U.S. Army Selects New Pattern
MSG Benjamin Owen wearingthe OCP (Scorpion W2) ACU
The original Scorpion pattern was developed by Crye Precision as part of the Objective Force Warrior program more than a decade ago. The Scorpion W2 variant was modified from the initial pattern by Army Natick Labs. Similar in design to MultiCam, the chosen pattern is scheduled to be used in the field by the summer of 2015.
After a four-year intensive camouflage research and testing process, this selection couldn't have been more anticipated. For more than a decade, the Army has relied on the widely unpopular UCP as the official standard-issue pattern.
"The Army has confirmed through testing that the (Scorpion W2) pattern would offer exceptional concealment, which directly enhances force protection and survivability for Soldiers," the an anonymous Army senior spokesperson said.
Speculation about the selection began back in May when Military.com broke the news that Sgt. Major of the Army Raymond Chandler III had been briefing senior sergeants major on the selection. On July 23, 2014 Gen. Dennis L. Via, the head of Army Material Command, unofficially confirmed the Army has adopted the W2 variant of the Scorpion camouflage.
Operational Camouflage Pattern
The Army has decided to call the new pattern Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), a name sure to spark confusion considering up to this announcement, MultiCam was known as the OCP."The Army is naming the pattern the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) to emphasize that the pattern's use extends beyond Afghanistan to all Combatant Commands," says an anonymous senior spokesperson for the Army in a statement regarding the new pattern on the Army's website.
"The Army is naming the pattern the Operational Camouflage Pattern
(OCP) to emphasize that the pattern's use extends beyond Afghanistan to
all Combatant Commands." - Senior Army Spokesperson, U.S. Army
What We Know
OCP (Scorpion W2) ACU was first available for soldiers to purchase on
the July 1, 2015. The new ACU will be worn in garrison, training and
home station. AAFES saw huge sales that day, selling 62,000 units of new
items including boots, socks, T-shirts, coats and trousers.
ACU coats and pants in OCP are currently selling for around $96, which is $12 more than the old uniforms at $84. Other uniform components, such as boots, shirts, socks and caps did not see a significant price change.
"We've got to have the best system possible to make sure our Soldiers are protected as they deploy around the world," said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno in a virtual town meeting on January 6, 2015. "The ACU doesn't do very well in camouflaging us and protecting us in multiple environments, and the MultiCam that we use in Afghanistan does a much better job. For me, it's about protecting our Soldiers."
U.S Army soldier wearing OCP trains Iraqi Army Soldiers, March, 24, 2015.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn.
It will be mandatory for other active duty Soldiers to purchase uniforms with their annual clothing allowance. By the beginning of the fiscal year 2016, new accessions will have the OCP ACU in their clothing bags.
On October 3, the 75th Ranger Regiment debuted the new OCP ACU during its 30th anniversary ceremony. This makes it the first unit to wear the new uniform. These uniforms were procured with private funds by unit leaders and not with government funds.
According to MIL-DTL-44436B, the specifications used by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for industry guidance, there are seven colors that make up the official OCP pattern; cream 524, tan 535, pale green 526, olive 527, dark green 528, brown 529 and dark brown 530.
The cloth will be dyed to a base shade of cream 524 and the remaining six colors will be overprinted by rollers or screens. Previously OCP has been referred to as Class 9 & 10 in previous versions of the MIL-DTL-44436B, but the new OCP is being called OCP Class 14.Currently, OCP is being printed on only nylon / cotton fabric.
When asked whether the new OCP ACU will be available for commercial use, Army Spokesperson William Layer said, "This issue is still under internal Army discussion."
So far, there have been no plans outlined to make OCP ACUs available commercially. It's possible that OCP won't be available for commercial sale, unlike previous Army camouflage patterns.
ACU coats and pants in OCP are currently selling for around $96, which is $12 more than the old uniforms at $84. Other uniform components, such as boots, shirts, socks and caps did not see a significant price change.
"We've got to have the best system possible to make sure our Soldiers are protected as they deploy around the world," said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno in a virtual town meeting on January 6, 2015. "The ACU doesn't do very well in camouflaging us and protecting us in multiple environments, and the MultiCam that we use in Afghanistan does a much better job. For me, it's about protecting our Soldiers."
U.S Army soldier wearing OCP trains Iraqi Army Soldiers, March, 24, 2015.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cody Quinn.
It will be mandatory for other active duty Soldiers to purchase uniforms with their annual clothing allowance. By the beginning of the fiscal year 2016, new accessions will have the OCP ACU in their clothing bags.
On October 3, the 75th Ranger Regiment debuted the new OCP ACU during its 30th anniversary ceremony. This makes it the first unit to wear the new uniform. These uniforms were procured with private funds by unit leaders and not with government funds.
According to MIL-DTL-44436B, the specifications used by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for industry guidance, there are seven colors that make up the official OCP pattern; cream 524, tan 535, pale green 526, olive 527, dark green 528, brown 529 and dark brown 530.
The cloth will be dyed to a base shade of cream 524 and the remaining six colors will be overprinted by rollers or screens. Previously OCP has been referred to as Class 9 & 10 in previous versions of the MIL-DTL-44436B, but the new OCP is being called OCP Class 14.Currently, OCP is being printed on only nylon / cotton fabric.
When asked whether the new OCP ACU will be available for commercial use, Army Spokesperson William Layer said, "This issue is still under internal Army discussion."
So far, there have been no plans outlined to make OCP ACUs available commercially. It's possible that OCP won't be available for commercial sale, unlike previous Army camouflage patterns.
Release Date
OCP (Scorpion W2) Acus first hit military clothing stores on July 1,
2015. Female versions of the new uniform won't be available until
September 2015. By summer 2016, OCP ACUs and equipment will be available
for U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and Senior Reserve
Officer Training Corps. The Army expects the transition period to the
new uniform to extend until October 1, 2019. During this time Soldiers
are authorized to mix and match t-shirts, belts and boots.
"I have asked noncommissioned officers to ensure their Soldiers understand that during this transition period, several uniforms and variations will be authorized in our formations," Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey said. "Presenting a professional appearance is very important to Soldiers. But, we will not inconvenience or burden our troops. We will still be the most lethal fighting force the world has ever known even if our belts don't match for the next few years."
"If you're deploying to Afghanistan or Iraq and some other places, you're [going to be] issued that uniform as you're getting ready to deploy," Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno during a virtual town hall with troops at Fort Hood, Texas on April 2, 2015.
Some troops are already wearing the new uniforms. Photos were taken in March 2015 of Soldiers wearing OCP while training Iraqi troops at Camp Taji, Iraq. Troops in Europe participating in the Operation Atlantic Resolve will also be issued OCP.
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) converted its contracts for the ACU from UCP to OCP beginning in November 2014. In conjunction, the DLA converted "bag items" including hot weather, temperate weather and hot weather FR issue boots to coyote brown.
The first deliveries were due to the DLA by May 1, 2015. On July 1, AAFES MCS will begin to sell OCP ACUs. Authorized coyote brown boots will be allowed for wear only with the OCP ACU. Desert tan boots can be worn with both the UCP ACU and OCP ACU but have a wear-out date of October 1, 2018.
The implementation of these new uniforms have been organized into four tiers, with tier one being the most important priority.
Tier One: Everything that goes into the clothing bag (coats, pants, boots, gloves etc.) Expected to be available in military clothing stores by July 2015
Tier Two: All combat clothing items purchased through Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI). Examples include helmets, clothing items and hydration systems. Expected availability unknown.
Tier Three and Four: Less essential items like sleeping bags. Expected availability unknown.
"I have asked noncommissioned officers to ensure their Soldiers understand that during this transition period, several uniforms and variations will be authorized in our formations," Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey said. "Presenting a professional appearance is very important to Soldiers. But, we will not inconvenience or burden our troops. We will still be the most lethal fighting force the world has ever known even if our belts don't match for the next few years."
"If you're deploying to Afghanistan or Iraq and some other places, you're [going to be] issued that uniform as you're getting ready to deploy," Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno during a virtual town hall with troops at Fort Hood, Texas on April 2, 2015.
Some troops are already wearing the new uniforms. Photos were taken in March 2015 of Soldiers wearing OCP while training Iraqi troops at Camp Taji, Iraq. Troops in Europe participating in the Operation Atlantic Resolve will also be issued OCP.
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) converted its contracts for the ACU from UCP to OCP beginning in November 2014. In conjunction, the DLA converted "bag items" including hot weather, temperate weather and hot weather FR issue boots to coyote brown.
The first deliveries were due to the DLA by May 1, 2015. On July 1, AAFES MCS will begin to sell OCP ACUs. Authorized coyote brown boots will be allowed for wear only with the OCP ACU. Desert tan boots can be worn with both the UCP ACU and OCP ACU but have a wear-out date of October 1, 2018.
The implementation of these new uniforms have been organized into four tiers, with tier one being the most important priority.
Tier One: Everything that goes into the clothing bag (coats, pants, boots, gloves etc.) Expected to be available in military clothing stores by July 2015
Tier Two: All combat clothing items purchased through Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI). Examples include helmets, clothing items and hydration systems. Expected availability unknown.
Tier Three and Four: Less essential items like sleeping bags. Expected availability unknown.
Wear-out Dates
With OCP ACUs already being worn
overseas, everyone's anxious to get an actual transition timeline. On
June 2, the Army released the dates:
- UCP ACU wear-out date: September 30, 2019
- OCP ACU mandatory possession date: October 1, 2019
- OEF-CP wear-out date: September 30, 2019
The New Army Combat Uniform
A new camouflage pattern isn't the only uniform update the Army is making. Many aspects of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) are changing as well. From new pockets to the removal of hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures, the ACU is getting a complete makeover.
"I'm very excited about the replacement for the ACU," SMA Chandler said in a virtual town meeting on January 9, 2015. "It's a much better uniform. It provides much better protection for you. We put a lot of thought into the design. I think you'll find it's a much better quality uniform than what you have today."
From new pockets to the removal of hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures, the ACU is getting a complete makeover. These changes were implemented with the release of the new OCP uniforms.
"The Army is making several design changes to the ACU in response to soldier inputs to make their uniform better and more functional," said Army Spokesperson William Layer.
1. The upper-sleeve pocket will feature a zipper closure instead of a
Velcro closure for easier access. These new pockets will look similar
to those found on combat shirts.
2. The upper-sleeve pocket will also now be at least 1 inch longer. Feedback on post-combat surveys showed that soldiers require roomier pockets and more room for patches.
3. The new ACUs will no longer offer internal elbow pads and Velcro elbow patches. Both those characteristics were found useless in the field and deemed a waste of money. However, one feature that will stay the same is the doubled fabric for extra reinforcement on the elbow area.
4. Say goodbye to the cord-and-barrel lock on the cargo pocket. It will no longer exist on the new ACUs.
5. ACUs will no longer feature knee pads or patches. There will still be reinforced fabric in the knee area.
6. The lower-leg pocket has previously used a Velcro closure. From now on, it will feature a one-button closure instead.
7. The mandarin collar is no more. Instead, you'll see a traditional fold-down design.
8. Only two pen pockets instead of the usual three.
9. After complaint that the drawstrings on the uniform pants' waistband looks unprofessional, it was proposed they be removed from new ACU pants.
11. It was under discussion that lower-leg pockets will be removed completely.
Soldiers will get new boots to accompany the OCP ACU as well. Darker coyote brown boots will replace desert tan boots as the official standard-issue. Major military boot suppliers have already started directing the production of new boots that will comply. It's also expected that gloves will be in this same colorway. Not only will the darker colorway provide better concealment in a wide variety of environments, but it will also hide dirt and wear better than the current desert tan boots.
T-shirts will be also be slightly darker in a tan 499 color. As for all binding components of the uniform, such as loop and hook, thread, zippers, etc., these will also be in tan 499. This color is currently used for MultiCam uniforms.
The Army also updated the Army combat shirt. The new version, known as Type II, boasts more camouflage coverage on the sides and chest. Currently it's still made in OEF-CP. No word on when the Type II combat shirt will transition to OCP.
"I'm very excited about the replacement for the ACU," SMA Chandler said in a virtual town meeting on January 9, 2015. "It's a much better uniform. It provides much better protection for you. We put a lot of thought into the design. I think you'll find it's a much better quality uniform than what you have today."
From new pockets to the removal of hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures, the ACU is getting a complete makeover. These changes were implemented with the release of the new OCP uniforms.
"The Army is making several design changes to the ACU in response to soldier inputs to make their uniform better and more functional," said Army Spokesperson William Layer.
Changes Approved by Army Uniform Board
2. The upper-sleeve pocket will also now be at least 1 inch longer. Feedback on post-combat surveys showed that soldiers require roomier pockets and more room for patches.
3. The new ACUs will no longer offer internal elbow pads and Velcro elbow patches. Both those characteristics were found useless in the field and deemed a waste of money. However, one feature that will stay the same is the doubled fabric for extra reinforcement on the elbow area.
4. Say goodbye to the cord-and-barrel lock on the cargo pocket. It will no longer exist on the new ACUs.
5. ACUs will no longer feature knee pads or patches. There will still be reinforced fabric in the knee area.
6. The lower-leg pocket has previously used a Velcro closure. From now on, it will feature a one-button closure instead.
7. The mandarin collar is no more. Instead, you'll see a traditional fold-down design.
8. Only two pen pockets instead of the usual three.
9. After complaint that the drawstrings on the uniform pants' waistband looks unprofessional, it was proposed they be removed from new ACU pants.
Changes That Didn't Make the Cut
10. The Infrared (IR) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) tag will be still be on the right sleeve but would have been removed from the left sleeve.11. It was under discussion that lower-leg pockets will be removed completely.
Soldiers will get new boots to accompany the OCP ACU as well. Darker coyote brown boots will replace desert tan boots as the official standard-issue. Major military boot suppliers have already started directing the production of new boots that will comply. It's also expected that gloves will be in this same colorway. Not only will the darker colorway provide better concealment in a wide variety of environments, but it will also hide dirt and wear better than the current desert tan boots.
T-shirts will be also be slightly darker in a tan 499 color. As for all binding components of the uniform, such as loop and hook, thread, zippers, etc., these will also be in tan 499. This color is currently used for MultiCam uniforms.
The Army also updated the Army combat shirt. The new version, known as Type II, boasts more camouflage coverage on the sides and chest. Currently it's still made in OEF-CP. No word on when the Type II combat shirt will transition to OCP.
OCP Name Clarified
When Army officials announced that a new camouflage pattern had been
selected and it was to be called Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP),
many were left baffled. The confusion stems from the fact that until
this announcement, MultiCam was known as OCP.
In 2009, Congress ruled that the Department of Defense take immediate action to address Soldiers' concealment concerns regarding UCP. As a result, MultiCam was adopted as the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage pattern, also referred to as OEF-OCP or just simply OCP. This was later shortened to Operational Camouflage Pattern, also referred to by the acronym OCP.
However, from now on the Army's new camouflage selection, Scorpion W2, is the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). Is your head spinning yet? In simple terms, MultiCam used to be the OCP, but now it's not. Scorpion W2 officially claims the title. In an attempt to avoid confusion, the Army has gone back to referring to MultiCam as OEF-CP.
In 2009, Congress ruled that the Department of Defense take immediate action to address Soldiers' concealment concerns regarding UCP. As a result, MultiCam was adopted as the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage pattern, also referred to as OEF-OCP or just simply OCP. This was later shortened to Operational Camouflage Pattern, also referred to by the acronym OCP.
However, from now on the Army's new camouflage selection, Scorpion W2, is the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). Is your head spinning yet? In simple terms, MultiCam used to be the OCP, but now it's not. Scorpion W2 officially claims the title. In an attempt to avoid confusion, the Army has gone back to referring to MultiCam as OEF-CP.
Government Vs. Crye
MultiCam consistently tests better than other camouflage patterns on
the market and has been a favorite of military professionals for years
now. So why not select MultiCam as the official Army pattern? All signs
point to financial reasons. In a statement to Military.com,
Caleb Crye, owner of Crye Precision, says he believes the Army was
hesitant to pay the "printing fees" associated with the pattern. Crye
also says that Army officials tried to buy the rights to MultiCam but
rejected Crye's figure of $25 million.
Allegedly, Crye Precision took the position that it owns the patent to OCP (Scorpion W2); the pattern was originally developed by the company in 2002 as part of the Army initiative known as Objective Force Warrior. The original Scorpion patent issued in 2004 indicates that the patent was issued to Caleb Crye.
However, in a statement to Soldier Systems Daily, William Layer of the Army Office of the Chief of Public Affairs claims, "The Army possesses appropriate rights to use the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) on its uniforms and equipment."
On July 7, 2015, The U.S. Patent and Trade Office issued a Utility patent for OCP entitled "Camouflage for Garment Assembly" to the Secretary of the Army representing the United States of America.
This right only extends to the Army, not to the privately owned mills that print the Army's uniforms. When MultiCam was recommissioned for use by the Army in 2010, 11 printers were granted limited-use licenses from Crye to print the pattern. While the stipulations of these licenses are confidential, it's suspected that these contracts require that the printer does not print patterns that are visually similar to MultiCam. If this is the case, it would legally bind printers from printing the almost identical OCP. There is speculation that printing mills might be paying a royalty fee to Crye for printing OCP under government-awarded contracts in order to appease the company and avoid any legal trouble.
If this is true, these under-the-table royalty fees would only offer a solution regarding fabric printed under a government contract for official field wear. If the government were to issue a commercial license for OCP, it's possible this solution would not stand, and Crye could potentially take legal action. While a small royalty fee could appease Crye financially regarding fabric under contract, they would stand to lose a lot more if OCP were to become available commercially.
If the pattern were commercially available, it would become a major competitor to Crye's popular MultiCam pattern. Because the two patterns are so similar, it doesn't seem likely that both patterns would be successful on the commercial market. MultiCam is already easily recognizable and well-received in the market place. It makes sense to assume the brand wouldn't want any competition for the pattern.
Despite that amendment, evidence suggests the Army never possessed the rights to use or alter the pattern. Soldier Systems posted the original proposal from Crye to Natick, the military research complex responsible for research and development of combat effectiveness, for work on the Scorpion project as a part of the Objective Force Warrior Program. In the proposal, Crye mentions multiple projects (including camouflage technologies) the brand had already been working on. While the language allows those technologies to be used as a part of the program, Crye makes it very clear that it would still possess full ownership of the aforementioned technologies.
Image viaSoldier Systems Daily
When contacted, Crye Precision refused to comment regarding the Scorpion pattern.
Allegedly, Crye Precision took the position that it owns the patent to OCP (Scorpion W2); the pattern was originally developed by the company in 2002 as part of the Army initiative known as Objective Force Warrior. The original Scorpion patent issued in 2004 indicates that the patent was issued to Caleb Crye.
However, in a statement to Soldier Systems Daily, William Layer of the Army Office of the Chief of Public Affairs claims, "The Army possesses appropriate rights to use the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) on its uniforms and equipment."
On July 7, 2015, The U.S. Patent and Trade Office issued a Utility patent for OCP entitled "Camouflage for Garment Assembly" to the Secretary of the Army representing the United States of America.
This right only extends to the Army, not to the privately owned mills that print the Army's uniforms. When MultiCam was recommissioned for use by the Army in 2010, 11 printers were granted limited-use licenses from Crye to print the pattern. While the stipulations of these licenses are confidential, it's suspected that these contracts require that the printer does not print patterns that are visually similar to MultiCam. If this is the case, it would legally bind printers from printing the almost identical OCP. There is speculation that printing mills might be paying a royalty fee to Crye for printing OCP under government-awarded contracts in order to appease the company and avoid any legal trouble.
If this is true, these under-the-table royalty fees would only offer a solution regarding fabric printed under a government contract for official field wear. If the government were to issue a commercial license for OCP, it's possible this solution would not stand, and Crye could potentially take legal action. While a small royalty fee could appease Crye financially regarding fabric under contract, they would stand to lose a lot more if OCP were to become available commercially.
If the pattern were commercially available, it would become a major competitor to Crye's popular MultiCam pattern. Because the two patterns are so similar, it doesn't seem likely that both patterns would be successful on the commercial market. MultiCam is already easily recognizable and well-received in the market place. It makes sense to assume the brand wouldn't want any competition for the pattern.
Despite that amendment, evidence suggests the Army never possessed the rights to use or alter the pattern. Soldier Systems posted the original proposal from Crye to Natick, the military research complex responsible for research and development of combat effectiveness, for work on the Scorpion project as a part of the Objective Force Warrior Program. In the proposal, Crye mentions multiple projects (including camouflage technologies) the brand had already been working on. While the language allows those technologies to be used as a part of the program, Crye makes it very clear that it would still possess full ownership of the aforementioned technologies.
Image viaSoldier Systems DailyCommercial Availability
A commercial availability date for OCP (Scorpion W2) ACU is currently
unknown. The government filed for a patent application in late 2014 and
was granted a utility patent on July 7, 2015. Despite this, there's
still no word on whether commercial licenses will be granted. ACU
manufacturers such as Atlanco and Propper could have their hands tied
with respect to a commercially available OCP ACU until licensing issues
are resolved.
Other Branches to Adopt Scorpion W2?
By 2018, congressional language demands all military services should
be wearing the same uniforms. The National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal 2014 called for an end to service-specific camouflage patterns.
The decision was sparked by congressional committee members' concerns
that patterns weren't chosen with concealment in mind, but instead from a
branding perspective.
The Army was set to declare a camouflage pattern in 2013, but held off after this development. The recent selection of a new OCP indicates the pattern will most likely be adopted by other services as well.
In 2011, the Air Force replaced the airman battle uniform (ABU) with the OEF OCP (MultiCam) ABU for airmen deployed in Afghanistan. Those currently wearing OEF OCP will now be wearing OCP.
The Air Force Strike Command (AFGSC) security forces will also be gearing up in OCP—first the OEF OCP then OCP when it's available—at three AFGSC bases: Minot AFB, North Dakota; Malmstrom AFB, Montana; and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. Additionally, those in the 620th Ground Combat Training Squadron at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, will soon be wearing OCP.
The AFGSC is responsible for conducting strategic nuclear deterrence. Until now its security forces have been outfitted in the digital Tiger Stripe ABU. The Air Force cites concealment issues as the reason for the switch-over.
"If you get in a firefight in the field and you're laying down fire, who are you going to see first? Obviously that guy [in ABUs,]" said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Daigneault, senior enlisted manager for the Force Improvement Program at AFGSC to Soldier Systems Daily. "The difference is almost night and day. Your eyes skim right over the guy in [MultiCam] OCP and zone in on the guy in ABUs. He just doesn't fit in in that [missile field] environment."
In February 2015, security forces Airmen began to gear up MultiCam uniforms and cold-weather gear. The uniforms, which have never been worn by missile field defenders before, got a positive reception.
"I think the new uniforms are really cool," said Airman Dean Fedrizzi, 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron Security Support Team to the AFGSC, "I wasn't excited at first, but now that I see them, I'm really psyched to get them."
While AFGSC Airmen are currently being outfitted in MultiCam, they also plan to update to OCP. After OCP hits military clothing stores in May, it will eventually update to OCP along with the Army. As for boots, the Air Force has made no move to transition from sage to coyote brown.
"We intend to transition with the OCP (Scorpion W2) as it becomes available. However, we will not conduct a full re-issue; we will replace items through attrition," said AFGSC spokesperson 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard.
Does the AFGSC adoption of OCP indicate a complete adoption of the the pattern by the Air Force? Not exactly. This announcement will not affect uniforms worn in home station or the current ABU design. Most airmen will still be wearing the service-specific digital Tiger Stripe pattern.
"There is no plan to change that currently," said Air Force spokesperson Rose Richeson to Military.com
Former Air Force Chief Master Sergeant James Roy sporting the MultiCam uniform. Image via Air Force Times.
The Army was set to declare a camouflage pattern in 2013, but held off after this development. The recent selection of a new OCP indicates the pattern will most likely be adopted by other services as well.
Air Force Adopting OCP
Air Force spokesperson Maj. Matt Hasson revealed to Air Force Times on June 3 that deployed airmen will be outfitted in the same new camouflage pattern that the Army selects. Now that OCP (Scorpion W2) has been selected, you'll be seeing certain airmen in it by next year.In 2011, the Air Force replaced the airman battle uniform (ABU) with the OEF OCP (MultiCam) ABU for airmen deployed in Afghanistan. Those currently wearing OEF OCP will now be wearing OCP.
The Air Force Strike Command (AFGSC) security forces will also be gearing up in OCP—first the OEF OCP then OCP when it's available—at three AFGSC bases: Minot AFB, North Dakota; Malmstrom AFB, Montana; and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. Additionally, those in the 620th Ground Combat Training Squadron at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, will soon be wearing OCP.
The AFGSC is responsible for conducting strategic nuclear deterrence. Until now its security forces have been outfitted in the digital Tiger Stripe ABU. The Air Force cites concealment issues as the reason for the switch-over.
"If you get in a firefight in the field and you're laying down fire, who are you going to see first? Obviously that guy [in ABUs,]" said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Daigneault, senior enlisted manager for the Force Improvement Program at AFGSC to Soldier Systems Daily. "The difference is almost night and day. Your eyes skim right over the guy in [MultiCam] OCP and zone in on the guy in ABUs. He just doesn't fit in in that [missile field] environment."
In February 2015, security forces Airmen began to gear up MultiCam uniforms and cold-weather gear. The uniforms, which have never been worn by missile field defenders before, got a positive reception.
"I think the new uniforms are really cool," said Airman Dean Fedrizzi, 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron Security Support Team to the AFGSC, "I wasn't excited at first, but now that I see them, I'm really psyched to get them."
While AFGSC Airmen are currently being outfitted in MultiCam, they also plan to update to OCP. After OCP hits military clothing stores in May, it will eventually update to OCP along with the Army. As for boots, the Air Force has made no move to transition from sage to coyote brown.
"We intend to transition with the OCP (Scorpion W2) as it becomes available. However, we will not conduct a full re-issue; we will replace items through attrition," said AFGSC spokesperson 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard.
Does the AFGSC adoption of OCP indicate a complete adoption of the the pattern by the Air Force? Not exactly. This announcement will not affect uniforms worn in home station or the current ABU design. Most airmen will still be wearing the service-specific digital Tiger Stripe pattern.
"There is no plan to change that currently," said Air Force spokesperson Rose Richeson to Military.com
Former Air Force Chief Master Sergeant James Roy sporting the MultiCam uniform. Image via Air Force Times.
OCP Swatches
Strikingly similar to MultiCam, OCP (Scorpion W2) is made of beige,
brown and green components but lacks the vertical elements found in
MultiCam. Currently, there are only a few images of Scorpion OCP
available to the public.
However, there are multiple images of the original Scorpion pattern developed as a part of the Objective Force Warrior program. How does Scorpion compare to current ACU patterns UCP and MultiCam? Take a look.
Universal
Scorpion
MultiCam
At a glance, MultiCam and Scorpion almost look
like the same pattern. That's because both MultiCam and Scorpion OCP
were developed from this original Scorpion pattern. So what sets the two
apart? If you look closely, you'll notice MultiCam features additional
beige and brown slugs as well as vertical elements meant to resemble
grass and branches. In addition, MultiCam is a somewhat darker and
sharper version of Scorpion.
Scorpion
Multicam (vertical elements circled)
However, there are multiple images of the original Scorpion pattern developed as a part of the Objective Force Warrior program. How does Scorpion compare to current ACU patterns UCP and MultiCam? Take a look.
Universal
Scorpion
MultiCam
Scorpion
Multicam (vertical elements circled)
Scorpion History
Made up of green, brown and tan elements, Scorpion looks very similar to MultiCam. Why? Because it is. Crye created Scorpion under a military contract, potentially forfeiting all intellectual rights to the pattern. In order to capitalize on the hard work put into developing Scorpion, Crye made small adjustments to the pattern for trademark purposes to create MultiCam.
"Whatever we do, we're going to do in a
fiscally responsible manner," says Col. Robert F. Mortlock, project
manager for Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment, Program
Executive Office Soldier - U.S. Army Website
The variant chosen as the new OCP is known as
Scorpion W2. Like MultiCam, it was developed and modified in 2009 from
the original Scorpion pattern. The pattern still needs to be updated
with IR technologies before it can be used for combat uniforms. "Whatever we do, we're going to do in a fiscally responsible manner," says Col. Robert F. Mortlock, project manager for Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment, Program Executive Office Soldier
Camouflage Field Testing
In 2002, the Army began the Universal Camouflage
Trials in order to choose a pattern for the new Army Combat Uniform. In
2004, it selected Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) as the official
standard-issue pattern.
Soldiers wearing UCP.
Only a few years after selecting UCP, the Army began looking for a new design. In 2009, congress responded to soldier's concealment concerns by passing a bill requiring that the Department of Defense "take immediate action to provide combat uniforms to personnel deployed to Afghanistan with a camouflage pattern that is suited to the environment of Afghanistan."
The army began a four-phase research and testing process to find a new pattern. In the meantime, MultiCam was recommissioned, replacing UCP for troops deploying to the War in Afghanistan. The Army's extensive camouflage testing includes photo simulation and actual field tests designed to determine effectiveness.
Uniform field testing at Fort Bliss Training Center on Sept. 21, 2012. Image via Stars and Stripes
In 2012, the Army entered the final phase
of camouflage testing by awarding contracts to five vendors: Atlantic
Diving Supply Inc.; Brookwood Companies Inc.; Crye Precision LLC;
Kryptek Inc.; and the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development and
Engineering Center.
"To really have confidence in being able to make a recommendation to senior leaders, we need to do field trials," says Col. William Cole, of Program Executive Office Soldier in a statement on the U.S. Army website. "We are looking forward to getting out into the woods, into the deserts, into the transitional areas and having real Soldiers wear these uniforms and have real Soldiers observe them."
Instead of looking for just one pattern to appease all situations as was the case with UCP, this time the Army is looking for a family of patterns. The three basic patterns will be a desert/arid environment pattern; a transitional/semi-arid pattern; and a woodlands pattern. It's rumored that the transitional pattern would be the standard uniform worn in garrison and that the present plan is to issue the OCIE (rucksacks, MOLLE gear, etc.) in this same transitional pattern. However, the Army has not confirmed this.
Currently, the Army is testing in order to settle on the "bookend" patterns to round out the family of camouflage the branch envisioned. Pictures indicate OCP (Scorpion W2), M81 Woodland and MARPAT Woodland are being tested at Fort Polk. It's also suspected that TA-50 is being tested.
Images Via Soldier Systems
This testing appears to be geared toward
selecting a Woodland variant. A desert-variant bookend test allegedly
featuring OCP, 3-color desert and MARPAT desert camouflage is also in
progress, although there is no information available on it.
Something notable about these images is that sand T-shirts are worn along with olive mojave USMC-issued boots. This indicates that the coyote brown boots the Army has selected to accompany the new OCP ACUs will look similar.
There are no images of the M81 Woodland or OCP uniforms being tested, but Soldier Systems managed to secure an example of green PALS webbing paired with OCP MOLLE. There is no information on what this might mean for the new uniforms.
Soldiers wearing UCP.
"To really have confidence in being able to
make a recommendation to senior leaders, we need to do field trials,"
says Col. William Cole, of Program Executive Office Soldier. "We are
looking forward to getting out into the woods, into the deserts, into
the transitional areas and having real Soldiers wear these uniforms and
have real Soldiers observe them." - U.S. Army Website
The decision has been widely unpopular with
Soldiers who claim the pattern yields poor results in most environments.
The Army allegedly spent $5 billion on the controversial pattern. However, in a statement to Gizmodo,
an anonymous Army official claimed that the amount is closer to several
million dollars. The $5 billion statistic refers to uniforms purchased
and worn, not to camouflage development. Only a few years after selecting UCP, the Army began looking for a new design. In 2009, congress responded to soldier's concealment concerns by passing a bill requiring that the Department of Defense "take immediate action to provide combat uniforms to personnel deployed to Afghanistan with a camouflage pattern that is suited to the environment of Afghanistan."
The army began a four-phase research and testing process to find a new pattern. In the meantime, MultiCam was recommissioned, replacing UCP for troops deploying to the War in Afghanistan. The Army's extensive camouflage testing includes photo simulation and actual field tests designed to determine effectiveness.
Uniform field testing at Fort Bliss Training Center on Sept. 21, 2012. Image via Stars and Stripes
"To really have confidence in being able to make a recommendation to senior leaders, we need to do field trials," says Col. William Cole, of Program Executive Office Soldier in a statement on the U.S. Army website. "We are looking forward to getting out into the woods, into the deserts, into the transitional areas and having real Soldiers wear these uniforms and have real Soldiers observe them."
Instead of looking for just one pattern to appease all situations as was the case with UCP, this time the Army is looking for a family of patterns. The three basic patterns will be a desert/arid environment pattern; a transitional/semi-arid pattern; and a woodlands pattern. It's rumored that the transitional pattern would be the standard uniform worn in garrison and that the present plan is to issue the OCIE (rucksacks, MOLLE gear, etc.) in this same transitional pattern. However, the Army has not confirmed this.
Currently, the Army is testing in order to settle on the "bookend" patterns to round out the family of camouflage the branch envisioned. Pictures indicate OCP (Scorpion W2), M81 Woodland and MARPAT Woodland are being tested at Fort Polk. It's also suspected that TA-50 is being tested.
Images Via Soldier Systems
Something notable about these images is that sand T-shirts are worn along with olive mojave USMC-issued boots. This indicates that the coyote brown boots the Army has selected to accompany the new OCP ACUs will look similar.
There are no images of the M81 Woodland or OCP uniforms being tested, but Soldier Systems managed to secure an example of green PALS webbing paired with OCP MOLLE. There is no information on what this might mean for the new uniforms.
Timeline
2019
October
Wear-out date for UCP ACUs, OEF-CP ACUs and desert tan boots
Wear-out date for UCP ACUs, OEF-CP ACUs and desert tan boots
2016
January
OCP (Scorpion W2) will be clothing bag issue for new accessions
OCP (Scorpion W2) will be clothing bag issue for new accessions
2015
November
Flame-retardant OCP (Scorpion W2) available for deploying units
Flame-retardant OCP (Scorpion W2) available for deploying units
2015
August
Coyote Brown Boots available for sale
Coyote Brown Boots available for sale
2015
July
OCP (Scorpion W2) ACU available for sale at AAFEX Clothing Sales
OCP (Scorpion W2) ACU available for sale at AAFEX Clothing Sales
2015
March
U.S Army Soldiers wearing OCP (Scorpion W2) in Iraq
U.S Army Soldiers wearing OCP (Scorpion W2) in Iraq
2014
September
Air Force Global Strike Command adopts OCP
Air Force Global Strike Command adopts OCP
2014
July
Army confirms OCP (Scorpion W2) selection
Army confirms OCP (Scorpion W2) selection
2014
May
Military.com leaks Scorpion selection
Military.com leaks Scorpion selection
2012
Army awarded contracts to five vendors to provide fabric for camouflage testing
2011
MultiCam ACU in field-use
2010
MultiCam recommissioned by the U.S. Army
2009
Phase I of the four-phase U.S. Army next-generation
camouflage procurement plan begins
camouflage procurement plan begins
2007
ACU in Universal Camouflage pattern in field-use
2005-2006
MultiCam rates higher in official Army test against UCP
2004
Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in the Universal Camouflage pattern
unveiled as BDU replacement for the Army
unveiled as BDU replacement for the Army
2002-2004
U.S. Army Universal Camouflage Trials
2002
Scorpion developed for Objective Force Warrior Project.
MultiCam created shortly after.
MultiCam created shortly after.
1999
Objective Force Warrior Project launched
1980
Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and Woodland Camouflage pattern adopted
as standard-issue by U.S. Armed Forces
as standard-issue by U.S. Armed Forces
Objective Force Warrior
Scorpion was developed under an Army contract as a
part of its Objective Force Warrior program, later renamed Future Force
Warrior. It was formed October 12, 1999, as a part of the Army's
initiative to create an innovative, lightweight combat system.
The program was one of many soldier modernization projects started in the '90s. The intention was to take the most current technologies and conceptualize how to apply them in a way that would benefit Soldiers. Nanotechnology, powered exoskeletons and magnetorheological fluid (a fluid that greatly increases viscosity when subjected to a magnetic field) were all technologies the military believed could dramatically increase the effectiveness of Army forces.
Crye Precision, along with other firms, was tasked with redesigning clothing and armor to eliminate many of the issues that plagued Soldiers. Those included, but were not limited to, uniforms shrinking when washed; boot soles cracking after a few months use; and standard-issue shirts collecting sweat and not drying quickly.
Under this contract, Crye developed clothing and equipment prototypes unlike anything seen before. Crye's combat apparel was light, comfortable and easy to shed in an emergency. Four major military clothing and equipment innovations came from Crye's involvement with this project.
The program was one of many soldier modernization projects started in the '90s. The intention was to take the most current technologies and conceptualize how to apply them in a way that would benefit Soldiers. Nanotechnology, powered exoskeletons and magnetorheological fluid (a fluid that greatly increases viscosity when subjected to a magnetic field) were all technologies the military believed could dramatically increase the effectiveness of Army forces.
Crye Precision, along with other firms, was tasked with redesigning clothing and armor to eliminate many of the issues that plagued Soldiers. Those included, but were not limited to, uniforms shrinking when washed; boot soles cracking after a few months use; and standard-issue shirts collecting sweat and not drying quickly.
Under this contract, Crye developed clothing and equipment prototypes unlike anything seen before. Crye's combat apparel was light, comfortable and easy to shed in an emergency. Four major military clothing and equipment innovations came from Crye's involvement with this project.
Combat shirts
This lightweight combat staple didn't exist until the Objective Force Warrior program. A moisture-wicking torso keeps Soldiers cool underneath armor while providing protection and concealment with camouflaged, reinforced duty sleeves.
Crye Armor Chassis
Crye Precision developed this advanced take on body armor. Specialized, ergonomically engineered armor plates offer increased mobility to the wearer. The style still influences key players in armor design.Close-fitting Modular Combat Helmets
Troops consistently complained that ill-fitting, bulky helmets caused head and neck pain. Objective Force Warrior set out to solve this. Although the helmets produced in this program lack the state-of-the-art design we see today, they paved the way for current high-tech styles that feature a close-to-the-head contour. Crye Precision's AirFrame combat helmet is a perfect example of a product developed from the foundation Objective Force Warrior provided.Scorpion / MultiCam pattern
Crye precision developed the Scorpion pattern under this contract. Afterwards, Crye Precision tweaked the Scorpion for commercial-use, creating the massively successful MultiCam pattern. As well as achieving great results in camouflage testing, MultiCam was chosen for use in Afghanistan as the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage pattern (OEF OCP).
About Crye Precision
Crye Precision, originally Crye Associates,
started in 2000 as a small design firm based out of New York. The
company achieved notoriety when it won a contract to participate in the
Objective Force Warrior project (later referred to as Future Force
Warrior.) Its task was to design innovative apparel, equipment and
systems in order to overhaul the way combat Soldiers gear up.
Crye Precision created Scorpion under the
Objective Force Warrior contract and afterwards tweaked the pattern to
develop MultiCam, a commercially available pattern that consistently
achieves good results in government camouflage testing. The company now
makes a wide range of commercially available military apparel, armor and
equipment.
Iowa National Guard wearing MultiCam (left) and UCP (right)
Iowa National Guard wearing MultiCam (left) and UCP (right)
Key Players
If a commercial licenses are granted for OCP, who
will be responsible for manufacturing the new garments? We've got the
lowdown on the current key players in the uniform industry.
Currently, Propper doesn't have a prime contract with the Army for its combat uniform although the company does participate as a sub-contractor for nonsewing activities on an ACU contract. However, the demand for uniforms that a new pattern would create might give the brand a chance at one. A spokesperson for Propper says it's possible the company will be awarded a contract for the new ACU.
The brand says it has no plans to go after a military contract for ACUs. However, if the OCP ACUs are given the green light to be sold commercially, Tru-Spec will certainly be manufacturing them for the commercial market.
"We don't have any official plan on Scorpion W2 as it has yet to gain final approval," an Atlanco source said in May. Once the conversion is approved, the brand will craft a 'go-forward' plan.
Propper
Propper was established in 1967 by William T. Propper, an entrepreneur with a passion for manufacturing processes. Since then, Propper has manufactured more than 130 million uniforms for the U.S. Department of Defense, including garments for the Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Special Forces and the Army.Currently, Propper doesn't have a prime contract with the Army for its combat uniform although the company does participate as a sub-contractor for nonsewing activities on an ACU contract. However, the demand for uniforms that a new pattern would create might give the brand a chance at one. A spokesperson for Propper says it's possible the company will be awarded a contract for the new ACU.
Atlanco
Atlanco has been supplying the military with uniforms for more than 50 years. The company was founded by the Zaglin family in 1950 as a small military surplus. Still under the Zaglin family leadership, the company continues to be leading military supplier. In addition, Atlanco is behind Tru-Spec and 24-7 Series, sub-brands that provide commercial gear to military and tactical professionals.The brand says it has no plans to go after a military contract for ACUs. However, if the OCP ACUs are given the green light to be sold commercially, Tru-Spec will certainly be manufacturing them for the commercial market.
"We don't have any official plan on Scorpion W2 as it has yet to gain final approval," an Atlanco source said in May. Once the conversion is approved, the brand will craft a 'go-forward' plan.
Additional Resources:
- http://www.army.mil/article/130999/Army_statement_on_the_Operational_Camouflage_Uniform/
- http://www.stripes.com/news/reports-army-selects-new-camouflage-uniform-pattern-1.285675
- http://prepperchimp.com/2014/08/06/new-army-scorpion-camo-and-changes-to-acu-uniform-coming-in-2015/
- http://www.army.mil/article/131259/Soldiers_to_get_new_camo_uniform_beginning_next_summer/
- http://soldiersystems.net/2014/05/23/us-army-selects-scorpion-camouflage-pattern/
- http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/05/23/army-selects-new-camouflage-pattern.html
- http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140523/NEWS04/305230076/Army-selects-new-camo-pattern
- http://boingboing.net/2014/05/27/us-army-selects-new-camouflage.html
- http://www.hyperstealth.com/scorpion/
- http://soldiersystems.net/2014/05/23/little-scorpion-camo-history/
- http://www.armytimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014305230076
- http://kitup.military.com/2014/05/army-taps-scorpion-replace-ucp.html
- http://www.army.mil/article/71921/Army_one_step_closer_to_replacement_of_ACU_pattern/
- http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/may/23/us-army-falls-love-scorpion-Soldiers-getting-new-c/
- http://www.funker530.com/army-decides-on-new-camo-pattern/
- http://soldiersystems.net/blog1/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/MultiCam-summary.pdf
- http://www.13wmaz.com/story/news/local/robins-air-force-base/2014/06/04/airmen-to-wear-army-camo-pattern/9949163/
- http://www.airforcetimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014306030068
- http://m.military.com/daily-news/2014/07/17/armys-new-camo-pattern-will-mirror-multicam.html?comp=7000023317828&rank=1
- http://soldiersystems.net/2014/06/30/latest-info-us-army-transition-scorpion-camouflage-including-accessory-colors-schedules/
- http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/07/23/army-on-track-to-deliver-new-camo-pattern-by-2015.html
- http://gizmodo.com/the-strange-sad-story-of-the-armys-new-billion-dollar-1616285708
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