Strike Hold! has put together a pretty comprehensive photo study of the latest camo patterns from all over. Quite a bit of it is digital and in his well put together introduction he makes a good case that the digital craze started by the Canadians has made the biggest influence in international combat uniform design. Take some time to peruse the photos collected from a wide variety of sources. You will also see quite a bit of American influence over pattern selection among allied nations.
Rather than issuing camouflage uniforms the Israeli Defense Force takes an entirely different approach consisting of baggy garments worn over fatigues and field equipment. This new pattern resembling a great coat was observed today.
(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
This is not to say that these garments haven’t been used operationally in the past, but rather this is the first time I have observed this particular cut in use. Previously, similar garments consisting of baggy over trousers and pullover top have been used some with an integrated hood. Additionally, the Mitznefet helmet cover has seen widespread use by Israeli troops. It is often worn atop the ballistic helmet to break up the outline and is sometimes reversible from a green-based to brown-based camo pattern. Newer helmet cover variants are said to exist that feature a more texturized material to make the cover appear more like foliage. All of the garments including the helmet cover are made from mesh in order to enhance breathability.
(REUTERS/Amir Cohen)
Fox News may have inadvertently revealed a third contender in the Army’s Afghan camo wear test. A mortar crew was photographed wearing the Army Physical Fitness Uniform while hard at work bring pain to the Taliban. Oddly enough, the PFU’s sporty running jacket blends in with the drab Afghanistan terrain as well as the ACU’s current Universal Camouflage Pattern. What’s more, the reflective stripes negate the need for a safety belt so favored by Fobbits and the Sergeant Major Mafia alike. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to wear it to the chow hall after 0900.
Naturally, this article was tongue in cheek and should not be construed as a real news story. It is presented solely for its humor value, as limited as that may be.
My friend Mil Spec Monkey was hard at work running all over SHOT Show serving as videographer to the stars. He captured this video which gives you a great introduction to EOTAC’s Direct Action line.
EOTAC’s Fernando Cuelho showcases the new DA Recce Smock and Trousers, pointing out several unique features such as the napoleon style pockets on the chest that were designed to be large enough to accept empty magazines.
Look for the entire new Direct Action line at www.eotac.com.
Last year we told you that MMI was developing a whole slew of products for the sniper and the new DEPSOC360 camo is their latest project.
By MMI’s own admission, it is not a universal pattern by any means and this variant was tuned for the Georgia Pine Forest (Fort Benning area), but the video was shot in northern California so you will notice that the greens don’t match up. The concept was predicated on the distance at which Snipers operate from enemy forces. Most current patterns are very tight whereas this is a large pattern with 3D effect (the shadowing under the slashes) so that it breaks up the image at range.
Thee have a utility patent (pending) on the 360 degree graphic capability. The graphic goes in a smooth and unbroken line from foot to head which prevents the eye from having anything to fixate on. They do realize that they still need some work on the hat due to the seams but they are working on it. Available soon from www.mmi-fed.com.
Everyone’s doing it, adopting new camo patterns that is. Two new patterns are on their way for the Spanish Army, a Woodland Digital pattern named “Spectrum64K” (seen below) and a Desert/Urban variant purported to look almost identical to UCP. The cut of both versions is almost identical to the ACU.
The ironic thing in all of this is that as soon as the patterns were released by the Army, Spanish troops preparing to deploy to Afghanistan started to run out and purchase MultiCam and US MARPAT uniforms.
Everywhere I went at SHOT Show an A-TACS mannequin was staring me down. This one was in the Danner booth.
These new rifles were spotted in the Remington Booth. Thanks to Ryan.
