Army Uniforms?

Question

Does anyone know what the Army Uniform is? I plan to re enter into the Army and When I got out 3 years ago it was the regular Black and green camo BDU, But I'm seeing a lot of different uniforms out there now.
Also, will I be issued new unforms if I go back in or do i have to buy my own, I'm not reclassing so I don't have to goto any training units.

What do the new uniforms look like? can a find a pictue of them on the net?

OMG those ACU look horrible. But I'm sure there good for the hot climates, I hated my BDU's in Texas cause they were hot, the dark colors always atracted the sun, and melted the kiwi on y boots, I take it we no longer have to shine boots if they are wearing the desert boots? Or ae they still wearing the black boots?

Answer 1

I had six sets of BDUs and 4 sets of DCUs in the closet when they did the changover to ACUs. Needless to say, I wasn't exactly too thrilled with having every piece of gear I'd acquired to that point becoming obsolete.

The ACUs are now in their second generation; all mine from my initial issue over a year ago went into the bin. They fit looser than the BDUs, just like DCUs fit looser than BDUs, only the cut is different as well; the shirts are shorter, there is more elbow room, there is a drawstring at the waist that aids greatly in retaining the trousers.

The initial issue suffered from bad quality stitching at the seams and inferior velcro that frayed and wore down rapidly. The ACU colors also fade out much more quickly; it took me over a year for my BDUs to become "cook whites". It took less than six months of constant exposure to the sun in the Middle East for my ACUs to become the same way, with an additional difference: faded ACUs become discolored and soiled to the naked eye rapidly with just one day's worth of wear.

The convenience of not having to starch and press them (the ACU is a no-starch uniform) is balanced by careful washing and drying instructions that have to be followed. They really do have to be maintained, especially around the velcro. By the way, you CAN iron them; low heat setting with steam, whisk it rapidly over the uniform, and take care not to press on exposed velcro. You're not supposed to do it, so pretend you didn't read that last line.

As for the boots, they're standard desert boots, either Wellco or Belleville. Same old, same old. The problem with desert suede of course is that you can't waterproof them anywhere near as well as black leather boots. You may have to invest in some Camp-Dry or other sealant, as well as waterproof socks if you're going to a place like, say, Polk or Lewis with a lot of rain.

And you'll love what I've heard referred to as the "ACU kiss": Standing shoulder to shoulder with someone and having your velcro snag. Occasionally you'll lose an entire patch to someone else's uniform. "ACU Games" where people grab your rank and flip it upside down, or swap your name for someone else's on the back of your cap, or make custom nametapes and swap them on your uniform when you're not looking, are commonplace.

I don't know what your MOS is, but if you're going to be coming back in and you were never issued ACUs with your initial issue, you'll get them. When you get to your gaining installation, you'll be amazed at some of the stuff they're doling out at CIF now. Someday it may get to the point where Soldiers are dragging themselves back to Replacement with three duffel bags worth of gear.

If you have any other issues, just shoot me an email. Good luck on coming back in.

Answer 2

You can go to the DOD website and look up AR 670-1 for uniform specs. I left Active Duty in 1999, before the Army wide switch to berets and the new uniforms with the "pixel square" patterns.

And don't be a baby :) ! I used to wear my heavier, inclement ("cold") weather BDU's during the summer I spent at FT Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX because I didn't like the material or look of the temperate ("hot") BDU's.

Incidentally, a touch of liquid floor wax over the polish on the tips of your boots will really make them shine, and protect the finish.

Answer 3

you can still technically wear your BDUs,l unless the post commander or any one of your commanders saids thats a NO-NO, i still rock the BDUs and shined boots, I wear my ACUs on short TDYs cuz you can just pack them in bags without having to worry about the folding taking them to get them starched/pressed. ACUs for change or command or something when they say so. i will stop wearing my bdus when my 1st SGT or a sgt major comes up to me and saids sir you didnt get that ******* memo did you.


i love the two different kinds of belleville i got, they are expensive as heck but there is absolutely NO break in time for them, i bought a pair a week befor a week long FTX and no problems, water/mud do stick to your boots more, making them heavier but they got so many to choose from you can find a more waterproofing one than the lightweight desert one. and the 5.11 series with street sole desert boots are lighter and less like a boot more than anything i have ever worn

Answer 4

ACU's Army Combat Uniform.....and yes you will be issued new uniforms when you re-enlist.....all you have to do is tell them that you dont have them anymore! They have no choice but to issue them to you. I like the ACU's better then BDU they ventilate heat better, and also there are so many pockets!

Answer 5

ACU's. Army Combat Uniform. They suck. I hate the Velcro.

Answer 6

my bf has acu's. the color is called digital camo.

http://www.rangeroutfitters.com/acu.htm