Is a purpose for the Army Combat Uniform stated anywhere in black and white?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 18:04:16 -0500

I've looked in AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1. The closest thing I could find follows. It's from the DA PAM.

"Chapter 4
Combat Uniform Ensemble
4–1. Classification
a. The Army combat uniform (ACU) in the universal camouflage pattern (UCP) or operational camouflage pattern (OCP) is a daily work, utility, and field uniform (see fig 4–1). The wear out date for the UCP ACU is 30 September 2019. The mandatory possession date for the OCP ACU is 1 October 2019."

In my eyes, that answers the question. However, I'd like to be sure before I run with that.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 8 at 2019 6:53 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 18:53:08 -0500

I feel like the "approved" uniform is whatever the command wants it to be for any given day.
Example: The commander can change the uniform to "company t-shirt for tomorrows PT unless you don't have one, then regular PT uniform".
I've never actually run into a situation where someone was in a different uniform than the rest of the company. When there has been a "change" in uniform, command would spell out exactly what they expect.
Was there a special scenario here? Did command change the uniform and a soldier didn't get the 'memo'?

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Dec 8 at 2019 9:54 PM

SGT Chris Stephens — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 21:54:26 -0500

The purpose for the uniform is so you aren't naked out on the battlefield, although I'm sure there are some who have tried that before.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 10:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 22:34:25 -0500

Are you talking about the ACU (grey abomination) or the the OEF pattern or the scorpion pattern, because 2 of those 3 are no longer authorized as of October.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 10 at 2019 11:08 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 11:08:11 -0500

It was subtle and well hidden, but I found it.