The U.S. Army’s new camouflage pattern uniforms hit stores Wednesday.
The Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform is available in select military clothing stores. In a statement released last month, the Army said that the new clothing is the result of the most comprehensive uniform camouflage testing effort it has ever undertaken.
Stores will receive the uniforms from July to November. New soldiers will receive Operational Camouflage Pattern Army Combat Uniforms, or ACUs, beginning in January 2016.
In addition to the camouflage change, the new uniforms also incorporate minor design changes. These 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.
Uniforms and equipment in the new camouflage pattern will be available for Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps during summer 2016, according to the Army.
During a transition period, which is expected to run through Oct.1 2019, 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. Soldiers who already have Flame Resistant combat uniforms in the Operational Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern will also be authorized to wear them during the transition.
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