What color watch cap is worn with Army OCPs? Can the UCP (old ACU pattern) parka be worn with OCPs until the OCP parka is available?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 20:12:10 -0500

I've searched for relevant regs and other guidance, but everything I've found regarding cold-weather gear is outdated (pre-transition).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2019 8:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 20:34:46 -0500

ALARACT 085/2015

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2019 9:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 21:31:26 -0500

The black watch cap is worn with the Operational Camouflage Pattern. To my recollection, OCIE in the Universal Camouflage Pattern is authorized until such time as CIF replaces it with OCP https://www.army.mil/article/159254/soldiers_can_mix_camo_patterns_for_cold_weather_gear

DA PAM 670-1 25MAY2017
4-10. Headgear
c. Fleece cap. Commanders may authorize wear of the foliage green or black fleece cap with the combat uniform in field environments when the Army combat helmet is not worn, on work details, or in other environments where wearing the patrol cap is impractical. Personnel wear the fleece cap pulled down snugly on the head. In order to wear the cap properly, the bottom edge (all) of the cap may be folded, but not rolled. Installation commanders will determine tempera- ture, wind chill, and extended duty time warranting wear of the cap in nonfield, nondeployed environments. The wear-out date of the foliage green micro fleece cap is 30 September 2017. The mandatory possession date for the black fleece cap is 1 October 2017 (see para 18-12).

18–12. Fleece Cap
a. Type. The fleece cap is a clothing bag issue item.
b. Description. The fleece cap is a single ply, bell shape, pull on style cap, of plain, solid foliage green or black fleece/micro fiber material. The wear-out date of the foliage green fleece cap is 30 September 2017. The mandatory pos- session date for the black fleece cap is 1 October 2017.
c. How worn. Personnel wear the fleece cap pulled down snugly on the head with the bottom edge covering the ears, but not covering the eyebrows. The bottom edge (all) of the cap may be folded, but not rolled. The fleece cap is worn with the physical fitness uniform or the combat uniform, as prescribed by the commander.

Soldiers can mix camo patterns for cold-weather gear

As winter weather approaches and temperatures drop, Soldiers turn to their cold-weather gear to keep warm outdoors while conducting training or operations.