Posted on Mar 17, 2016
SPC Computer/Detection Systems Repairer
466K
4.1K
669
127
125
2
I've seen a new E-5 in my unit with the deployment OCP (the shoulders are Velcro pockets like the ACU not zippers, faintly faded, with a fuller only jacket zipper) without a deployment patch, or skill badges I.E CIB, AAS, Etc. he approached me for work and as we were talking he brought up how things worked at his last unit, and I asked him where he was deployed to and he said he wasn't (No right shoulder patch) but from what I understood those OCP's we're only given out to those who have been deployed to the Middle East the last year or so. Can anyone clarify on this? Thank you.
Avatar feed
Responses: 218
Votes
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Votes
SSG Water Treatment Nco
1
1
0
Hey PFC, how about taking some initiative and find out by reading the regs. I know several NCO's who have not been deployed yet, dont make them bad leaders or any less of a leader. Police down not up- believe me when i say it, there is someone watching that young Sergeant and if he is wrong his fellow NCO's will certainly correct him.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC Fire Team Leader
1
1
0
Since you were issue OCP at basic I'm assuming you've been in all of like 4 months. You should probably keep the stupid questions the minimum. With less than a year in service you should be seen and not heard.
It's called Multicam, for starters. And it it authorized for everyone to wear until 2018, along with the ACUs.
You can wear any of the 3 uniforms as you see fit until 2018 when they are phased out.
You coulda Googled that bro.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT Randel Pruett
1
1
0
Things change all the time but if someone outranking you is wearing it properly then it's more than likely authorized. I remember all the different work uniforms I've worn and still have most of them. Korean issue cotton, Vietnam issue jungle Fatigues and Tiger Stripe, Permanent Press (Hated These), BDU's, Chocolate Chip Dessert, Tri-Color Dessert, and Arctic White. There's been a bunch since then.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Infantryman
1
1
0
This is ridiculous
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CW3 Property Book Officer (Pbo)
1
1
0
Yes during the transitional period he can wear that uniform but he has to wear the desert boots, desert belt and tan shirt we wore with ACUs
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC Alexander Brandt
1
1
0
In February, my unit went on a week long FTX to Poland (I know that a week isn't very impressive, but hey, what am I gonna do about it?). As part of our field preparation, there was a mass exodus to CIF, where more than half the company were issued either multicam, or some variation of OCP. I personally was issued the old school multicams, fades and all.

So yes, he is authorized to wear them, deployment or no.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC G2 Ops Mcp Ncoic
1
1
0
Yes. And they are way more comfortable too.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT(P) S6 Communications Ncoic
1
1
0
So the new uniform for the army is the OCP. Anyone who deployed to Afghanistan in like 2010 or later was issued Multicam.

OCP and Multicam are similar patterns. There is just enough difference for it to be considered two different patterns.

The way you can tell the difference is the pockets on the sleeves. The new OCP are zippered instead of the velcro. And these outfits are available for purchase.

Since they were just put out as being the new uniform last year, there is a wear out date. I think it's like September of 2019 for people to wear the ACUs or Multicam. There are also regs that talk about what parts you can still wear with the OCP or multicam. Because the new OCP will have a greenish shirt, belt and boots.
(1)
Comment
(0)
SSG Flight Operations Nco
SSG (Join to see)
>1 y
Multicam also has splotches that run vertical and horizontal. Where as OCP only runs vertical.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SPC Computer/Detection Systems Repairer
1
1
0
Edit: I think I'm referring to "Multicam" uniform he was wearing.
(1)
Comment
(0)
SGT Military Police
SGT (Join to see)
>1 y
Either way private the answer is yes.
(0)
Reply
(0)
SGT(P) S6 Communications Ncoic
SGT(P) (Join to see)
>1 y
Please read my comment. It should explain everything.
(1)
Reply
(0)
SPC Infantryman
SPC (Join to see)
>1 y
Yes it's allowed. Check out AR670-1 for uniform related stuff before just asking. My unit issues it for training (173rd) and we aren't deploying any time soon.
(0)
Reply
(0)
SSG Michael Patton
SSG Michael Patton
>1 y
SFC Kevin Holland - Good old auto spell, LOL.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
1LT Chaplain Candidate
0
0
0
Of course. I gave my deployment OCPs to a fuzzy because he thought they looked cool lol no issues.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC S3 Plans Nco
0
0
0
I know you can't wear FRACU outside of deployment unless it's a training environment were you when you have the possibility to ruin your uniform.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC Fire Support Specialist
0
0
0
Yes FRACUs can be worn in garrison and you don’t have to deploy to get them issued they literally handed RFI out to everyone going on rotation to Europe. I can see where the confusion set in because I’ve seen other NCOs in the past get on soldiers for wearing them in garrison. There is also a whole ALARACT on this as well
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT Shane Serna
0
0
0
Hmm been a while but I’m sure it’s unit related as far as the patch. Heck my berm surge was with one unit but we were attached to a bigger unit so wore their patches. So back to real reply, if his unit was deployed and he remained on mainland or wherever he would still get the patch.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
1SG James Kelly
0
0
0
Got out in 88; what the hell is an OCP?
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Ken Connolly
0
0
0
Ask your Squad Leader or Plt Sgt.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Aircraft Maintenance Officer
0
0
0
I was issued several sets when I was deployed to Kuwait a few years ago. I have since retired, and my son (a newly minted 2LT) only had 2 sets of OCPs. I (gasp!!!) gave him my deployment OCPs because he and I are of similar build. I was glad to pass them off to him instead of them being sold in the local Goodwill. I expect that he'll likely deploy somewhere hot and sandy before too long anyway.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSgt Daniel d'Errico
0
0
0
And this E5 is a computer specialist? He's wearing deployment OCPs and never been deployed then he in violation of regulations. Remind him t hat he is doing so, even if he outrank you. Worse case, go to your OIC and report him if he doesn't get in regulation OCPs.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins
0
0
0
When I came back from my final deployment (AFG, 2015), we had not yet fully phased in scorpion camo (ocp) but multi-cams were at that time a satisfactory alternative. I do not know if this is still the case.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Elmer Price
0
0
0
I was i Amsterdam in i don't remember, Loading ships going to sudia Rabia It was a Russian ship. My unit was picking soldiers to go. I told my CSM i would like to go. He laughed and said SGT Price you have to many children the army does not want to take care of all them. I told him I wanted to get the war patch, He told me you have to go over to get it.
Thats all I know Price
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
MSG Company First Sergeant
0
0
0
Yes he can wear it.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.