New Army Uniform Doesn't Measure Up

[Jerry]

"Considering all the testing the uniform went through, it is surprising such a mediocre product finally emerged."

New Army Uniform Doesn't Measure Up

One of the most visible and high-impact changes adopted by the Army since Operation Iraqi Freedom began has been the fielding of the Army Combat Uniform, or ACU. The new uniform replaces the woodland camo Battle Dress Uniform and the "three color" Desert Combat Uniform.
One of the main goals of the change was to have a uniform that worked in all environments - woodland, desert, and urban - and held up to the rigors of combat duty, as well as the strictures of day-to-day work in garrison.

A great deal of time and money was spent on the development of this new uniform and the Army Program Executive Office Soldier did extensive testing with Soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and at home in the United States.

Considering all the testing the uniform went through, it is surprising such a mediocre product finally emerged.

The rough boot and pocket layout was a good idea. However, the Velcro closures and patches don't last. The uniform material doesn't hold together, stains easily, and can melt a soldier’s skin in a fire. The camo pattern stands out in nearly every environment.