Posted on Jul 6, 2015
SFC Deputy Station Commander
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1. What are your thoughts on the new OCP uniform and them not being available all once. 2. Do you think mis-matching them will look silly? 3. Wouldn't it be better to get everything available all at once? 4. Should we now go back to the beret?
Posted in these groups: 85583b36 OCPAcu pattern helmet cover ACU4276e14c Uniforms
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Responses: 25
LTC Dcog
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Definitely not looking forward to the incurred cost. I have seen far too many uniforms and versions of each since '88. Maybe this change will last until retirement (but I doubt it)
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
>1 y
In theory the incurred cost should be negligible if you are replacing them 1-2 sets a year as part of normal attrition, correct? Isn't end of life on the ACU 2018~?
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CW2 Aviation Safety Officer
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>1 y
One gentleman said "the Army is changing uniforms as fast as the Navy." I agree with you. Since 1979, I have seen too many uniform changes.
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LTC Dcog
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10 y
Agreed, would gladly go back to them (or tri-colored deserts when required)
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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I prefer the new uniform, everyone I speak with prefers the new uniform. We are in a period of transition and there is a misconception of mix-matching, the current T-shirt can be worn, current boots, current belt....what's the big deal? We still use the beret, for ceremonial purposes - I agree with the patrol cap as the primary headgear for the masses - units with special missions (E.g. Special Operations Forces/RANGER/Airborne) should be able to wear the green/tan/maroon beret as appropriate but for the "Big Army", the patrol cap is a better choice. I am thankful for this change and embracing it, I need your help to embrace it as well SFC (Join to see).
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CW4 Brigade Maintenance Technician
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First of all, the beret needs to be locked away in a time capsule and never be unlocked again. As for the uniform phase out, I agree with you on the point of having enough prior to releasing them for sale but the actual phase out works in line with the long phase out period for the ACU. This reminds me of when we started to transition to ACU's. I was a Platoon SGT stairing out at my formation and I had Soldiers in full BDU's, BDU's with tan shirts and tan boots and then I had Soldiers in full ACU's. It will be awkward for awhile but it's a necessary evil.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
>1 y
I've been looking for that PVT Murphy's Law cartoon.....!
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CW4 Brigade Maintenance Technician
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I found it the other day on one of the Warrant Officer FB groups, had me cracking up but it was a true representation in the past and again now.
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What are your thoughts on the new OCP uniform?
CW5 Sam R. Baker
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I prefer the OCP, have since its first wearing while deployed because it actually looks like a ARMY uniform. The digits we are currently wearing are a knee jerk to trying to emulate the aggressive modernization that the Marine's did in ch0oosing their uniform. All services followed with the AF going to stripes. The ACU has never really done it right and everything to try and fix it has been wronged. I turned in all my OCP while PCSing last assignment change and wish I had not, it is the absolute best gear I have been issued in 28 plus years of service. The beret - NO, black boots - sure! As for available all at once, most Soldiers still have some form of deployment uniforms and its accessories. Any new recruit will be outfitted and of course OCP is always more $$$ from any retail outlet. CSMs and CDRs will not allow a formation to be mixed, and shouldn't for a change of command, however daily wear, why not until we all look like the Army again.
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LTC Paul Labrador
LTC Paul Labrador
>1 y
Digital pattern works well. The ACU color palette not so much.
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CW5 Sam R. Baker
CW5 Sam R. Baker
>1 y
In 2002 in Afghanistan I did four go around looking for Australians on a mountainside near the Sho-i-kot valley, however finding US Soldiers was rather easy. I still in my opinion think the pattern just looks more Army. Camouflage is becoming a thing of the past. Until we enter another jungle warfare situation, the uniform will not matter being in up armored vehicles and driving unmanned aerial vehicles. Knocking in doors the uniform doesn't matter. We usually announce we're there, wherever we are. SOF usually always has something different for each environment they operate. Color possibly could change my opinion of ACU, but not likely considering the velcro half arm and other issues with the uniform. Glad that you enjoy the patten sir. Thanks for the chime.
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CW3 Senior Instructor Pilot
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>1 y
I haven't gotten to wear it, but I've heard rave reviews about it's fit and comfort. As said, I'm glad to see a uniform that LOOKS military, and is FUNCTIONAL. The ACU quite frankly was embarrassing. I've avoided going anywhere off post as much as possible because it is just terribile, and the slightest wear that is still VERY serviceable, makes it look like dog crap. You just can't polish that.
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CPT Battalion Air
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Much, much, much, much better. Camo pattern actually blends into something other than gravel. The sleeve pockets are better designed (except for them being slanted back), no mandarin collar. The only thing I would change is put the rank and branch insignia on the collar.
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SFC Deputy Station Commander
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10 y
I with the rank change, and branch insignias for officers. The pockets slanted back are hideous.
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SGT Project Engineer
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10 y
>The only thing I would change is put the rank and branch insignia on the collar.

Totally agree. So. Very. Much.
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SFC Combat Engineer
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The zipper on the arm pockets are a pain in the ass.
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MSG Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Senior Sergeant
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Somebody's gotten rich of this. R&D + production + distribution ... Someone is rolling in the money.

The SMA's long-term /mix & match roll out plan is actually a smart move to help junior Soldiers have enough time to afford proper uniforms.
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SFC Deputy Station Commander
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Maybe, maybe not. I say this because by the time the entire set comes out the mixed matched portions might be worn forcing soldiers to purchase newer ones which will cost more in the long run. It's kinda like the no sewing of name tapes and badges to the Velcro now back to sewing. the entire thing makes no sense. I like the color scheme of the uniforms it brings back that Army feel other than that I dislike the mismatch option. I just see too much baby sitting and half the unit wearing one outfit and the other the next.
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SGT Conspiracy Therapist At 13 Haberdashery
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>1 y
For events that would require the same uniform, the only issues are going to occur once IET Soldiers who've only been issued OCP start showing up. But that should realistically be at least 5-6 months down the line, giving Soldiers enough time to have started transitioning their uniforms due to normal wear and tear.
Sewing of nametapes and skill badges is not a requirement, it's an option.
Also, don't forget that the guys who are likely to be the problem children during the transition are the ones who you would be babysitting anyway.
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CW3 C-12 Pilot
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Can we AV-types please be allowed to go back to the one-piece flight suit? It's darn near the same color green as the OCP.
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CW3 Kevin Storm
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Beret, burn it as fast as possible. Mis-matching, no not really, went through this before with BDU's and the OD Green outfit. As for the OCP, OD fatigues would of been an improvement. Most useless camouflage I have ever laid eyes on. someone made a lot of money off of a really bad idea.
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SFC Deputy Station Commander
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>1 y
No one likes the beret???.. I'm starting to think it's because people ruined it but not properly forming them or wearing them correctly.
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SFC Combat Engineer
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10 y
I like the beret. I was in the 82nd for my first enlistment and it looked badass. I know how to wear it and make it look good. That being said I have not worn one for years now.
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SFC Combat Engineer
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The only time we wear berets is in ASU, which in the Reserves is NEVER.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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SFC (Join to see) I'm retired so I can't comment on the OCP Uniform distribution and mix and match policy, but I can tell you that we had similar issues when it came to the new ACU's distribution prior, during, and after deployments. I didn't want to leave you hanging out there RP Land with absolutely no response. I'm sure there are some active duty RP Members out there that can provide more input on the subject. Personally, I didn't like the Beret. I always liked the PC much better for garrison operations. I've always thought miss matching the uniform was stupid, but be had about 2 or 3 different versions of T-shirts with the ACUs as well. I don't know if the other service branches have gone through the same issue, but it sounds like it from SCPO David Lockwood that they have. It seems like we make a decision on a new uniform and then we have a back order for production for 8 to 12 months. Most likely the winning contractors doesn't want to pour all of it's and money into full production until they awarded the contract through DOD. Not sure, but just an educated guess.
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SCPO David Lockwood
SCPO David Lockwood
>1 y
I agree with you Col. It appears that uniforms are changed so often that the service members don't get a chance to complete the change when here comes the next change. It cost the service member money and time to make these changes. What needs to happen is come up with a uniform that suits each branch and every 10 -12 years have a review board to see what needs to change. Changing every 12- 18 months is ridiculous.
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SFC Deputy Station Commander
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>1 y
I agree 100% with you.
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SFC Deputy Station Commander
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>1 y
I understand sir. I'll embrace the change I love the uniform just off looks and reviews. But we started wearing these pajamas in 2004 I think and they were horrible. They couldn't even keep up with the mission.
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SCPO David Lockwood
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The army is starting to sound alot like the navy and the way they change uniforms!
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