Why does the Army uniform still have these giant cargo pockets? Who uses their cargo pockets, and for what reason?

2023-12-26T21:43:41-05:00

So I was helping my wife get out the door this morning as usual since I’m retired and she’s still in boots/ (AD - LTC Gaddy). As I was pressing her uniform, I thought to myself, why does the Army uniform still have these giant cargo pockets, and who uses them? In my 26+ years, I never used them and kept them pressed down to look very neat and tidy. Other than basic trainees, who uses their cargo pockets, and for what reason? Is it about time for a real Army uniform update?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2023 9:57 PM

2023-12-26T21:57:52-05:00

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniforms_of_the_United_States_Army

Uniforms of the United States Army - Wikipedia

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2023 9:58 PM

2023-12-26T21:58:31-05:00

https://news.clearancejobs.com/2021/12/29/the-evolution-of-the-u-s-military-combat-uniforms/

The Evolution of the U.S. Military Combat Uniforms

U.S. military uniforms have evolved over the years to fit the needs of the soldiers, as well as, the defense budget.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2023 10:27 PM

2023-12-26T22:27:05-05:00

I use my cargo pockets to place my cover in when I need to keep it on me and still be hands free. I've never liked tucking it in the small of my back. Tried that a few times. Not a fan.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 26 at 2023 10:56 PM

2023-12-26T22:56:43-05:00

The purpose of the cargo pockets was to break down multiple days of MREs in case you had to ditch gear. This is how it was done explained to me. Also the xtra socks.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 26 at 2023 11:03 PM

2023-12-26T23:03:07-05:00

I used my cargo pockets many a time while on mission. But, aside from the headgear, as mentioned by MSG Private RallyPoint Member or specific training environment requirements (canteen in cargo pocket for a few different schools), never EVER had anything in them suckers in garrison.

Edit: Due to dat fingers, I originally erroneously tagged LTC Jason Mackay re:hat in cargo pocket. Updated to properly attribute credit.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2023 11:27 PM

2023-12-26T23:27:01-05:00

Snacks and tobacco. Can't have a war without em'.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 26 at 2023 11:38 PM

2023-12-26T23:38:21-05:00

During my 3 deployments, those cargo pockets got used almost everyday. May not see it in garrison, but they do have a purpose.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2023 11:54 PM

2023-12-26T23:54:16-05:00

I have often used my cargo pockets.

Response by COL Randall C. made Dec 27 at 2023 5:40 AM

2023-12-27T05:40:31-05:00

It's called the ACU (Army Combat Uniform), not the AGU (Army Garrison Uniform). Personally, I carried my analog brain in my cargo pocket constantly when I was in garrison.

The cargo pockets (as well as the other pockets) serve a functional role to carry any number of items that a Soldier will need in the field or combat which needs to be readily accessible - MREs and other equipment (cargo pocket), extra magazines (lower leg pockets), etc.

I suppose the military could create yet another uniform - a "garrison combat" uniform that puts form over function and the current one that puts function over form.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 27 at 2023 10:50 PM

2023-12-27T22:50:15-05:00

Well as a life long Geunr, I always used them. In the field the right one held ma, protractor and a fine dry marker. The left held my next meal, if I was lucky and extra equipment.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Dec 31 at 2023 1:18 AM

2023-12-31T01:18:56-05:00

I was in a Long-range Surveillance Unit. We used our cargo pockets all the time in the woods. A Soldier can fit a main meal in one, and keep it from freezing. a mag can fit in it, as can a watch cap or gloves.
As an Infantryman and a Paratrooper, I used the cargo pocket or maps as a Jumpmaster, for gloves or headgear as a Grunt...
They are useful in the field but a pain in Garrison

Response by SPC Kyle Smith made Jan 17 at 2024 12:37 PM

2024-01-17T12:37:01-05:00

In Iraq I stuffed the cargo pockets full of extra magazines. Ain't catchin me running out of bullets.

Response by CW3 George Fitzgerald made Jan 17 at 2024 4:49 PM

2024-01-17T16:49:19-05:00

I'm guessing you never had to go across the pond. yes, useful when in deployment situations but I agree, we should go back to a class B uniform for garrison ie khakis or the like.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Jan 18 at 2024 8:10 AM

2024-01-18T08:10:21-05:00

MREs, magazines (the kind with bullets in them), note pad, work gloves, candy, cell phone, radio, hat, rag, Gatorade, towel, etc. It's a combat uniform.

Response by COL Thomas F. made Apr 2 at 2024 9:22 AM

2024-04-02T09:22:38-04:00

Like most troops, I threw my canteen in there as a private before we were issued our web belt. Now I use it to hold my little green notebook. Unfortunately its not as little as the pocket so it sticks out the top. I use to also carry some extra socks, MRE extras, extra magazines, paper. As long as it didn't jab into my leg while I was walking, it was fair game.

Response by SGT David Priode made Apr 3 at 2024 11:35 AM

2024-04-03T11:35:59-04:00

As a grunt I used it to carry My soft headgear when wearing my kevlar, Mre, gloves, maps, mags, or anything I deemed that I might need quick access too while on a mission. Those large pockets are very handy. No new uniforms for garrison needed, an iron, elbow grease and some starch always got my bdu's to look good in garrison. The wasted money on new uniforms for garrison would be better spent on improvements on taking care of the soldiers in garrison or the field.

Response by SP5 Delphis Kaczowski made Apr 3 at 2024 5:39 PM

2024-04-03T17:39:05-04:00

The Army Medics used those pockets to carry atropine, needles, pills, band aids, etc. We were NON-combatants and didn't carry weapons because our Medical supply bags weighed up to 70 POUNDS. We could use any thing within reach to defend ourselves & our patients. The DRAFTED CONCIENSUS OBJECTORS in my tent threw rocks. The FEMALE "WACS" had to wear "HOSE" NYLONS" Stockings" in a combat zone. So you think cargo pants are stupid???????

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 3 at 2024 6:28 PM

2024-04-03T18:28:44-04:00

Headgear, notebook, cell phone, keys, wallet, gloves, I don't know, what goes in there?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2024 1:35 PM

2024-04-04T13:35:19-04:00

I put my child in there for being your kid to work day

Response by CWO4 Miles Weaver made Apr 7 at 2024 12:08 AM

2024-04-07T00:08:37-04:00

I am going to go out on a limb and guess that the original poster of this question spent his career in garrison and very little time in the field. Just an observation as others have adequately explained the "cargo" that often ends up in the cargo pockets.

Response by SFC William Linnell made Apr 7 at 2024 10:16 AM

2024-04-07T10:16:53-04:00

Unfortunately, it comes down to your chain of command at the Battalion level. In all the units I was stationed, it was a NO GO, sighting that it was against the military appearance. Same happened with the tops. I used my left top pocket for my notebook and of course the pen had its own pocket there as well.
In the field it was a little relaxed but CSM's still corrected you. When the 20 year war was going on, again relaxed as the CSM's were focused on the reflective belts being worn. I hated the pocket on the upper sleeves. So hard to access when wearing your gear.
The ACU's use of pockets design were a bit better. The velcro strips were....a bad choice. Bacon strips anyone??
In Afghanistan out on missions, I kept my patrol cap in my right cargo pocket since wearing the gear. On the different bases going into buildings, I stored it in the back of pants bill down, pulled top over it. Appearance is a must.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made May 6 at 2024 11:17 AM

2024-05-06T11:17:25-04:00

Negative, keep cargo pockets on Battle Dress Uniforms, ACU's or whatever name they use these days... They are needed in combat scenarios and real deal combat. JMO...

Response by SFC Charles Rolling made May 13 at 2024 9:57 AM

2024-05-13T09:57:18-04:00

Field and Line Soldiers know.