Army Camouflage

Introduced in 2004, the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) replaced the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) for soldiers at home and overseas. ACU is characterized by a jacket, trousers, and patrol cap, accompanied by a moisture-wicking t-shirt and tan combat boots, in the Universal Camouflage Pattern. As a worldwide-deployable uniform, ACU had marked and distinct improvements over BDU: Mandarin collars, Velcro fasteners, zippers instead of buttons, knee pouches on pants, and sleeve pockets instead of bottom pockets. 26 additional improvements have been made to ACU since its introduction.

The most notable change with ACU was the use of the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP). Defined by a combination of greens and grey, UCP utilizes blocks, or a digital style, of Alpha and foliage green, light brownish grey, and yellow grey. The camouflage pattern is similar to that of ARPAT but with minor adjustments.

An improvement over the woodland pattern of BDU and the three-color Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU), UCP was tested by Army Program Executive Office Soldier with soldiers in Iraq and at home. The Army Combat Uniform with UCP was designed to be effective in all environments, but soldiers deployed in Afghanistan didn't find this to be the case. The varied terrain of the country – woodlands giving way to mountains and desert – proved to be a challenge for UCP, and since 2010, MultiCam has been replacing UCP in Operation Enduring Freedom and Special Operations units.

Also known as Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) and Crye MultiCam, this camouflage pattern was developed by Crye Associates in conjunction with PEO Soldier Systems. Taking a green or tan appearance, MultiCam® tricks the human eyes' perception of color and, as a result, is inconspicuous in the types of terrain soldiers encounter in Afghanistan. The versatility of MultiCam®, or OCP, allows it to be multi-environmental, giving the wearer an advantage in various seasons, elevations, and lights.

Rather than relying on blocks of color, MultiCam® uses a gradient pattern. A brown to light tan forms the camouflage's base, with drab green dotted by dark brown and pink blotches added in between. This pattern varies across the fabric, which also disguises volume and shape.

Prior to the implementation of MultiCam® to ACUs in Afghanistan, several tests with multiple camouflage patterns were performed. OCP was rated higher by soldiers than the others, although UCP-Delta also placed well. The first field unit received OCP uniforms in July 2010, and more than 72,000 soldiers received new ACUs through the end of Fiscal Year 11.

Clothing systems, such as GEN III ECWCS, FREE, and NBS7, employ OCP in outer shell layers. ADS, Inc. supplies the official GEN III ECWCS authorized for U.S. Army issues, in addition to other MultiCam® and camouflage gear. To learn more about GEN III ECWCS and MultiCam®, visit ADSInc.com for more information.

OCP Layers

GEN III ECWCS OCP Layers include Level IV Windshirt, Level V Soft Shell, and Level VI Shell Layer

Performance Fabrics

Three performance fabrics allow Soldiers to tailor their outwear to the environment and level of activity

Integration

GEN III ECWCS OCP Layers are designed to integrate with Soldiers' load carriage systems, providing the highest levels of performance, comfort, and concealment

MultiCam®

MultiCam® is a multi-environmental camouflage pattern. By taking an overall green or tan appearance, MultiCam® reflects the surrounding area and allows the wearer to hide in various seasons, lights, and elevations. A brown to light tan gradient forms the foundation of OCP, and drab green, with dark brown and pink blotches, is dispersed in between. The combination of these shades tricks the human eyes' perception of color.

Download the MultiCam® Catalog