Posted on May 25, 2019
Should the military go back to the old camouflage uniforms?
21.4K
76
53
10
10
0
Uniforms
Camouflage
Soldier
Boots
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 27
10
10
0
I say stop changing it. Current OCP look alright.
However if we were to change AGAIN I would say to change all branches to the same pattern. Adapt the Marine’s pattern, except remove the tiny Marine logo. Everyone can use the branch specific name tapes. I just think think would be the most economical way to do it. Get a bigger contract cheaper and utilize tax money more efficiently.
However if we were to change AGAIN I would say to change all branches to the same pattern. Adapt the Marine’s pattern, except remove the tiny Marine logo. Everyone can use the branch specific name tapes. I just think think would be the most economical way to do it. Get a bigger contract cheaper and utilize tax money more efficiently.
(10)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
CDR Mike Haberthur either service could easily just be issued a particular set of camo for what other service they’re attached to.
(0)
(0)
CDR Mike Haberthur
SFC (Join to see) to what end? The jobs that either service has that requires getting dirty can be better served using coveralls.
(0)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
CDR Mike Haberthur I know when the Air Force sends a JTAC with the Army that individual is in sector with who they are supporting.
I’ve seen chemical specialist however that would need the uniform. But uniformity is always preferred
I’ve seen chemical specialist however that would need the uniform. But uniformity is always preferred
(0)
(0)
9
9
0
I am thinking you really want to bring back some of the crisper, less sloppy look that we used to have to achieve (especially in Garrison) and not so much about the pattern.
I submit that this should be the use of pink and greens. Obviously combat style in the field, or motor pool, but wearing a class B pink and green would bring some of that attention to detail and pride
I submit that this should be the use of pink and greens. Obviously combat style in the field, or motor pool, but wearing a class B pink and green would bring some of that attention to detail and pride
(9)
(0)
4
4
0
I’ve been in since the BDU/DCU era, but I think the current OCP pattern answers all modern needs for a functional camouflage pattern.
To the people calling for a class B or “pinks and greens” in garrison era: don’t forget maintenance of a dress uniform, i.e. other than field uniforms, incurs cost to every service member.
This is especially true if you’re going to have people checking others on a daily basis to ensure conformity. Although people will look more “sharp” with a policy like this in place, I’d much rather have SM focus on attention to detail with their job, rather than trying to look pretty.
To the people calling for a class B or “pinks and greens” in garrison era: don’t forget maintenance of a dress uniform, i.e. other than field uniforms, incurs cost to every service member.
This is especially true if you’re going to have people checking others on a daily basis to ensure conformity. Although people will look more “sharp” with a policy like this in place, I’d much rather have SM focus on attention to detail with their job, rather than trying to look pretty.
(4)
(0)
Sgt Bernie Lee
I remember as a slick sleeve private in the Marine Corps back in 66 if it cost a nickle to poop we would have to puke but we always sent our utilities and service uniforms to the cleaners every week and there were at least 4-5 irons in the barracks along with starch and cover blocks so every Marine looked like a Marine at all times and if not presentable there would be no liberty. Of course we complained a bunch but pride took control and we realized what it cost to become part of something way bigger than we were and then it was a contest- who could be the most squared away and represent what we earned with vigor. What Happened ? If your not proud of your branch of service then you shouldn`t be there. They don`t need you. If you are gonna wear a uniform then take special care to wear it to the best and sharpest you can. I still spit shine my shoes and black boots and because of my Marine tattoos I refuse to walk around like a slob. You represent the best America has to offer so I think you cheat those who have gone before you if you`re not being the and living like The Best America Has To Offer. Semper Fi USMC 1966-72 Vietnam 1967-69
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
So I wonder which pattern you are referring too? While I wasn’t in for BDU/DCU the colors in woodland weren’t always the best, mainly black not being a naturally occurring color. The UCP was worthless unless you were in Gravel or Grammas couch! The multicam/OCP seems like a great mix for different environments that we are operating in! For a normal duty uniform I feel like we should be wearing Class B’s unless we are in the motorpool to instill pride and purpose again. I don’t think wearing the current ACU is giving soldiers a sense of pride in what they put on everyday, whereas we would have Pinks and Greens or even the current ASU class B that we have to take care of, that would instill more pride and ownership in what is worn
(4)
(0)
3
3
0
Can't respond for the other services, but I think the Marine Corps' current digital camouflage utilities are just fine. Since the Marine Corps operates on a somewhat limited budget compared to the other services, I can't imagine that it would change its uniforms for a "good old days" reason, but only for a solid functional purpose. The Marine Corps was wearing starched sateen utilities when I first enlisted, and went through several types of utilities before I retired, so I'm glad it has settled on one type of utility uniform and stuck with it.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
3
3
0
LTC Jason Mackay
SSG Robert Gibbs - you would absolutely have to put down an armed revolt from the uniform revolving door committee. Then there is the issue of the uniform working with all the other gear to include body armor and CTA50. The BDU pockets were only allowed one purpose, starch receptacle. You could never put anything in them. I suppose you could have black boots for Garrison and the current boot as a field uniform item. I tell you though having lived both, the legacy black boots were terrible for your feet, knees and back. The only thing they had in their favor, they shined and were relatively cheap. Pretty small reason to bring them back. Soldiers are much better off with the current boot.
People often harken back to the good old days with BDUs. How good they pressed and shined etc. they selectively ignore the memories of the people wandering around with "cook whites" the unserviceable BDUs that were more starch than fabric. Or the tore up BDUs with the threaded repairs. The Elvis collars. Rip-stop material that didn't. The useless field jacket that was never worth a damn in the field. When they first fielded the poly-pro and gortex layered systems, they actually recommended you ditch the BDUs all together and go polypro to the gortex over garments because they were a loss of thermal efficiency to the system.
You don't need starch and kiwi to have discipline, pride and esprit de corps. That is what training and leadership is for.
People often harken back to the good old days with BDUs. How good they pressed and shined etc. they selectively ignore the memories of the people wandering around with "cook whites" the unserviceable BDUs that were more starch than fabric. Or the tore up BDUs with the threaded repairs. The Elvis collars. Rip-stop material that didn't. The useless field jacket that was never worth a damn in the field. When they first fielded the poly-pro and gortex layered systems, they actually recommended you ditch the BDUs all together and go polypro to the gortex over garments because they were a loss of thermal efficiency to the system.
You don't need starch and kiwi to have discipline, pride and esprit de corps. That is what training and leadership is for.
(4)
(0)
CPT Lawrence Cable
LTC Jason Mackay - While I agree with you 100 percent, the Drills all still wore the Olive Drab shirt and pants when I went through Basic and made that uniform look good. I believe they referred to the then new BDU's as Big Dumb and Ugly's.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
Money not being an object, you could always try the short lived USMC reversibles used during WWII. The genesis of the infamous "green side out or brown side out? Run in circles, shout, shout, shout!" (Duncan, out of print)
Of course, if dollars are a concern, you might want to wait for the next war and react accordingly. If it's in the arctic, everyone might be able to draw food handler whites from supply's mess hall stock.
Of course, if dollars are a concern, you might want to wait for the next war and react accordingly. If it's in the arctic, everyone might be able to draw food handler whites from supply's mess hall stock.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
I like the OCP ACU. Well except for the fit of it. The pants are really weird in sizing. Medium on me fits great everywhere but tight in the waist. Size large feels like I jumped 4 sizes in pants and I was swimming in them in the legs. I wish they would add the waist adjustment tabs like the old woodland pattern BDU pants had.
In terms of camo pattern I love the OCP.
In terms of camo pattern I love the OCP.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google