Is it okay to wear faded ACUs?

PFC Samuel B. — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 21:22:03 -0400

I have a set of UCP ACUs, and my pants are more faded than my blouse from putting it through the wash. Would I get in trouble for wearing them with the mismatching coloration, and is there anything in AR 670-1 that mentions anything related to that? Thank you all in advanced. (Photo attached is my uniform)

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 14 at 2017 9:24 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 21:24:51 -0400

I don't know the rules now, PFC Samuel B., but I would never have worn mismatched pants and blouse.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 9:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 21:25:37 -0400

Don't do it

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 14 at 2017 9:46 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 21:46:08 -0400

I would not. The SPIRIT of AR670-1 paragraph 3-6 requires a neat and professional appearance. I numbered all my tops and bottoms, washed them together in the same cycle, and hung dry them so they faded at the same rate. My wife thought I was nuts, but found many of my soldiers and peers Did this too.

I think if thy are not close enough together in fade rate it gives the appearance that the uniform is unserviceable.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 9:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 21:49:26 -0400

I'm surprised that you did not get the new pattern when you entered service.

I am glad you care enough about this appearance to be concerned. You are in a MOS that will often have high visibility with senior soldiers.

How did part of your set get more faded? For future reference, I recommend following the washing instructions printed on the inside. Cold water, no optical brighteners in the detergent, and turn your uniforms inside out during the wash.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 14 at 2017 9:49 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 21:49:35 -0400

Aren't uniform items fading at different speeds how the dress blues were born? It's Army tradition!

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Apr 14 at 2017 9:51 PM

CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 21:51:23 -0400

The rule of thumb I used when I was Active Duty was, if I feel as though I should ask, I probably shouldn't do it! I encourage you to:
1. Match your uniforms according to the closest colors,
2. Mark shirt and pants with a number, some sort of mark, or whatever in order to keep shirt and pants together.
3. When you get a new uniform, make sure to mark pants and blouse so you will remember which shirt goes with what pants.
4. When you wash your shirt, chances are the pants need washing as well! If not, another round in the washer isn't going to hurt them!
Unless you really desire being a PV2 for the entire time you are in the Army, begin demonstrating leadership skills NOW! Part of being a leader is looking like a leader!
Good luck!

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Apr 14 at 2017 9:59 PM

SGM Billy Herrington — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 21:59:58 -0400

Depends on someone's perception. Neat and professional appearance. Does a mismatched uniform meet that standard? It's your call. I never do it and I also number mine and wash together so I don't have that problem.

I see Soldiers wearing them like that from time to time and it looks like shit.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Apr 14 at 2017 10:08 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 22:08:59 -0400

Trouble? Maybe, maybe not. Doesn't look professional, though, so I'm going to not recommend it.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 14 at 2017 10:24 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 22:24:10 -0400

PFC Samuel B. "is there anything in AR 670-1 that mentions anything related to that?"

May I suggest you look yourself, http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r670_1.pdf After looking and doing some self help, please come back and tell us what you think is there that might apply.
I will say, for those taking a hard line "No, Never" Id suggest they take an honest look at their uniforms,..as no two uniform items your likely to get were cut form the same bolt of cloth, it is very likely they will fade differently in use. Different shades are just a reality after just a few washes ... But I ask you, is that covered in the AR or DA Pam?

r670_1.pdf

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 10:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 22:56:31 -0400

PFC Samuel B. Since you are in the Reserves and do not get a clothing allowance. Talk to your Supply SGT and see what the policy is to exchange them for a new set. They would know what would qualify as unserviceable.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2017 11:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 23:34:08 -0400

Considering youre a private in the reserves who hasnt gone to BCT yet, youll be fine, dont go out and spend money on a new uniform if youre going to be issued 4 new ones when you ship off, especially since you dont get a clothing allowance. You could try and ask supply for new ones, but dont spend your own money on it. If you have good leaders over you they shouldnt expect you to spend your own money in this situation

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 15 at 2017 1:04 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 01:04:38 -0400

As long as the top and bottom match (that is my rule), but why would you? PFC Samuel B.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Apr 15 at 2017 3:56 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 03:56:12 -0400

Always wash things as a set, pants and shirt and they will match, I wouldn't even consider wearing things that didn't match. it does not ever look good. Also if I knew I was going to do something that was going to put undue stress on the material I would use and old pair and save the better ones for other purposes when appearance rather than rough use was more important.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 5:58 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 05:58:19 -0400

I would have to say "yes", however this would be my own preference because you have to present a professional appearance at all times. I would recommend you number your tops and bottoms and wash and wear them as a set. I have never had an issue with this and I have worn the BDU's, UCP, and OCP's. Just number your uniforms and wash them together.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 8:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 08:43:59 -0400

Sure if you are in the field or doing something like an obstacle curse or a range. but for normal work no it is not cool.

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 15 at 2017 7:31 PM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 19:31:22 -0400

Back in the days of woodland BDU's, I always wore associated pairs. Every time I bought a new set I labeled them with a letter from the alphabet. Every time I washed the "Kilo" blouse, I washed the "kilo" trou. Never had a problem with mismatched pairs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 8:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 20:24:55 -0400

My recommendation is to never open yourself up to that kind of criticism. With a black marker, I write a letter and the year in each set of uniforms I wear. I wear them same pair together, wash them together, and retire them together.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 10:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 22:13:50 -0400

that looks like an excellent set of ACUs for the O-Course or FTX.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 7:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 19:02:53 -0400

Others have said it and I will just repeat it for emphasis. When you get new uniforms, do the following:
1. Use a permanent marker and label each set. You have a couple of options as far as location for the label. The tag that is sewn into the back of the blouse and the back right pocket of the trousers is a great location. Otherwise, you could write it just below the collar and waistband. Big thing is to put it where it's not visible when worn, but you can easily find it. Be consistent. Also, whether you use a letter or number is up to you, but again, consistency.
2. Wash each set together in COLD water (wash and rinse). Turn them inside out and be sure to remove your patches.
3. The label says use detergents with no optical brighteners, but as others have said, those can be hard to find. Thus, if you can, use the "free & clear" detergents.

Response by MAJ Daniel Buchholz made Apr 19 at 2017 7:32 PM

MAJ Daniel Buchholz — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 19:32:29 -0400

Relegate them to field uniforms. When you have a lbv or iba on no one is going to pay attention to your top and bottom not matching.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Apr 19 at 2017 8:50 PM

SGT Mathew Husen — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 20:50:52 -0400

ACUs were such a crappy uniform. The quality was way under par.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 10:51 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 22:51:25 -0400

That has been a no-no since I can remember back to fatigues. It may not be against regulation, but it will not help you get promoted that is for sure. What you might consider is that if you want to get promoted, you should never ask questions like this. Set an example that your leadership takes notice of.

That said, my father told me when he was in the Army, some would plan getting in trouble about 3 months prior to boards. Then when promotions came out. Leadership would remember the name, but not the trouble and assume it was good if your just an average troop. Make sure the trouble doesn't lead to ugly paperwork, but gets someones attention. That doesn't work in the AF, we don't get promoted by boards except special occasions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 11:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 23:20:58 -0400

Anyone have that experience when the first ACUs came out and they turned pink if you washed them tide! lol...

Response by SSG Damon Alexander made Apr 20 at 2017 7:53 AM

SSG Damon Alexander — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 07:53:56 -0400

Though I retired back in '04, before the ACUs were introduced. I used to look like a fool at the clothing store, matching the tops and bottoms, not only in color, but also pattern, and I made it a practice my first year in the service, a new set of BDUs every other month, both summers, and winters. Would label all, get everything sewn on, and would only match the set pairs. But this was also when I would take all my uniforms to the quartermaster, and have them 'Hot Pressed' as well...but was also promoted to E4, within my first year at my duty station, then sent to the promotion board, as soon as I was eligible. Though I only brush shined my boots on a daily basis.

Response by Cpl Francis Meech made Apr 20 at 2017 3:26 PM

Cpl Francis Meech — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 15:26:33 -0400

The Army ACU looks like crap, period. I can't believe the Army allows it's soldier's to travel in such an unsat uniform.

Response by MSG James Hughs made Apr 20 at 2017 5:47 PM

MSG James Hughs — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 17:47:15 -0400

You should not be so concerned about what the regs say.....and more concerned about what your chain of command says...... the regs may not specifically forbid mis-match......but your leaders may find it not up to their expectations....which could impact you within the command
Try asking your Sqd Ldr / Plt Sgt

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2017 7:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 19:10:36 -0400

If that's what you were issued then there is no regulation that prohibits you from wearing them so long as they are not damaged and worn correctly. You will be issued OCP in Basic so for now it's simply a drill uniform until you go to training.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2017 8:45 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 08:45:01 -0400

I personally can't stand seeing mis-mached fading between the pants and blouse! The uniform tolerates some fading overall but only if pants and blouse are the same!

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Oct 26 at 2017 7:18 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 07:18:38 -0400

For years with BDUs and ACUs I marked each set and always washed them together. This worked well except in Iraq when my fire resistant ACUs faded with a nice pinkish hue.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Feb 6 at 2018 8:47 PM

MSG David Johnson — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 20:47:13 -0500

I switched over to ACU's in April of 2006 then mobilized in July.
Washing ACU's turned inside out was the secret of keeping them from fading from washing. But there is no way to keep them from fading while deployed. But being a reservist, we don't have the same clothing allowance active duty Soldiers do. I had to purchase my own uniforms, I was issued 2 sets, not enough for 2.5 months pre-mobilization then a 12-13 deployment. So yeah, even numbering uniforms and washing them inside out they're going to fade. Often at different rates.
As for ironing the ACU's, when they first came out, that was a no-no. If you wanted them pressed they recommended putting them under something heavy after they came out of the dryer.
I can understand being a staff officer, or staff NCO needing to look crisp, but being a field Soldier my entire career I just couldn't see the use of using an iron on a uniform that would be rumpled before lunch.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2018 5:15 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 17:15:25 -0400

Are you in the Guard? I would not unless you want some squared away NCO to turn you into a sock puppet.

Response by SFC Scott Parkhurst made Mar 18 at 2018 1:00 AM

SFC Scott Parkhurst — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 01:00:23 -0400

No, it looks like crap to tell you the you the truth...Very unprofessional. What can I say can....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2018 9:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 21:44:40 -0400

I numbered my top and bottom and washed them together on order to avoid the mismatch fade. It did not workout that way.

Response by CPL Mike Noise made Oct 20 at 2018 9:28 AM

CPL Mike Noise — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 09:28:50 -0400

When it was permanent press OD, that was called a "golf suit", usually a cotton shirt and permanent press pants. If you work in motor pool, you are wearing your work clothes to first formation, but still, doesn't supply have a clothing exchange?

Response by SSG Jonathan Sprague made Oct 20 at 2018 10:04 AM

SSG Jonathan Sprague — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 10:04:44 -0400

Who cares what AR 670-1 says about it? Have some pride in your uniform and dont run around looking like a soup sandwich.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2018 2:18 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 14:18:45 -0400

Pants?

Response by SP5 Glen Tucker made Oct 20 at 2018 2:24 PM

SP5 Glen Tucker — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 14:24:51 -0400

Guess I am old, we had the cotton OD, turned them in to supply once a week for wash and starch. Then came permanent press OD, can not tell you how many were ruined by quarter master laundry searching them. So my opinion is that if the don't appear that they don't match don't wear them

Response by PO2 Thomas Tutton made Oct 20 at 2018 3:52 PM

PO2 Thomas Tutton — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 15:52:16 -0400

When I was serving many years ago this question would never be asked because back then there was no question. We were expected to have a professional appearance and any part of the uniform that was not up to par was replaced. That is why we had a uniform allowance.

Response by CSM Lynn Chrisman made Oct 21 at 2018 2:33 PM

CSM Lynn Chrisman — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 14:33:58 -0400

Response by CSM Lynn Chrisman made Oct 21 at 2018 2:41 PM

CSM Lynn Chrisman — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 14:41:45 -0400

I answered quickly when I hit the post button. As a soldier your appearance is also a reflection of your first line leadership. I always had my soldiers work with those who were leaving service and coordinate an exchange to keep those still in looking professional. As an Infantryman our uniforms took a beating but it can be done.

Response by 1SG Rob Smith made Oct 22 at 2018 1:54 AM

1SG Rob Smith — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 01:54:32 -0400

You are all grown adults! If you have to ask questions like this then why are you in the military. NEAT AND UNIFORM APPEARANCE. IF YOU WERE ONE OF MY TROOPS THIS WOULD CALL FOR CORRECTIVE TRAINING. AND FOR YOU YOUNG NCOS GROW SOME AND GET THESE GUYS IN LINE. THE SO CALLED ENTITLED GENERATION ARE NOT ENTITLED AT ALL. KNOW YOUR ROLE AND USE YOUR AUTHORITY. AS FOR THE RESERVISTS, IF YOU WANT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUS AS A PROFESSIONAL DONT WAIT AROUND ON YOUR AGR SUPPLY SGT. GO BUY YOUR OWN IF YOU WANT TO PULL AHEAD OF YOUR PEERS.

Response by SFC Glenn Kozak made Oct 22 at 2018 5:11 PM

SFC Glenn Kozak — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 17:11:02 -0400

No problem if you always wash them as a set.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2018 6:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 18:28:58 -0400

Usually I just put those to the side as my training/field uniforms. When I buy a set of ACU's, regardless of UCP, Multicam or Scorpion W2, I make sure to grab a top and bottom to compare. I also check the manufacturer who made then because each one has different shading. I would also write inside like for example, Top A will be washed with Bottom A so they both fade out evenly as they age and get washed repeatedly.

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Oct 22 at 2018 6:44 PM

CPT Jeff Robinette — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 18:44:53 -0400

Even brand new ACUs look like crap.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2018 9:44 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 21:44:21 -0400

So I am now out, count my opinion to what it is worth to you.
I did a deployment in ACUs and a deployment in multicam. I numbered my uniforms, and also attached a lettered determining if I deployed in them. When I came home, I maybe had a single set worth thinking about keeping. Them OCPs came out. All these changes are retarded but it’s the army and you have to go with it. ACUs were obviously first to go. My recommendation. Army is changing and you have to as well. Number what you have as some before me have said. Wash together as a set. Dry as a set. This helps prevent looking age up way longer than mix and matching. Also helps distinguish between multicam and OCP for people like me who can’t tell the damn difference. Best of luck man.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Oct 23 at 2018 6:29 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 18:29:15 -0400

Each commander see this with their own eyes! For your sake I'd go with No!

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 23 at 2018 8:06 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 20:06:21 -0400

I always labeled a blouse with a set of trousers. If one went in the wash, so did the other.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Mar 2 at 2020 12:40 PM

SFC Bill Snyder — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 12:40:43 -0500

Never had this problem with these.

Response by SFC William Ewing made May 26 at 2020 6:11 PM

SFC William Ewing — Tue, 26 May 2020 18:11:56 -0400

As a retired soldiers.
There are dress uniforms that should match.
Their are work/combat uniforms which should be functional.
I found that the older faded ones were the most comfortable.
The jungle one almost never faded the same too to bottom.

No one cares about fading.
That's when we still had WWII leaders.
And 30 year PFCs some of whom had been in four wars and up and down the ranks several times.

We made fun of Army's who cared more about appearance than fighting ability.

Dress uniforms should always be shiny and new to impress civilians.
Work/combat should be functional and almost never seen by civilians.
The two serve separate functions.

Response by SGT Dan Theman made May 28 at 2020 10:45 AM

SGT Dan Theman — Thu, 28 May 2020 10:45:57 -0400

Well when I was in we had fatigues, and as you can imagine faded a lot. None of us really washed our uniforms separately. And when we were done washing them they were ironed and hung in sequence as they we numbered them. We always kept a couple older faded sets for maneuvers. When we were not, we looked neat and orderly at all times with matching uniforms. That said, when we transitioned into BDU’s we continued the same attention to detail even ironing them until we were informed as a battalion to stop.
Personal pride may be personal but to us it was respect for the very uniform we wore to the country we served.
“Scouts Out”

Response by SSG Franklin Briant made May 28 at 2020 11:25 AM

SSG Franklin Briant — Thu, 28 May 2020 11:25:36 -0400

I would never wear mismatched uniforms. It is unprofessional. As a leader you set the standard.

Response by Lt Col DuWayne Heupel made May 28 at 2020 5:24 PM

Lt Col DuWayne Heupel — Thu, 28 May 2020 17:24:45 -0400

It's not against reg, but it looks like carp. I had that happen a couple of times, until I took a bit of action. This may be a bit OCD, but I kept my utility uniforms (Fatigues, Missile Blue, BDUs...whatever at the time and point in my career) as a set; trousers and blouse permanently paired, and washed both at the same time. That prevented that problem.

Response by Cpl Thomas Woods made May 29 at 2020 1:31 AM

Cpl Thomas Woods — Fri, 29 May 2020 01:31:31 -0400

Common fucking sense, people!! One Marine's take from the '80s & '90s; Faded camo looks salty, BUT...Gotta use your head...Around a bunch of grunts, cool. Around pogues, chickenshits, and other "Prettyboy"" types, not so much...And mismatched looks like a bag of fucking rags.

Response by Cpl Charles Trump made May 29 at 2020 9:18 AM

Cpl Charles Trump — Fri, 29 May 2020 09:18:41 -0400

No, just dont wear em in garrison. Retire them to the field.