The U.S. Army has officially announced the release of the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) for Soldier uniforms, marking a significant update in Army Uniform Camouflage. Starting July 1, select military clothing sales stores will begin offering the Operational Camouflage Pattern for purchase.
Stores across various military installations will receive shipments of the new uniforms over a six-month period, from July to November. By January 2016, all new Soldiers entering service will be issued the Operational Camouflage Pattern Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs) as standard attire. This transition to the Operational Camouflage Pattern follows the most comprehensive uniform camouflage testing initiative ever conducted by the Army, underscoring the Army’s dedication to enhancing force protection through effective army uniform camouflage.
Soldiers showcasing the Operational Camouflage Pattern Army Combat Uniform, highlighting the new army uniform camouflage.
Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey advised enlisted Soldiers to utilize their annual clothing allowance for purchasing the new uniforms. “Enlisted Soldiers are provided with an annual clothing allowance for uniform and accessory purchases. I plan to use my clothing allowance to acquire a uniform with the Operational Camouflage Pattern and encourage all Soldiers and leaders to plan similarly. Budgeting for the new uniform, belt, boots, and T-shirts within your clothing allowance over the next 2-3 years is advisable,” stated Dailey.
The pricing for the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms will be comparable to the existing Universal Camouflage Pattern uniforms. Enlisted Soldiers will continue to receive their regular clothing allowance to facilitate the replacement of worn uniforms with the updated army uniform camouflage.
Availability of uniforms and equipment in the Operational Camouflage Pattern will extend to the U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps during the summer of 2016, ensuring widespread adoption across all Army components.
During the transition, expected to last until Oct. 1, 2019, Soldiers are authorized to mix and match T-shirts, belts, and boots with both the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern and the Operational Camouflage Pattern. This measure is intended to streamline the changeover process. Furthermore, Soldiers already possessing Flame Resistant ACUs in the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern are permitted to continue wearing them throughout this period.
Detailed view of the Operational Camouflage Pattern fabric on an Army Combat Uniform, illustrating the effectiveness of the army uniform camouflage.
“I have instructed noncommissioned officers to ensure their Soldiers are aware that during this transition, formations will feature various authorized uniforms and combinations,” Dailey emphasized. “Maintaining a professional appearance remains crucial for Soldiers. However, we are committed to avoiding any inconvenience or burden on our troops. Our lethality as the world’s foremost fighting force will remain undiminished, even if uniform belts temporarily do not match across the force.”
Beyond the change in army uniform camouflage pattern, the Operational Camouflage Pattern ACUs will incorporate several minor design enhancements. These modifications include redesigned shoulder sleeve pockets with zipper closures, the removal of the trouser drawstring, a button added to the lower calf pocket, two pen pockets on the sleeve instead of three, and the elimination of hook and loop fasteners on elbow and knee patches.
U.S. Army soldiers in field training wearing the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms, demonstrating the practical application of the army uniform camouflage.
These updates to the Army Combat Uniform, primarily the adoption of the Operational Camouflage Pattern, represent the Army’s ongoing efforts to provide Soldiers with the most effective and functional equipment. The focus on improved army uniform camouflage is a direct reflection of the commitment to soldier protection and operational effectiveness.
Multiple perspectives of soldiers in Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms, showcasing the adaptability of the army uniform camouflage.
