Why does the U.S. Army have so many versions of OCP’s? Why can’t we just have one version that we save money with?

2021-06-17T20:59:25-04:00

There’s the FR ACU OCP, the IHWCU OCP, the Crye Precision G3, etc.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2021 9:01 PM

2021-06-17T21:01:48-04:00

Each uniform has a specific purpose. Plus, some of those uniforms are not allowed to be worn back in the States (FRACUs). But I agree with you that there should be one to two uniforms for all branches.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2021 9:52 PM

2021-06-17T21:52:23-04:00

The hot weather uniform exists? I’ve never seen one in clothing in sales unless it was small!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2021 2:31 AM

2021-06-18T02:31:15-04:00

Everything has a purpose, even if it seems like we have too much gear sometimes.

Trust me you'll want those FRACU's when deployed. Problem with them for example is they fade much faster then regular OCP's. I personally find FRACU's to be more comfortable than standard OCP's. Haven't had the IHWCU, but apparently it's good for hot weather. Maybe phase into the IHWCU and get rid of the regular OCP and if it gets cold, we have cold weather gear for a reason.

The Crye Precision G3, or simply combat pants and shirts are sturdier and designed for more rugged situations as the name implies, at least the pants are not the shirts. The shirts are more for heat, as I'm sure you remember wearing an IOTV for long periods of time, well it gets worse in a desert environment and you'll like those shirts then compared to the standard OCP coat/blouse.

What I'm more concerned about is a change in pattern, or them changing the Pinks and Greens and ASU's again. Right now we're in a good spot; OCP's look good, Pinks and Greens look good, and the ASU's are fine for ceremonial events. If we could just keep these for the next 200 years like the Marines did we'd be golden. Upgrades in textiles and materials not withstanding, our pattern shouldn't change. If we deploy to the desert, don't get rid of the OCP's just issue a temporary desert variant, then once we're stateside again switch back to OCP's too damn easy.

Problem is, when has the Army ever done things the easy way?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2021 4:22 AM

2021-06-18T04:22:00-04:00

To feed the wallets of the contractors. Everything is always about the lettuce, young Soldier. Remember that.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2021 10:04 AM

2021-06-18T10:04:29-04:00

Different branches having different utility uniforms with corresponding TA-50 can't be cost effective compared to when every branch had the same camo pattern. I think that is the bigger issue. The various cuts and materials in OCP have different uses though maybe it's a bit excessive.