Germany’s Tacgear has released a preview of their upcoming flecktarn based camo pattern. Although the photo is small, the colorway looks surprisingly similar to MultiCam.
Archive for the ‘Camo’ Category
Fleckcam from Tacgear
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010Oilfield Camo
Thursday, February 25th, 2010In our constant quest of different camo patterns we ran across “Oilfield Camo”. I thought I had seen it all with the kama sutra pattern but this is definitely different.
Envisioned to give oil workers a sense of identity, the pattern is made up of “different oilfield tools and other recognizable symbols in the oilfield industry”. I guess this gave way to their motto, “It’s not just a pattern…It’s a way of life.” At any rate, it’s kind of cool to see camo as fashion. Check out the entire line at www.oilfieldcamo.com.
Camo – Is the Air Force Next?
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Every time I think about this issue I keep hearing a little ditty in my head, “Fly boys, fly boys, what ya gonna do? What ya gonna do when they come for you?” The Army was specifically called out by Congress to look at alternative camo patterns for use in Afghanistan. They have dealt with the issue by approving Crye Precision’s MultiCam pattern. In a similar vein, The Navy has responded to their need for camouflage for their ground combatants by adopting slightly modified versions of the SOCOM-developed AOR patterns.
It is about the Air Force deals with their camo issue and follows a similar course to their sister services. It was easy to blend in with an Army clad in UCP but I can’t imagine it will be very long before someone realizes that Airmen are now sticking out like sore thumbs. Due to the relatively small number of Battlefield Airmen and associated Expeditionary forces requiring proper camouflage, it would be best to just adopt MultiCam. Most of the Air Force’s ground forces are embedded with the Army at some level anyway. In fact, we already regularly see Air Force personnel wearing MultiCam in a variety of environments including recent operations in Haiti.
Granted, the Air Force’s current Desert Tiger Stripe pattern does a great job of branding. The pattern was developed specifically to give the Air Force a distinctive look. In fact, former Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen Jumper, began seeking a new uniform after being referred to as a Soldier at a ceremony at DC’s Bolling Air Force Base. Unfortunately, it shares a similar color palette with the Army’s universal Camouflage pattern although it adds Slate Blue as a fourth color. It does darken the pattern up a bit but it still really isn’t up to the task of concealing an Airman in the field. And that’s not to mention the cut of the uniform. Every single one of the other services has fielded a modern combat uniform. The Airman Battle Uniform on the other hand, seemed to keep all of the bad features of the BDU with none of the advantages of the lessons learned by the other services.
So come on Air Force, do your Airmen right and issue a decent uniform in an effective camouflage pattern to everyone deployed to combat zones.
Secretary of Army Approves Multicam for OEF
Friday, February 19th, 2010LTC 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, 2010A 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, 2010According 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
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.
New Israeli Camo Garments
Friday, February 5th, 2010Rather 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)
