the subdued infrared-absorbent version. Subdued unit patches are always worn. The full-color U.S. flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag’s own right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer’s right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the reverse side flag.
Special skill badges worn are of a pin-on variety only. The skill tabs, which are the President's Hundred Tab, Ranger, Sapper, and Special Forces are worn on the left sleeve pocket flap. Out of the four authorized skill tabs, only 3 may be worn at any one time on the ACU. A tab that is an integral part of a unit patch, such as the "mountain" or "airborne" tab, are not counted against the 3 tab only rule. The Army Black Beret is authorized for use with the ACU.
Sewn on rank is only authorized on the ACU Patrol Cap, ACU Boonie Hat, and Kevlar Camouflage cover.
The U.S. Army Chaplaincy insignia is the only authorized branch insignia to be worn on the ACU. It is centered 1/8 inch above the U.S. Army name tape. The insignia must be pinned on, vice sewn on.
In garrison, the infrared (IR) squares are to be covered with the tabs. In the field, the tabs can be folded back and hook-fastened to the underside of the pocket flap, exposing the IR squares.
Unlike BDUs, ACUs are not to be starched or pressed. As per the ACU MILPER message ammending AR 670-1, "Soldiers will not starch the Army Combat Uniform under any circumstances. The use of starch, sizing, and any process that involves dry-cleaning or steam press will adversely affect the treatments and durability of the uniform and is not authorized."
The jacket is worn hook fastened and zipped. The Mandarin collar is normally worn down. The jacket must not extend below the top of the cargo pocket and must not be higher than the bottom of the side pocket.
Sleeves will be worn down at all times. Unlike with BDUs, rolling sleeves is not permitted.
The hook fastners for internal pads on the elbows and knees must be closed at all times.
Uniform care
When laundering the uniform, the patches can be removed. Dry cleaning, pressing and starching are not necessary nor authorized. Instead, washing on a gentle cycle and drying with low heat are sufficient. Additionally, startching the uniform may result in discoloration.
The uniform must be washed with a mild detergent that does not contain "optical brighteners." Detergents with optical brighteners may cause discoloration to the uniform.
See also
- Camouflage
- Battle dress uniform
- Chocolate-chip camouflage
- MARPAT, digital pattern used by the United States Marine Corps
- CADPAT, digital pattern used by the Canadian Armed Forces
- Airman Battle Uniform
External links
- ACU info
- GlobalSecurity.org page on ACU (with pictures)
- Army page on ACU
- ACU Brief (ArmyStudyGuide.com) - Contains details on the ACU including proper wear and care information
"Army Combat Uniform"