New camo for the 'Stan: Too little too late?

[CommunityEditor]

Secretary of the Army John McHugh has approved a new camouflage pattern for Army troops in Afghanistan.

The Army is changing the pattern under pressure from Congress, which heard complaints from dozens of soldiers who felt the existing UCP pattern is ineffective in the Afghan environments.

They dumped digital for a reason. But, is this too little too late? What's your reaction to the move?

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/02/army_camo_plug_021910w/

[INGUARD]

Of course, new multi-cam issues will be limited. Only ground units will get them. Multicam was tossed because it was costly compared to the ACUs. Issue them now not in the summer.

I recently saw UCP-Delta. Either the Army should go with Mulitcam as its all purpose uniform or utilize UCP-Delta as it's garrison uniform and multicam for its deployed.

Its shouldnt be about money. It should be about saving lives. That is why they emphasize concealment during training. ACUs dont provide concealment.

[MCGYVER]

Honestly folks, when we have weapons that double the range and accuracy of our enemies is concealment REALLY an issue. Jeeze! This makes as much sense as those that cried about how much noise the velcro made on the DCU and ACU. Just ridiculous! So many armchair quarterbacks that don't even know anyone who's ever (or will ever) close with an enemy combatant making stupid comments about such a non-issue is hilarious.

[INGUARD]

There are still snipers out there. And many open areas. I stuck out like a sore thumb in Iraq and even though we had better firepower, an AK47 or enemy weapon could have easily taken me out. Is concealment really a driving issue? No, I agree but at least provide an uniform that provides that (since the Marines and other military' have that) since we are the ground force that walks the bush.

[MCGYVER]

A sniper isn't going to miss you based on your camo, I don't care how many movies try and show otherwise. As soon as you move or dismount and do your 5 & 25 you will be quite easily I.D.'d by both the sniper and the guy holding the command wire detonator.

[JStatus330]

Wow, so 4/10, who I'm with, will be the first to get Multicam.

[INGUARD]

A sniper isn't going to miss you based on your camo, I don't care how many movies try and show otherwise. As soon as you move or dismount and do your 5 & 25 you will be quite easily I.D.'d by both the sniper and the guy holding the command wire detonator.

I dont go by movies since I was in combat. I am just saying dont give them any more help.

ok lets all go get some british redcoat uniforms based on your assessment. I guess we all should get rid of "camouflage" uniforms I guess.

all my comrades who I fought with in Iraq and here in Afghanistan says the ACU is a POS.

We need a different pattern period.

[MCGYVER]

I'm not saying that we don't need a new (better) pattern, I just don't think it's as important (comparatively) as many, many other issues we face right now. That's all I'm saying. I concur that the ACU is not great, it is far better than the BDU though, LOL. I'm a big advocate of ROI and bang for our buck.

[cobra6]

Honestly folks, when we have weapons that double the range and accuracy of our enemies is concealment REALLY an issue. Jeeze! This makes as much sense as those that cried about how much noise the velcro made on the DCU and ACU. Just ridiculous! So many armchair quarterbacks that don't even know anyone who's ever (or will ever) close with an enemy combatant making stupid comments about such a non-issue is hilarious.

M4 Carbine Max Effective Range 600M

AK 47 Max Effective range 550M

hardly double....

[MCGYVER]

M4 Carbine Max Effective Range 600M

AK 47 Max Effective range 550M

hardly double....

I'm sorry, I thought we were talking about sniper rifles. Even if we compare standard weapons you have to consider that every squad would be carrying at least a couple M240B's. This is not even considering the mounted .50 cal.'s that would likely be accompanying the troops. My mistake for not clarifying. LOL

[Nickymaz]

While I'm an Air Force guy I think the multicam is a superior pattern and even if it gives our guys a 1% advantage over the bad guys then its worth it! I mean if camoflage doesn't matter than my don't we go back to wearing Revolutionary War uniforms, long wool coats and tri-corner hats!

[cobra6]

I'm sorry, I thought we were talking about sniper rifles. Even if we compare standard weapons you have to consider that every squad would be carrying at least a couple M240B's. This is not even considering the mounted .50 cal.'s that would likely be accompanying the troops. My mistake for not clarifying. LOL

LOL, No worries...just kinda scratched my head a little..:)

[INGUARD]

oh well. again, its not going to affect the current ACU in garrison wear.