Way back in May of 2008 we wrote an article about an impending Army Combat Uniform Test. Recently we received a report from the field about the test and we have been informed that at least one outcome of the trials is that the ACU will have button cuffs and trouser closures. Additionally, the Army will announce the full scope of changes soon and that they should be ready for issue as soon as this Fall.
The remaining colors are now available so the lineup includes UCP, Multicam, Desert Digital, and Coyote.
They are available at 215 Gear.
We have fielded a lot of questions recently about Boonie Hats, particularly since Crye did not re-release their previous design. The word we have received is that a Booonie will be coming from Crye in the future but it won’t have all of the bells and whistles of the previous design.
There are a lot of options out there but they are all pretty much cookie cutter copies of the US GI-issue Sun Hat. However, one design stands out and is available now and our recommendation goes to it. Last June we wrote an article about the Special Operations Department Boonie. They took inspiration from the discontinued Crye Boonie and made further improvements.
It features two Velcro patches (crown and under rear brim), a sweat band, four slash vents, and a tightening band around the crown. They are available in Multicam, Tan, Black, Night Blue, Desertico CB62 (the desert pattern of Italian SF), Desertico EI (standard Italian Army desert pattern), and Vegetato EI. Be sure to reference the original article for further details. To order go to SODgear.com. Prices are in Euros.
You asked and they listened. 215 Gear has added the Army’s Universal Camouflage Pattern to the Blended Operator Hat lineup.
Still manufactured in the USA and still comes with a lifetime guarantee. Available now from 215 Gear.
FR ACUs
Propper has just released a new Army Combat Uniform constructed to military specification GL/PD 07-13 with Defender™ M, a flame-resistant, combat fabric used by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. It exceeds ASTM D 6413-99 flame resistance standards and not only self-extinguishes but will not melt or drip. The FR ACU contains Lenzing FR® which absorbs and evaporates perspiration faster for maximum comfort. Includes square marker on the left sleeve and left cargo pocket to identify a fire-resistant garment in the operational theater.
Coat and Trouser Available (Patches and nametapes not included)
NO FLY Zone ACUs
The No-Fly Zoneâ„¢ ACU is constructed to military specification GL/PD 07-14 and treated with the active ingredient Permethrin, a man-made insecticide that effectively repels mosquitoes, ants, chiggers, flies and midges. It offers 99% protection over an 8-hour period (when combined with 35% DEET on exposed areas of the skin.) Registered with the EPA and tested by the U.S. Military. Permethrin remains effective for 25 launderings.
Coat, Trouser, and Cap Available (Patches and nametapes not included)
GCS has developed a helmet cover that features an NODS Mount cover. Not everyone uses their mount all of the time and this cover will reduce wear and tear on the mount and aid in camouflage. The cover folds back and stows out of the way when wearing NODs.
The Berry compliant helmet cover comes in S/M and L/XL sizes and is available in UCP or USAF Digital Tigerstripe.
To order, contact Garrett Container
Limited quantities of kit in the proposed “Hybrid DPM” have already been on issue to troops deployed to Afghanistan. This new camo pattern is being developed as part of the PECOC program. While it remains developmental it is interesting to see to what extent it is already being used operationally.
Recently these photos surfaced of a Battle Bag issued to a Tommy on Op Herrick.
Additionally, Royal Navy personnel have been observed wearing some of the 1200 Hybrid DPM Osprey V3 covers purchased last year.
Those zany Germans. You never know what they will come up with next. True, camouflage is the art of blending in with your surroundings, but this is a bit much.
To see the whole thing visit www.urbancamouflage.de
