Can I still use my ACU backpack while wearing the new OCP ACUs until i can afford the OCP Bag?

2016-06-20T18:21:52-04:00

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 20 at 2016 6:25 PM

2016-06-20T18:25:27-04:00

Yes. OCP TA-50 is still being phased in (ie IOTV, rucksacks, cold weather gear, etc). Until it is fully phased in, there is allowance for mix and match. What they don't want you doing is mixing and matching ACU parts.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2016 7:08 PM

2016-06-20T19:08:01-04:00

The SMA said it was ok to mix and match the OCP uniform and parts (follow the rules put out). If you are in ACUs though you cannot mix and match - it usually must all be ACU foliage pattern. It will take a while to phase out all the Field Issue items from the ACU foliage pattern to the OCP woodland pattern.

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Jun 21 at 2016 6:09 AM

2016-06-21T06:09:22-04:00

Yeah I'm on a TRADOC base right now and rock OCPs with an ACU backpack. People are carrying black, ACU, and OCP pattern bags...as well as some others.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2016 11:50 AM

2016-06-22T11:50:10-04:00

From AR 670-1 Ch 3-7f:
f. Bags, handbags, purses, and backpacks are authorized, but must adhere to the following criteria:
(1) Hand carried bags will be conservative and professional in appearance. Bags (to include civilian gym bags, civilian backpacks, or other similar civilian bags) must be carried only in the hand if they do not meet the criteria outlined in paragraph 3–7f(2). DA Pam 670–1 provides additional descriptions and wear occasions for handbags.
(2) If Soldiers choose to wear a shoulder bag while in uniform, the bag must be black or match the camouflage pattern uniform being worn, and may not have any commercial logos. The contents of the bag may not be visible; therefore, see-through plastic or mesh bags are not authorized. Soldiers may carry authorized bags by hand, on one shoulder using a shoulder strap, or over both shoulders using both shoulder straps.
(3) Commanders may prescribe the wear of organizational issue rucksacks in garrison and field environments.

So, No, you cannot mix camo patterns with regards to bags. For example, if you are wearing the UCP (grey digital pattern) you cannot wear a Multicam/OCP backpack. You would have to carry your bag by a carrying handle. I routinely wear Multicam, but use my UCP assault pack, which, by regulation, I have to carry by the carrying handle.

Sorry guys-- the reg Nazi strikes again!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 11:43 PM

2016-06-28T23:43:00-04:00

I personally use a Black Backpack since it is a optional part of the regs, that way I don't have to worry about adapting to the new uniforms if they decide to change it again.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 6:54 PM

2016-10-20T18:54:15-04:00

I see a lot of Coyote Brown/Tan backpacks around post. Not sure if woodlands backpack is close enough to pass for OCP either...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2018 8:18 AM

2018-01-07T08:18:20-05:00

I have the OCP. but I am in a Zero temperate area, and my sweet thermal jacket is still ACU until I can find a new pattern. But the remainder of my uniform is all OCP. I was asked to find a Milper message saying what the policy is on wearing a heavy coat for protection from the elements. Does anyone know the answer?