What do you think about the changes to the OCP ACU?

It's almost impossible to NOT be better than the ACU's...

I am glad that the hook and loop is starting to go the way of the dodo. But what I truly desire, is that they pick one type of uniform that works...............AND STOP CHANGING THINGS. Congress and Pentagon want to find ways to save money, yet how much is shucked out to conduct "studies" of new uniforms every 5-10 yrs?

First off, big ups on the "multicam-esque" pattern. It's a shame it took so long, multicam existed when UCP was decided on in 2005... I do like the removal of the pockets for the elbow and knee pads. Those never got used, hopefully the new "combat pants" getting issued in OEF will come into wider issue for those that need them.

I do not like the zippered shoulder pockets. IMO, the previous design was better. Also, the single button on the lower calf pocket doesn't make sense. Velcro held the whole opening closed, now it's only held at one point in the center. Seems like things could bounce out of the pocket now. Also, why go from 3 pen pockets to 2?

I would like to see the chest pockets redesigned. An angled version of the chest pockets from BDUs would be better. Doesn't matter to me if they're Velcro or button closure.

So long as it lasts better than the current I'm good with it...6 month lifespan on a military uniform is BS.

Those changes look good to me, except for replacing the Velcro on the lower leg pocket. The lower leg pocket and the wrists are the 2 places where the Velcro really works, so first the good idea fairy replaced the Velcro on my new ACU wrists, with a button I have to button inside out, upside down and left handed, so my sleeves are never adjusted right, now they want to put a button on the lower leg pockets, so I can mess with it every time I need my notebook, phone, etc.

I think the improvements are great. However, can anyone tell me when the unit patches and qualification badges (ie. Airborne, Air Assault, Drill Sgt Badge, etc.) will be up to date the the same color?

I will reserve judgement until I have to purchase another set of uniforms. However, I would like to see the removal of the sleeve pen pocket, I've always thought it looks downright unprofessional to have pens sticking out of the uniform. Use the upper sleeve pockets instead, where pens are protected and don't give an "unsightly" view.

Lastly, I would be very pleased if the Army would stick to a uniform that works instead of switching so often and passing the cost off to Soldiers who can ill afford to do so.

Isn't the changes but would be happier with the design that our other 4 sister branches are using. The design is the only problem not the color or prints. Our design is not neat in my opinion. I'm glad those cargo pocket strings are gone now because I usually have to cut them off.

Can we get in the AF our ABUs are just as bad as the ACU.

What about all of that gear that's in UCP? are we going to go with the new cammo or take a page out of the Marines's book and make everything coyote tan?