For years, the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP), also known as the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) pattern or digital camouflage, was the standard for U.S. Army uniforms. However, as of October 1, 2019, this era came to an end. The ACU pattern has been officially retired, marking a significant shift towards the more effective and widely accepted Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). This transition, phased in since 2014, signifies the Army’s commitment to providing soldiers with superior equipment and enhancing operational effectiveness.
U.S. Army Reserve officer in OCP uniform presenting arms at deployment ceremony
The move to the OCP has been met with positive feedback from soldiers across the ranks. Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Law of the U.S. Army Reserve 412th Theater Engineer Command highlighted the improvements, 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.” He further emphasized that this change creates “better uniformity across the force,” with the OCP offering enhanced camouflage capabilities. According to Law, the OCP’s superior blending performance makes soldiers appear “more like warriors,” boosting both confidence and operational readiness. The OCP pattern is considered particularly advantageous for diverse operational environments, including regions with dense forests like Korea and South America, where effective camouflage is crucial for soldier safety and mission success.
U.S. Army Reserve soldier feeding ammunition into machine gun in OCP uniform during training
The decision to replace the ACU pattern was driven by substantial concerns raised in the early 2000s regarding its effectiveness in various combat environments. These concerns reached Congress, prompting legislative action. In 2009, House Resolution 2346 was passed, mandating the Department of Defense to expedite the provision of combat uniforms with camouflage patterns optimized for Afghanistan’s specific terrain. Extensive trials, incorporating computer simulations and field tests in diverse global locations, were conducted to identify the most effective alternative. Ultimately, the “Scorpion” pattern, rebranded as OCP, emerged as the superior choice. Unlike the digital design of the ACU, “Scorpion” adopts a more natural, organic pattern, incorporating colors and shapes more commonly found in natural settings, thus providing better concealment.
While the OCP uniform represents a significant upgrade, the transition also addresses logistical aspects and uniform standards. 1st Sgt. Kimberly Jones from the Command’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company pointed out the importance of uniformity and the improved durability of the OCP material. “Uniformity is important, so we should turn in the ACU gear and receive the OCP pattern,” Jones stated, adding that “The material is heavier, so it lasts longer before it starts to fade.” This enhanced durability not only contributes to a more professional appearance but also offers potential cost savings over time.
Looking ahead, the Army continues to innovate in soldier uniform technology. The Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU), rolled out in locations like Hawaii and Fort Benning, Georgia, in July 2019, exemplifies this ongoing development. Utilizing the OCP color scheme, the IHWCU is constructed from a rapid-drying nylon/cotton blend, designed to maximize comfort in hot and humid operational theaters. Soldiers could find these enhanced uniforms in military clothing stores starting in February 2020. Furthermore, the Army is exploring advanced materials for future combat uniforms, including fabrics that offer concealment from ground-based radar and special coatings to provide warmth without bulky layers. These advancements underscore the Army’s dedication to equipping soldiers with cutting-edge uniforms that enhance both performance and protection in diverse and challenging environments.
