Discussion
The web belt is black, however, which does not quite fit with the stated reasons for avoiding black.
I'm deleting this, because it's not important. The belt is not visible on a properly worn uniform. If one really wants to pick out all the black on the ACU, there's still the rank and name tapes to consider.
Besides, both tan and black belts are approved for use with ACUs, and the tan one is now issued with ACUs at Basic Training Greeky 08:34, 13 April 2006 (UTC)
Was this developed with cooperation of the people behind Marpat or Cadpat, or was this independently made? Also, can we get a pic of it from the field? There must be units using it already. Identity0 10:57, 28 November 2005 (UTC)I am wondering if this statement from the article is true: " is a spot on the uniform for the ribbon and skill decorations (for peacetime use, as they are eye-catching)" Is there really a spot for ribbons on the ACU!? I presume someone is confused. There is a spot for skill badges on the ACU, but I highly doubt there is a spot for ribbons or skill decorations (since skill decorations would include drivers badge and marksman badges). Secondly, I am sure many soldier wear their skill badges even in combat (they would be covered up by body armor anyway, as would rank and nametapes). Atfyfe 06:17, 11 December 2005 (UTC)
The rank and nametape are transferred to the body armor. Skill badges are to be removed during wear of the IBA or during combat. Greeky 08:34, 13 April 2006 (UTC)
these uniforms are shoddly made the hook and loop tends to not work after a month of use there is no place for the skill badges on the unifom the crotch seam tends to rip causeing indecent exposer do th males not wearing under wareActually, these problems have mostly been fixed, specifically crotch and some of the velcro. As to skill badges, there is a place - above the US ARMY nametape. As to 'not wearing underwear' - why would you not wear underwear? Even if you prefer to go 'commando', underwear is a part of the uniform (and CAN be inspected) Greeky 08:34, 13 April 2006 (UTC)
underwear
Hey Greeky, I might be going off topic and on a POV rant, but I just checked AR 670-1 and it does not say that wearing of underwear is mandatory. I can see some anal retentive commander making it an SOP issue, but other than that, underwear is optional (for both males and females).
As to why somebody would not want to wear underwear? Just ask any operator or actual shooter and they'll let you know.
1) less things to carry and account for (weight vs. use). And I know some psychos who in the effort of cutting weight of their loads, would chop their toothbrushes in half. 2) less things to wash. I know that in today's military they have plenty of units that will wash your clothes for free (or civilian contractors), but when you rely on yourself, you hand was everything (just a thought). 3) Preventive Medicine. Besides shaving their pubic area, some operator also do not wear underwear to prevent chaffing in sandy and wet environments, preventing crotch rot, chaffing and the infections that come with it.
So there are reasons why people do not wear underwear. But I am a pogue, so I wear it. I would hate to get a no-go on my inspection lord forbid. LOL (^_^).
Uniform Care? Really?
What the...? Since when is it in an encyclopedia's realm to describe how to maintain and care for the clothing being described? This is not an instruction manual, it is a resource for information about the uniform itself. Even portions of the section about how to wear the uniform properly is stretching it. I couldn't find one other instance of "Uniform Care" in any of the other military uniform articles, and there's a reason for that. If folks are having difficulty knowing how to launder their own uniforms, I suggest they ask the Army, not Wikipedia. I'm deleting that entire section for this reason. --ScreaminEagle 21:59, 8 August 2006 (UTC)
Yes it belongs
The special care of the uniform does belong, the detergent list does not need to be here but has been linked. 19 years Active Army --Ktinga
Reasons for elimination of black
The article referenced in this section discusses why black was removed and links to a more detailed analysis. Including an explanation of how it IS found in nature as perceived depth. The last paragraph is at odds with the information there and seems illogical - if woodland gets darker as it gets wetter then black would blend in better, no? I have removed it.
"Woodland gets darker" refers to a woodland-camouflage uniform becoming darker, not to the actual terrain becoming darker. So no, black would not blend in better, as it would not reflect the appearance of the terrain--in this instance, a wooded are after a rain. 128.123.86.88 22:55, 7 March 2007 (UTC)
Officer rank insignia
I wonder if someone could give us insight on the colors of officer rank insignia. I encountered a gentleman in ACU in the airport the other day, wearing a sold black oak leaf. I didn't know whether to call him "major" or "colonel." This page, as well as the pages for US Army insignia, could stand to be updated to account for this. Any help?--163.252.124.64 17:52, 12 December 2006 (UTC)
What's the IR square ?
I'm guessing that the IR square has some pattern (a US flag?) that is visible in the infrared spectrum (and is thus used to aid in identification at night). Can someone who knows follow the link (that I just added) and provide some detail (or a pic?). Thanks... Jhfrontz 13:39, 4 February 2007 (UTC)
The IR square is an IFF aid used to identify soldiers, the tabs apper black but reflect IR and can be seen clearly using night vision. However, knockoff ACU's do not have the tabs (copyright and security), pictures may be hard to come by but I'll try to get some. Lyta79 07:05, 5 February 2007 (UTC)While "anyone" can buy "ACU"'s, real Army combat Uniforms come with the IR tab sew in with grey thread. Knock off's have to have the tabs added by the seller. Most pics did not show the tabs. Thank Nathanm. Can I put your pic in the article to show the IR tabs? Lyta79 05:34, 13 February 2007 (UTC).
The second picture is slightly incorrect. The flap that covers the IFF should fold onto the underside of the pocket flap and then secure to a small bit of velcro. 86.10.84.96 17:41, 3 August 2007 (UTC)
that's trivial, it's just to show what the IR tab is. Preeeemo (talk) 15:51, 11 March 2009 (UTC)
Reversed Flag
Everytime I see the flag backwards on a solders shoulder it makes me cringe. Does anyone have a history on this? I would also like to know which President approved this.
During WWII the Flag patch was worn on the right shoulder (by 82nd Airborne and Rangers) and the blue field is to the rear (like it was on a wall, take a look a John Wayn in The Longest Day). Gam3
^ The blue is in the back on a soldier in Band of Brothers, which IS historically accurate. The blue forward flag is a reletively new uniform feature.
It seems that these reverse flag patches where in use in 1993. Going by the movie "Black Hawk Down" Gam3 (talk)
Per the US Flag Code, the Flag must be worn with the field forward. The Flag SHOULD but does not have to be the topmost insignia on the sleeve.Mzmadmike (talk) 03:08, 24 February 2009 (UTC)
—Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.230.35.95 (talk) 11:24, 24 March 2009 (UTC)
Field Test Results removal
I've gone ahead and axed the Field Test Results section. You figure if the information was accurate there would be a source I could find with a little bit of Googlewhacking. None, zip, nada, just a lot of jawjacking from armchair warlords whose hardcore Airsoft-playing battle experience makes me take their word as gospel.
It seems like the only people who aren't complaining about the ACU are the soldiers who're actually wearing it into battle. That's the field test for you. I'll take one happy soldier over a million happy war-geeks any day. Kensai Max 01:06, 9 February 2007 (UTC)
Is it? Most of the people making that judgement seem to have made up their minds well before they ever laid eyes on it IRL that the pattern doesn't work and then slanted their subsequent experiences with it (if any) to "prove" that conclusion. Never mind that these are all Airsoft players and their idea of a test is to stand in a field or forest somewhere and see how well the pattern matches the background color, or people peddling other camo patterns who have a proprietary interest in the matter. It doesn't help that the propaganda photos the Army has put out on it are all pretty brightly lit, the bane of all camo. I have not seen -one single- rigorous test or analysis of the pattern.
Judging from what little personal experience I have, I'd say it works pretty well. You wouldn't want to be whacking through Vietnamese jungle in it (what the Woodland BDU pattern was really designed for), but I'd take ACUPAT any day if I wasn't expecting to fight in a dark forest or jungle. The pattern seems particularly suited to urban environments and doesn't blur out to a black smudge when a lot of other patterns do. Point being that if someone wants to claim that this or that camo pattern doesn't work they'd damn well better be able to referen
Sweaters & Vests | Woolrich® The Original Outdoor Clothing Company
Women's Sweaters and Sweater Vests from Woolrich. Quality Sweaters made from wool, and cotton in many styles, pullovers, cardigans and v-necks. Quality and value for years to come
Sweaters and Vests | Woolrich® The Original Outdoor Clothing Company
Men's Sweaters and Sweater Vests from Woolrich. Quality Sweaters made from wool, and cotton in many styles, pullovers, cardigans and v-necks. Quality and value for years to come.
Olive Woolrich Vests: Compare Prices, Reviews & Buy Online @ Yahoo ...
Yahoo! Shopping is the best place to comparison shop for Olive Woolrich Vests Compare products, compare prices, read reviews and merchant ratings.
Charcoal Grey Woolrich Vests: Compare Prices, Reviews & Buy Online ...
Yahoo! Shopping is the best place to comparison shop for Charcoal Grey Woolrich Vests Compare products, compare prices, read reviews and merchant ratings.
Woolrich vests and parkas - Dave's New York
Dave's New York offers a wide variety Woolrich products: Vests, Parkas. Buy other workwear, outerwear; work boots, jeans, coveralls, mens underwear.
Amazon.com: Woolrich Guide Vest for Photography, Fishing or Travel ...
Amazon.com: Woolrich Guide Vest for Photography, Fishing or Travel, KHAKI (Off-white), Size XL: Clothing
Woolrich Eagle Fork Vest
It's amazing what this simple quilted vest can do to dress up your casual winter clothing. Our Eagle Fork not only adds a classic look, but provides a comfortable, lightweight ...
Woolrich Men's Vests - PriceGrabber.com
Compare prices on Woolrich Men's Vests and save. Read consumer reviews, store ratings and find best deals on Woolrich Men's Vests.
Woolrich Guide Vest for Photography, Fishing or Travel - Compare ...
Read Woolrich Guide Vest for Photography, Fishing or Travel and Woolrich Clothing user reviews, product details and find lowest prices on Woolrich Vests from PriceGrabber.
Woolrich Andes Fleece Vest
Woolrich butter soft fleece is lightweight,warm,and easy on the pocketbook!!Constructed with 200-weight Trailhead microfiber fleece,Delivers exceptional three-season comfort ...