At first I was kind of perplexed by the Navy’s decision to retain the old 3-color desert pattern uniform for non-Special Warfare personnel as reported yesterday. And then it hit me. NSW has adopted PCU Level 9 and it comes in the AOR 1 pattern.
I guess rather than manufacturing a true “Type II” version of the NWU in AOR 1, they have chosen to continue to use the traditional 3-color desert combat uniform so that the two uniforms would remain distinct. PCU level 9 for NSW and DCUs for other Naval Ground Combatants so not only will the patterns be distinct but also the styles of uniforms.
One thing you can say about the new Level 9 uniform built by Ready One under license from Patagonia is that it is a full on combat uniform. I still find it interesting that they plan on issuing that uniform to everyone in NSW who is heading down range as they still have support troops and various attachments in addition to their actual operators. It is important to note that SOCOM also procures the PCU Customization System from Beyond Tactical. They produce garments for personnel who are in special size categories.
Additionally, there is a distinct line item in the still unsigned National Defense Authorization Act FY2010 budget for the Naval Special Warfare Protective Combat Uniform to the tune of $2.5 Million. So this is a good deal for the Navy. It isn’t going to cost them anything. Since PCU is SOF-unique it will be paid for with MFP-11 (Special Ops) funds and it looks like these will be beefed up specifically for this purpose. However, my guess is that there will be an AOR 1 variant of the NWU within a year. The Navy has chosen a theme or branding if you will, and it doesn’t make sense to continue to purchase something that doesn’t fit in with the rest. Additionally, developing an AOR 1 NWU won’t jeopardize the Navy taking advantage of the SOCOM gravy train. What really makes PCU unique is the cut of the uniform and not the pattern. It could just as easily be manufactured in MultiCam or UCP if one of SOCOM’s other components desired it. However, on the other hand, one could make the argument that the Navy calling PCU Level 9 an NWU could cause some to consider it a service common item and make it ineligible for MFP-11 funds. So Navy, beware one of the Assessment Directors at SOCOM figures that one out.
Finally, I’ve received numerous questions on what the plan for tactical nylon will be but at this point I have no idea. Over the last few years, both NSW as well as the fledgling Naval Expeditionary Combat Command which between them control all of the Navy’s ground forces have fielded equipment in Coyote Brown. For NSW I have been told that this will change to AOR patterned gear but since there has been no centralized purchasing of commodities by NECC it will most likely be left up to the individual unit as to what pattern of equipment they purchase. Up to now it has been all but impossible to acquire AOR patterned raw materials without contracts with specific customers. The patterns will be adapted slightly with the inclusion of the Anchor, Constitution and Eagle (ACE) symbol and a process to vet manufacturers will have to be instituted so it may be much later this year before we begin to see any quantifiable movement in this area.