US Army ACU (Army Combat Uniform) Name Tapes, Branch Tapes, Rank Insignia
(In association with MilitaryClothing.com)

ACU Uniform Package Deal

When you order 1 package you will receive:

• 1 ACU Jacket - 50/50 NyCo Ripstop
• 1 ACU Pants - 50/50 NyCo Ripstop
• 3 Sand Colored T-Shirts for the ACU (Your Choice Of 100% Cotton OR Moisture Wicking 100% Polyester)
• 1 ACU Patrol Cap With Loop Fastener to attach Velcro ® nametapes
• 3 ACU Nametapes With Velcro ® or equivalent hook fastener
• 2 U.S. ARMY ACU Branch Tapes With Velcro ® or equivalent hook fastener
• 2 ACU Rank Insignias With Velcro ® or equivalent hook fastener
• 1 ACU Rank Insignia For Patrolcap (Sew On Style)

Army Combat Uniform Trousers

• Authentic Govt Specifications FQ/PD 04-05A with NIR Technology
• Drawstring Waist with Button Fly
• Bellowed Lower Pocket with Hook & Loop closure on Both Legs
• Easy Access Slanted Cargo Pockets with Elastic Drawstring for Secure Closure
• Internal Knee Pocket for Knee Pad Inserts
• Drawstring Leg Ties
• Permanent Press, Wrinkle Resistant CL-8

Army Combat Uniform Shirt/Jacket

• Authentic Govt Specifications FQ/PD 04-04A with NIR Technology
• Hook & Loop Faced Shoulder Pockets for Unit Patches and Skill Tabs
• Zippered and Hook & Loop Front Closure for a Smooth Uniform Appearance
• Slanted Pockets with Hook & Loop Closure for Easy Access While Wearning Vest.
• Hook & Loop Fastener for Name Tags
• Permanent Press, Wrinkle Resistant CL-8
• Mandarin Collar Can Be Worn Up or Down. Collar Can be Worn Up to Protect Neck and Keep Out Debris.
• NOTE: No Glint Tape per DOD Request

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ARMY UNIFORM ITEMS

ARMY COMBAT UNIFORM NEWS

U.S. Army Transitions New Combat Uniform
By Jason L. Austin / USAREUR Public Affairs

With a new camouflage pattern and features designed for field and deployment use – including a wash-and-wear fabric that precludes the need for starch – the ACU seems destined to be a soldier-pleaser.

U.S. Army, Europe leaders say while the uniform is phasing in, some mixing of certain uniform articles is not only authorized, but encouraged.

"If you go back to the early 80's, we transitioned between permanent-press fatigue uniforms and BDUs (battle dress uniforms). We had a mix of uniforms within our formations for a couple of years and we're about to experience that again," said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Gravens, command sergeant major, U.S. Army, Europe and 7th Army.

Beginning this summer, soldiers deploying to Global War on Terror theaters of operation will receive the new uniform. New soldiers will receive the ACU as part of their initial issue beginning in fiscal year 2006; all soldiers are required to possess two ACU uniforms by May 2007.

Military Clothing and Sales stores will begin selling the new uniforms in April of 2006.

The Battle Dress and Desert Battle Dress Uniform wear-out dates have not been set.

During the ACU phase-in, soldiers may mix certain uniform items normally worn with the ACU, BDU or DBDU.

Specifically the Army combat boots, hot weather and temperate weather (Tan) which will be standard issue with the ACU can be worn with the BDU and DBDUs.

Gravens said that provision is by intention.

"It was a conscious decision after some thought and discussion," Gravens said, "to allow the mixing of ensemble items as we transition between BDU/DCU and ACU uniforms. For example, if a soldier needs to buy a new pair of boots right now, why should we require him or her to buy the traditional black boot, when within the coming months the tan boot will be the norm?"

Other items which can be worn interchangeably are the rigger belt, the tan, moisture wicking T-shirt and the new green socks.

Gravens said the ACU will bring other changes, as well.

"We will wear only subdued pin-on (combat, skill, and identification) badges, as authorized by the commander, in a garrison environment," Gravens said. "The intent being badges in the field are not necessary and we will not have our soldiers spending money on sewing, with the exception of optional sewing of rank on the ACU patrol cap, sun hat, and Kevlar camouflage cover."

"Secondly, I would like to point out that we will no longer wear sleeves rolled up with the ACU uniform. I don't believe too many soldiers are aware of that yet," he said.

Gravens said ultimately, the ACU is an improved uniform, designed, in part, to lessen the burden on soldiers and improve the war-fighting capabilities of the soldier.

"I believe that our soldiers will greatly prefer the ACU uniform over BDUs or DCUs," Gravens said. "Not only will they find it a more comfortable and practical uniform, but they will also save a great deal of money and time on a monthly basis, by no longer starching uniforms or sewing nametapes, badges and patches. I look forward to seeing the soldiers of USAREUR in ACUs and I am confident they will like this uniform."

1. Mandarin collar that can be worn up or down
2. Rank insignia centered on the front of the blouse
3. Velcro for wearing unit patch, skill tabs and recognition devices
4. Zippered front closure
5. Elbow pouch for internal elbow pad inserts
6. Knee pouch for internal knee pad inserts
7. Draw string leg cuff
8. Tilted chest pockets with Velcro closure
9. Three-slot pen pocket on bottom of sleeve
10. Velcro sleeve cuff closure
11. Shoulder pockets with Velcro
12. Forward tilted cargo pockets
13. Integrated blouse bellows for increased upper body mobility
14. Integrated Friend or Foe Identification Square on both left and right shoulder pocket flap
15. Bellowed calf storage pocket on left and right leg
16. Moisture-wicking desert tan t-shirt
17. Patrol Cap with double thick bill and internal pocket
18. Improved hot-weather desert boot or temperate-weather desert boot
19. Two-inch, black nylon web belt
20. Moisture-wicking socks