University Army ROTC members have gotten a digitalized update to their camouflage uniforms – complete with Velcro pockets and wrinkle-free fabric. The Army introduced the combat uniforms to deployed troops in 2005 and anticipates the entire Army outfitted by the end of this year. The most noticeable difference to the uniforms is a pixilated pattern of camouflage that blends green, tan and gray, according to The Army News Service. Black will no longer be used in the camouflage pattern because it is not commonly found in nature. Junior and senior Army ROTC Cadets were issued the new uniforms in the fall, said Major Champy, University ROTC instructor. “Now that they are being made in large numbers, we were able to outfit the cadets,” Champy said. “We’re trying to get [the cadets] used to them, it’s the image the army is trying to portray.” Junior Cadet David Hernandez said the uniforms have many advantages but a “very short self life” of about six months. Twenty changes were made to the battle dress uniforms based on information gathered from field testing soldiers.
The new uniform includes a jacket, trousers, moisture-wicking shirt, black beret and brown combat boots. Cadets also wear a matching patrol hat. The Army said the changes allow for easier care. Soldiers no longer need to press uniforms, sew on patches or polish boots. Jacket pockets have been repositioned and tilted for easier access. “The pockets being angled the way they are on the chest makes it easier to dig down inside,” Hernadez said. The new uniforms are 100 percent polyester, and the jacket and pockets fasten with Velcro instead of plastic buttons. “Living as Cadets, we can just throw our clothes in the dryer,” Hernadez said. The black leather boots have been replaced with tan desert boots. Other changes include internal pouches for elbow and knee pads, a mandarin collar that can be worn up or down and moisture-wicking socks. This is the first major change to Army battle dress uniforms since they were introduced in the early 1980s, according the Army News Service.
—–Contact Angela Hillard at ahillard@lsureveille.com