ACU: Army Combat Uniform

The ACU (or Army Combat Uniform) is the latest combat uniform used by the United States Army. It replaces the older BDU (or Battle Dress Uniform).

As well as changing the camouflage pattern, about 20 changes were made to the design of the uniform based on feedback from soldiers.

The ACU uses a digital camouflage pattern called Universal Camouflage Pattern, or UCP. It was adapted from the Marine Corps camouflage pattern MARPAT.

It uses three colours – green (woodland), grey (urban), and a sandy brown (desert) – and has been designed to be used in any environment.

Although not a perfect solution to any one environment, it is considered to be a good all-round solution.

There were three versions of the older uniform – 2 versions of the BDU and the DCU (Desert Combat Uniform). These are all being replaced by the one ACU.

All of the design changes have been made for a reason – they are not cosmetic.

For example, the bottom pockets on the jacket have been moved to the shoulder sleeves so that soldiers have access to them when wearing body armour.

Patches are now attached using Velcro. As well as giving more flexibility, this will also save the soldier money and will increase the life of the patches because they can be removed before laundering.

Other design changes made to the ACU include: