SMA Dailey’s Army Combat Uniform Update

Date Published: 31 May 15

Soldiers & Leaders,

Tomorrow an ALARACT message will be distributed which outlines the wear, availability and issue of Army Combat Uniform bearing the Operational Camouflage Pattern. You have until October 1, 2019 to begin wearing the uniform. I’ve attached a pocket guide and other clarifying diagrams to help you understand your responsibilities. There are four things I want to highlight for you:

1.) The Operational Camouflage Pattern will be available for purchase in Military Clothing Sales Stores beginning in the summer of 2015.

Stores will receive the uniforms over a period of six months from July to November 2015, and new Soldiers will receive Operational Camouflage Pattern ACUs beginning in January 2016.

2.) Enlisted Soldiers should begin acquiring an inventory of ACU’s with the Operational Camouflage Pattern as they receive their annual clothing allowance.

All active duty enlisted Soldiers receive an annual stipend for the purchase of uniforms and accessories. I myself will wait until I am issued my clothing allowance before purchasing a uniform with the Operational Camouflage Pattern. I encourage you to do the same by budgeting for a new uniform, belt, boots, and t-shirts as you receive your clothing allowance over the next 2-3 years. The cost of the uniform in the Operational Camouflage Pattern will be similar to the cost of the uniform in the Universal Camouflage Pattern.

Uniforms and equipment in the Operational Camouflage Pattern will be available for U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps in Summer 2016.

3.) Soldiers are authorized to mix and match t-shirts, belts, and boots with either the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern or the Operational Camouflage Pattern during the transition period – expected to run through 1 October 2019.

To further ease the change, Soldiers who already have Flame Resistant ACUs in the Operational Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern will be authorized to wear them during the transition. ACUs in the Universal Camouflage Pattern will be authorized for wear until 2019 as well.

During this transition period, several uniforms and variations will be authorized in our formations. Presenting a professional appearance is very important to us as Soldiers, but we will not inconvenience or burden you during this calculated transition period. We will still be the most lethal fighting force the world has even known even if our belts or t-shirts don’t match for the next few years.

4.) In addition to the camouflage pattern change, the Operational Camouflage Pattern ACUs will incorporate minor design changes.

These improvements were a result of Soldier feedback. Changes include redesigned shoulder sleeve pockets with a zipper opening, no trouser drawstring, a button on the lower calf pocket, two pen pockets on the sleeve instead of three, and the elimination of the elbow and knee patch hook and loop (see attached Summary of Changes).

Pocket Guide: Operational Camouflage Pattern – POCKET GUIDE or copy and paste this link into your web browser https://ako.us.army.mil/suite/doc/44835743

– Daniel A. Dailey

15th Sergeant Major of the Army