To little fanfare, Army Chief Of Staff GEN Mark Milley authorized the Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform as an optional purchase item, last October. According to ALARACT 027/219, beginning 1 June, Soldiers may purchase it from Clothing Sales Stores and wear it in lieu of the OCP Army Combat Uniform. Alternatively, some units may issue the IHWCU as Organization Clothing (TA-50). An alternate size variant will be available by October. Soldiers may sew name US Army tapes on their uniform as well as special skill badges.

Overall, the uniform is lighter weight and more breathable than the ACU. It also appears slightly different due its pocket layout.

Coat, Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform



IHWCU worn by CPT Daniel Ferenczy, APM for Extreme Weather Clothing and Footwear, PM-SPIE, PEO Soldier

Features:

-single-breasted

-raglan sleeve front with a five (5) button closure

-fold down collar with a fusible interlining

-long sleeves with cuffs and one (1) button, three (3) buttonholes adjustable cuff tab

-The top of the button down closure is open to accommodate a pen

-front has loop tape to accommodate the Name and US Army Tape

-front placket has a loop tape for the Rank Patch

-coat has two (2) bellow style top opening upper sleeve pockets and includes an eyelet drain-hole

-sleeves have an elbow reinforcement patch

-Both sleeves have an Identification Friend or Foe tab cover that can be opened and closed using hook and loop fastener

-IFF tab cover is centered and sewn onto the sleeve above the upper sleeve pocket

-double turned and cleaned finished hem

Trousers, Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform



(Rear of the IHWCU Trouser, showing the cargo and lower leg pocket layout.)

Features:

-covered fly with a four (4) button/ buttonhole closure, or three (3) button/buttonhole closure, depending on size

-seven (7) belt loops

-two (2) side hanging pockets

-two (2) front side pleated cargo pockets with three (3) button/ two (2) buttonhole closure flaps

-high end of cargo pockets at front of pocket rather than rear like ACU

-two (2) lower leg side pockets with one (1) button/ one (1) buttonhole closure flaps

-side cargo pockets shall have three (3) sewn-in eyelets hidden by the bellows

-double needle seat patch and a pleated knee reinforcement incorporated into the pant leg at the knee

-one (1) piece single gusset

-two (2) front side hanging pockets

-mesh fabric attached on the inside of the trousers at the bottom of the legs as inner cuffs

-bottom of the trousers leg hems, the inner cuffs, and the waistband shall have drawstrings