Here at Fort Lewis, at least two of the base’s Stryker brigades played a key role in developing the new uniform, advising engineers at the Army’s Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Mass. The Third Brigade, Second Infantry wore a prototype during its initial deployment to Iraq in 2003.

Sergeant Fisher stood in a parking lot outside the Foxhole, a military surplus store, and provided an impromptu tour of his new uniform.

The most obvious change is its digital-pixel camouflage, a blur of muted tones that many soldiers say seems best suited to desert combat. The old uniform, by contrast, came in bold black, brown, tan and green blotches. In Iraq, many soldiers have worn the older Desert Combat Uniform, a variation on the standard one, but with desert hues. But the new uniform, which will replace both the old one and its desert counterpart, has colors and a camouflage pattern that its designers say is effective in desert, “woodland” and urban combat. Having just one combat uniform saves the Army money.

New expansion pleats allow more freedom in the shoulders. The new collar, which can be worn up or down, does not chafe the neck. Buttons are gone. The material is meant to be tougher, though some soldiers dispute that claim.

An Army News Service article from June 2004 noted that the new uniform, then being tested, would probably cost about $88, some $30 more than the old one. However, the article said, “soldiers will eventually reap gains in money and time by not having to take uniforms to the cleaners or shine boots.”

Though there was no official requirement to have the old uniforms professionally cleaned and pressed, Army culture outside of combat situations has often been to do so. Now it is not only unnecessary, but also impractical.

“The plastic zipper and the Velcro, if we press it, that’s going to melt it,” said Moon Kim, who has been in the dry cleaning business near Fort Lewis since 1984.