Soldier Systems Daily recently published an article unveiling the the A-TACS® (Advanced TActical Concealment System) splash page. News swept across the internet like wildfire. Almost immediately outdated photos of early variants of the pattern began to surface. In order to release the most up-to-date information on the A-TACS® pattern to interested parties, Digital Concealment Systems, (DCS) has just unveiled the first official photos of the A-TACS® pattern.
As details on the pattern began to surface, specialized military and law enforcement agencies expressed interest and the US Army has also looked at the pattern as a possible contender for future camouflage systems. Based on these factors, it only made sense for DCS to move up the release of A-TACS information. So now on to some new information on the pattern.
Many who have seen the pattern comment on how it is unlike any camouflage pattern they have encountered as its chameleon-like qualities cause it to blend into the surrounding environment and I cannot agree more. The unique “pattern within a pattern” concept used in A-TACS allows it to break up the outline of the human body by relying on a palette of inter-mingled natural colors over a neutral tan base for use in open, rocky, or arid environments. I have shown the pattern to several people and asked them what color it is. Rarely did I get the same answer twice. Some have said “Gray”, “Brown”, or “Green” but their answers were based on their perception of what the pattern was supposed be or on the surrounding environment. Fernando Coelho, President of EOTAC®, LLC had this to say about the pattern, “I am very happy that we are involved in the A-TACS® project. Of all the patterns I have seen over the years, this is the first one to break from tradition and actually makes sense.”
DCS has taken some interesting measures to make A-TACS difficult to copy. “We like to continuously raise the bar relative to what is possible to achieve with current textile printing technology. The fact that there is interest from the US Military in the work we are doing validates that effort”, said Philip Duke, DCS Design Director and Principal. A-TACS® is being adopted by several vendors offering complimentary products. This has resulted in something I have never seen before. Essentially, the mix of products means the A-TACS® pattern offers users a Total Camouflage Solution. Never before have so many items been offered in the same pattern right out of the gate. DCS selected the licensees based on their ability to offer the end-user a holistic concealment strategy. All of the parts works together.
Ryan Smith, Brand Manager for LE/Tactical Firearms at Remington® offered these comments on A-TACS®, “Remington® firearms in the A-TACS pattern will blend in with a shooter’s complete ensemble, allowing the Operator to avoid detection.” This has been a major issue on the military side of things. A lot of work is being done to provide very effective camo patterns for everything but the weapon. Soldiers continue to carry a large black stick.
DCS is still on track for a formal kick-off after the New Year. Companies participating in this unprecedented launch include Remington®, Bushmaster®, DPMS Panther Arms®, Danner®, EOTAC®, Tactical Assault Gear®, Blue Force Gear® and Emerson Knives®. All will begin introducing A-TACS® product offerings starting on November 15th with additional product from selected manufacturers being introduced at SHOT Show. The formal release of the pattern is still scheduled for SHOT Show 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. DCS will host a press conference held in concert with the licensees where media will have the opportunity to receive detailed briefings from a variety of vendors. Additionally, the A-TACS® team will demonstrate how items from different licensees work together to provide a Total Camouflage Solution.
As new information is released it will be available from www.a-tacs.com.
UPDATE: The pattern has not been photoshopped in this photo. The items shown actually exist.
