Why did the Army switch uniforms?

While in formation with the Velcro, we would brush each other and stick together. The corners of the badges would curl. Some people did not put them on straight. The Velcro began getting ratty looking after too many washing. I use to number my uniforms with a marker to keep top and bottoms together so they would fade evenly, but the tabs did not fade because the were not washed, giving them an odd look after awhile

I came in when we were wearing fatigues - in the Airborne we had rip-stop cammies and alternated uniforms when not in the field. I wasn't impressed with the BDUs when they first came out but as they made tweaks to the cut of the uniform design it was better (still hated losing the distinction of our own cammies). But I became a true believer one day in 1983 when I watched my unit literally "disappear" into a woodline after crossing the red clay cut of the All American PZ/LZ on Bragg one day. When the ACU came out and I saw guys wearing them in an airport (!!!???) I was skeptical of their value. Talking to guys still in I found out I was right. I never wore the desert pattern BDUs as we were interested in more tropical climes when I was in (about died from heat in Grenada wearing the heavy early uniform), so I can't vouch for their effectiveness but to anyone who's travelled even across the Continental US it ought to be obvious "one size doesn't fit all." To try and have a "universal" pattern may sound penny wise but it's pound foolish.

I always thought with the expense of the BDU (at twice the cost of our old fatigues) we should have stayed with the old fatigues (and black boots) for garrison - starched fatigues and spit-shined boots in the morning always made me feel sharp and proud - with the BDUs for field duty. Different camo patterns for various environments as needed just makes sense to me. We used to keep that stuff in CIF for issue if we deployed somewhere it was necessary.

But what do I know? I'm just an old FOG...

I do miss sewed on unit patches on the dress uniform - the current combat action badges and ranger and SF badges makes the dress uniform look crowded to me and what outfit is the guy with anyway? I was always proud to wear my 82nd "Double A's" on both shoulders and even when I was with 3rd AD in Germany wore the triangle proudly. But I guess that's for another topic.

This was a very good question posed by the author. After serving over twenty years in the Army (1980-2000) I went through at least three version changes of the utility, dress, and PT uniform. I came to the conclusion that these changes were designed and incorporated for a variety of reasons based on the mindset of senior leadership at the time: good order & morale, tactical/technical ability, historical prominence, and public image. These progressive changes will continue to occur as the Army and it's leadership evolve into the future!

I have no experience of how the past was, but, as a young soldier coming up in today's army, I understand where you are coming from, but I do have to say, the sewn look of the ACU looks much more professional. I can clearly tell a soldier who does not care about their appearance much more clearly from someone who has taken the time and effort to have their uniform sewn on.

I agree, but the drive to change was initiated because too many countries who weren't our allies were using the BDU design and that could be problematic. Not having a visual distinction in the uniforms could cause a lot of casualties from soldiers misidentifying enemies as friendlies. Aside from that, I never thought it was expensive to get the uniforms tapes and patches sewn on considering that the cost was minor compared to your month's pay. Also take into account that the Army gave us an annual clothing allowance to replace and maintain our uniforms. Too many soldiers treated that like free money to take to the bar.

Ultimately, from my experience I've seen too many soldiers who didn't understand that they needed to budget their money: haircuts, supplies for their barracks room, toiletries, uniform maintenance... All of that stuff comes first, before they go out and buy stereos, tvs, cars, booze, tattoos, etc. That applied to married soldiers too. I knew more than a few who did the fun stuff first, and the responsible stuff last.

I saved $50 by not sewing badges on my newest uniforms. My boss doesn't care so I don't wear them.

Digital pattern ACU did not work in the Afghan terrain.

I personally think the new uniform looks sloppy, baggy, and just simply unprofessional. Then again, I was in the era of press and starch BDUs, lol.

I do believe you are totally out of site.To begin with,the ACU was a complete mess.A mistaken camuflage,an extremely erroneus velcro usage,that besides been extremely horrenduos,makes you to be an easy target point,due to high noise it produce when anything hits it,during the day,an much more at night.
Besides all of the aforemention incapacities,this uniform is awful from the estetic point of view.You mentioned your problem of disk,in order to sewn the new one,and that is precisly what makes it better.If you think that spending a cuple of dollars is too much for you,then you should not be in the Army.We the past soldiers used to do it,without any complains on our part.No one would have never thougt,that small expense would make you poorer in any way.