Aquaterro

Archive for the ‘Camo’ Category

Secretary of Army Approves Multicam for OEF

Friday, February 19th, 2010

LTC Cummings of the Army Public Affairs Office has confirmed that the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable John McHugh approved a plan today to begin the fielding of MultiCam uniforms and individual equipment as soon as possible. Sources have informed Soldier Systems Daily that the Army plans to begin issuing as early as July of this year for Afghanistan bound troops and to complete the initial fielding by May of 2011.

A DoD news release about the Secretary’s approval also stated that the Army remains committed to completing phase IV of the camouflage project which will develop a long-term strategy for the Army.

Army Camo Update – Sort Of

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

A fragmented tweet posted earlier this evening from PEO-Soldier, indicated that the decision brief on alternate camo pattern for Afghanistan has passed the Star and Vice Chief of Staff level and is on its way to the Chief of Staff.

As you can see below, no word on the contents of the brief, recommended courses of action or feedback from the flags already briefed.

“F1 – working briefing cycle for senior leadership decision WRT OEF alt camo. Completed 3 stars and VCSA – next up CSA. Presenting data a …” about 1 hour ago from txt

Australian Uniforms to NOT be Made in China

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

According to an article in “The Daily Telegraph,” Australian Defense officials are poised to make a cost curbing move that could result in the loss of 400 textile jobs. A special fabric used for combat uniforms is currently manufactured in Wangaratta, Victoria by Bruck Textiles. Those opposed to the move to offshore manufacture claim that not only will the decision affect the Australian textile industry but that the material is a protected technology and that the know how to manufacture it should not be exported. Similar concerns were recently aired in the UK over Chinese manufacture of the newly adopted Multi-Terrain Pattern.

With the Berry Amendment, the US remains one of the only countries with legislation designed to maintain a domestic textile base to support defense requirements.

UPDATE: Word from Australia is that as of close of business Defence had capitulated and that no material will be produced overseas.

Camo the World Over

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Latvian Digital CamoStrike 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.

New Israeli Camo Garments

Friday, February 5th, 2010

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.

New Israeli Camo Garment
(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.

Israeli Camo Garment
(REUTERS/Amir Cohen)

Another Option for the Afghan Camo Competition?

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

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.

The PFU was the favored underdog choice of the Sergeant Major Mafia during the Afghan Camo Trials.

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.

EOTAC Releases Direct Action Line

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

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.

Sniper Camo from MMI

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

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.