HEIDELBERG, Germany, July 25, 2005 – The Army is adapting its uniform standards to meet the needs of soldiers transitioning to the new Army Combat Uniform (ACU).

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, ina 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."