The iconic Universal Camouflage Pattern, widely recognized as the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) pattern, has officially been retired by the U.S. Army as of October 1, 2019. After years of service, the digital camouflage design is being phased out, marking a significant shift in military apparel. Soldiers will now primarily wear uniforms featuring the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), also known as the “Scorpion” pattern. This transition represents the culmination of a multi-year effort to enhance soldier effectiveness and modernize army uniforms.
U.S. Army Reserve officer in Army Combat Uniform (ACU) at deployment ceremony, representing the end of the ACU era.
The decision to replace the ACU pattern stems from widespread feedback and official evaluations indicating that the OCP offers superior camouflage capabilities across diverse environments. Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Law emphasized the enhanced functionality of the OCP, stating, “With the OCP, we’ve been able to improve upon the functionality of the ACU and carry that forward into a uniform that has already gained more functionality and more popularity than the ACU ever had.” This sentiment reflects a general consensus among soldiers who view the OCP as a substantial improvement in blending and overall effectiveness. The retirement of the ACU is seen as a step towards greater uniformity within the force and a more modern, warrior-like appearance for soldiers.
The shortcomings of the ACU pattern became increasingly apparent during the early 2000s, particularly in theaters like Afghanistan. The digital camouflage, while intended for universal application, proved less effective in certain terrains. These concerns reached Congress, prompting legislative action. In 2009, House Resolution 2346 mandated the Department of Defense to expedite the provision of combat uniforms with camouflage patterns optimized for the Afghan environment.
Extensive research and testing followed, involving computer simulations and field trials across various global locations. Ultimately, the “Scorpion” pattern, which eschews the digital approach of the ACU for a more nature-inspired design, was selected as the most effective alternative. The OCP incorporates colors and shapes more commonly found in natural settings, leading to better concealment in operational environments.
U.S. Army Reserve soldiers training with M240B machine gun in Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), highlighting the improved functionality over ACU.
While the OCP uniform is now standard, some soldiers still possess gear items in the older ACU pattern. Leaders like 1st Sgt. Kimberly Jones advocate for complete uniformity, suggesting the turn-in of ACU gear to fully transition to the OCP. Jones also noted the improved durability of the OCP uniform material, stating, “The material is heavier, so it lasts longer before it starts to fade.”
Further enhancing soldier comfort and performance, the Army introduced the Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU) in July 2019, initially rolled out in hot-weather locations like Hawaii and Fort Benning, Georgia. Utilizing the OCP color scheme, the IHWCU is constructed from a quick-drying nylon/cotton blend, designed to maximize comfort in demanding hot climates. Soldiers can anticipate the IHWCU becoming available at military clothing stores starting in February 2020.
Looking beyond the OCP and IHWCU, the Army continues to innovate in uniform technology. Future developments are aimed at incorporating materials that provide concealment from ground-based radar and fabrics with specialized coatings for thermal regulation, potentially eliminating the need for bulky layering in cold conditions. These ongoing advancements underscore the Army’s commitment to equipping soldiers with the most effective and technologically advanced uniforms possible. The retirement of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) pattern marks not just the end of an era, but the beginning of a new chapter focused on enhanced camouflage, improved functionality, and continuous innovation in soldier uniforms.
