PEO Soldier has now begun to outfit its troops with a sleek new “combat shirt” that is comfortable under body armor and also has flash-resistent properties to stave off the severe burns that can result from roadside bombs.
It looks pretty cool, and I know from interviews with PEO Soldier officials that they put a lot of thought into this new uniform item. I gotta say, one thing that’s been a result of continued combat operations with such an adaptable enemy is the near-constant refining of services’ gear. The Soldier of today looks pretty darn different from the Soldier of Kosovo days — or even from those of the kick off of OIF.
From our story on Military.com…
The flame-resistant ACS is in development for use under body armor. It is designed to replace two layers, the Army Combat Uniform jacket and moisture-wicking T-shirt, thus reducing bulk and heat stress.
“As providers of the world’s best equipment to the world’s best Soldiers, we collect and rely on Soldiers’ input and ideas to constantly improve all of our products,” said Brig. Gen. R. Mark Brown, Program Executive Officer Soldier. “All of our clothing and equipment is battle-proven and live-fire tested. Those labels can’t be earned in a laboratory.”
The ACS features a mock-turtleneck, long sleeves in the universal camouflage pattern, flat seams that reduce bulk and chafing and built-in anti-abrasion elbow pads. The shirt is moisture-wicking, anti-microbial and odor-resistant.
The latest version of the shirt includes upgrades based on Soldier feedback collected since the shirt was first distributed in the spring for limited-user evaluations.
“Even though we developed the Army Combat Shirt to be lighter, more comfortable and breathable, we listened to Soldiers who tested it and said they wanted it to be even more breathable and comfortable,” said Maj. Clay Williamson, assistant product manager for clothing and individual equipment. “The fabric that made up the torso of the ACS was replaced with a fabric that provides breathability that is off the charts.”
However, to retain modesty, the original fabric was maintained in the mid-chest area. Both fabrics have a four-way stretch.
Another change that increased breathability was replacing the elastic cuffs designed to keep out sand with adjustable cuffs similar to ACU jacket cuffs. The cuffs can be loosened for ventilation or tightened to keep out sand and other debris. Changes were also made to the neck band.
Although the ACS was designed to be worn under the Interceptor Body Armor, test participants noted the short breaks between patrols made it impractical to change into the ACU jacket. They wanted changes to the ACS that would identify them and their unit. In response, hook and loop tape was added to the right sleeve to accommodate a name tape, rank and infrared flag. The left sleeve also sports hook and loop tape for a unit patch.
The ACS with the most recent improvements will be available in late September for follow-on user evaluations. The shirt is still a developmental garment, and further fielding will be determined by the Department of the Army.
Oh come on, they need to credit Crye Precision. It seems like a blatant ripoff of the company’s Crye Combat Shirt.
http://www.cryeprecision.com/product1.asp?P=CS1
Available in time for the fall lineup **smirk**
It’s so the flag looks like it’s flying in th wind when walking forward. Basically it looks weird when the flag is the “proper” one on the right side. it looks like it’s flying backward.
Jeff.. Its as simple as what would the flag do if you were charging forward? It would fly like that, not the other way. We don’t want a retreating flag now do we?
JRS…
Yep, that shirt’s made by Crye. Their design and some manufacture for the Army. Good catch.
Jeff…
The reason why troops wear the flag patch with the blue (stars) field forward is because that’s the regulation when you’re deployed. Since OIF, the Pentagon has authorized all troops — whether actually deployed or not — to wear the deployed flag patch in solidarity with those down range.
And notice how nicely the pattern stands out from that woodland background!
I don’t know why the Army Marketing logo needs to be on the shirt but otherwise it looks like a good idea.
“However, to retain modesty, the original fabric was maintained in the mid-chest area.“
Huh? “Modesty”? Whose modesty? Females? Fatties?
Besides, that change defeats the purpose of this garment; otherwise why replace just the chest area with the stretch fabric at all? Why adopt this shirt at all?
“Both fabrics have a four-way stretch.“
The regular ACU fabric is NOT four-way stretch. But the very concept of this shirt requires it to be stretchable. The first vetrsion (like the Crye) featured full torso stretch fabric. Yet more Army stupidity, like the ACU “Universal Cammo” Moon cammo…
Good Morning Folks,
Regardless of color or style it’s refreshing that the military is finally adressing the issue of flame retarding in combat uniforms.
ALLONS,
Byron Skinner
I hate to also be off-topic,but I remember about 2 or more years ago that Kiran Chetry on Fox News was talking to a former solder & Iraq War Vet(he must have been in his twenties) who made a protective face guard that looked like a cross between a motocross face shield & (for lack of a better description) Darth Vader’s face mask to be worn in conjunction with the new helmets our troops are currently wearing. I never could find any more information on this face shield or who this person was. Anybody have any clue what I’m talking about?
What are the stats for it? I know it won’t give an armor class bonus, but will it confer DR vs. heat damage?
Okay besides the shameless advertising on the front, useful to the sniper who has in in sights to know that you are indeed U.S. Army, my beef is the nice big star “target” center chest. Yeah that’s some sweeeeet camo there, baby!! But at least the mock turtleneck should appeal to the ipod generation since his Steveness wears one to every Apple event. Next our boys need an iphone to call in an airstrike or to play some sweet games during the airstrike and of course the Levi’s Steve Jobs wears, too!!
Ok Willie, you must not have read about how it is made for use “underneath the interceptor body armor.” I think this is a great idea. Soldiers today are wearing too much gear out on the battlefield, and all the gear together raises the body temperature several degrees. Cut out the logo in the chest though, because it is just tacky. Soldiers shouldn’t be wearing it around, they should only wear it when they have the IBA on.
Great idea. Make it all camo and get it to the troops, ASAP! The ACU top is just too darn hot anyway. ACU sleeves down and worn under body armor and it’s a major issue. Soldiers need to stay cool. The new gear will reduce heat injuries and improve soldier performance. To the people that make the decisions, make it happen.
Main thing is, it needs to BREATHE. I seriously doubt it will be lightweight AND Fire-flash resistant.Something needs to be done about all the Yahoos running around the AO with Sand colored flight suits on…stupidest idea that has come out of this fiasco of a war uniform wise so far. Remark about the Darth Vader mask…it can be seen worn (primarily) by UH-60 Crewchiefs and door gunners. Its silly, they last about 7 flights and serve no purpose other than making you look “scary”. Another taxpayer funded boondoggle.
I think it looks pretty cool, could do without the designeresque logo in the chest though. A rank insignia would look better and more professional worn on the chest.
OK, it sounds great. Now what was the reason for velcro patches? If the ACU top wont be worn under body armor can we return to sew on patches? Please
Back in the day ‚we already had the ultimate body armor undergarment. It’s called a T-shirt,lightweight,sweatwicking and comfortable under body armor.
I’m glad the Marine Corps doesn’t have to have fashion shows to maintain it’s creditability. Seriously though, why can’t our tax dollars be better spent on better body armor or vehicles that can take a hit from I.E.Ds and etc., but I agree the tshirt is fine. I think I’d rather sweat my ars off in armor or a vehicle that’ll keep me alive. All this extra crap.…whatever.
I wish more would be done for equipment instead of all these fancy looking clothes
I wish more would be done for equipment instead of all these fancy looking clothes
Why in an arena like this people always take shots at other services. Late time i looked all services are in all locations. Remember we’re all fighting together for one cause, The American people. I can care less how we look, Just do your best and get the job done.
My Wife got a few of these just a few days back. They are really nice and under armor they are much nicer than the double layer. They breath well, wick water away, stretch well, and have silver threading in the right places to keep the smell down. All in all this is a great bit of gear.
Ok, It’s an alright idea. As being on an Army ROTC scholarship, to be an officer in 3 years, I do believe the ACU’s need a new pattern. Turns out, the Marine Corps digital pattern is highly effective in the woodland/swamp enviro and they keep their Sand cammo which is perfect. (Our ACU’s our only effective in the (desert)mountainious terrain and places like Baghdad.)
and body armour.
Seems like those PEO guys are worrying about looks and add ons to this ACU. Good idea for when we hit Iraq, but to erase the BDU and jungle warfare (SF) school even though we’re still doing OPS in South America? These pencil heads need to be a little more realistic.
Yes, I do agree that money needs to be spent on better equipment. The new Cougar
And the Army Blues.… That really irritates me.
All in all, Salute!
»>~—-~»
“Oh come on, they need to credit Crye Precision. It seems like a blatant ripoff of the company’s Crye Combat Shirt.“
http://www.cryeprecision.com/product1.asp?P=CS1
I agree! Plus Crye developed a much better universal Camo pattern, called Multi Cam, than ANYONE else. It was tested under Project Scorpion at the same time as the ACU but for some stupid reason the Army liked the ACU better.….…Dumb Asses.….. All in all though I think that if they are going to start making a shirt for us to wear under our armor instead of the full on ACU top.….….…why have the top at all! The shirt can be our new top. It would be more comfortable, more effective in use and practicality and still provide full body camouflage and concealment.
I just took one of these shirts for a test run. their great so far. the turtleneck helps with the neck protecter that i have to ware and the form miting fabricdosent bunch under my gear. id like the sleeves a bit bigger so that i can roll them in the day if I need to. As for the logo I totaly agree it needs to go.
I WANT ONE!!!
If you do a Google Search on Army Combat Shirt, a link pops up where you can find more info: massif.com
Besides Massif.com, anyone know where we could purchase these yet?
The face shield you’re talking about might be the one from DOWN EAST INC.
Does anyone know the regulation on this shirt? I cant find any memo’s or policy letters, or anything relating it to 670–1? I was at one FOB wearing it from my truck to the tent after I got off mission, and they told me that it was not allowed to be worn there on their fob? Umm… why create a shirt to where while deployed for mission under the armor, if you cannot wear it at all on the freakin fob? I’ll keep checking back for updates, thanks!
Quit your crying. That Crye precision shirt is garbage compared to the real deal.
cadets aren’t allowed to post comments on the type of uniform we wear. but i concur, the flippin’ shirt’s nice, but we should switch to multicam. it’s mucho bettero. if he was in multicam in that same picture, he’d be damn near invisible.
This new uniform is nice it is cool and feels good to have on. We just got these I like it very much. Its met to be worn underbody armor I don
John, you’re stupid. Camoflauge is intended to conceal, disrupt and blend. The ACU does not, multicam does. Since color doesn’t matter, how ’bout you take your dumb ass on patrol wearing flourescent orange. And while you’re at it a big sign that reads “Darwinism at its finest”. Your comments disregard any bit of credibilty carried on the topic. Lastly, newsflash smart guy. The UCP pattern on the ACU was only selected to save the Army money and to compete with Marine Corps. recruiting since they already had a digital scheme. The sad thing is that almost 70 percent of soldiers know the ACU pattern is shit and it looks stupid.
Although I disagree with the pattern and quality of ACU’s as do many MULTI CAM fans, I am interested in the ACS as it does provide flame protection and it is cooler. Safety x 2. Does anyone have info on the limits and conditions of wear. How about a AR 670–1 update? FOB Pheonix in Kabul, AFG alledgidly has a no ACS policy as an outer garmet as it is alledged do others. Interesting, it must be a hard call for the leadership to deny comfort and protection.
The flag is worn with the blue/stars facing forword because it symbolizes the flag moving forword as if being carried on a flag pole, when the army is advancing the flag is worn that way..I have the ACS, I like it but as with many of you the grey/sage pattern is useless.…it makes for nice pajammas though.
I really hope the comment about wearing this ACU for identification and not for camoflage because we fight in the open and only urban ops is from some pot smoking burnout and not a Soldier.
Get real guy, have you ever been in a gun fight? Have you ever been to Afghanistan? Do you understand that the ACU was meant to be a combat uniform, one in which to fight with and not for ID purposes like some American Legion vet? Camoflage is not meant to make someone disappear like the Predator, it is meant to help blend into the environment and break up a defined silhouette. The ACU does not accomplish this very well. Not sure what was meant by getting concealment at night, but if you took the time to view the ACU with NVGs, you will notice it glows. Plus, being the light color that it is, the ACU does not do much to blend in during hours of limited visibility. Additionally, velcro on a uniform is a bad idea. It is hard to maintain noise discipline in a patrol base when you have to rip open a velcro pocket (yes, us light infantry guys still use patrol bases in combat).
Bottom Line, the ACU is not conducive to a combat environment. The BDU/DCU uniform was much better suited for combat. There is no such thing as an all terrain camoflage pattern. When my unit deployed to Afghanistan, we went in DCUs and wished we had the BDUs to help blend in with the terrain. Our AO was RC-East, where there was lots of foliage there.
Unfortunately, the ACUs were designed by people with little to no combat experience. I hope this will be a lesson learned on future uniform changes.
I’m a deploied soldier and these things are great combined with the new armor
The new Army Combat Shirts are the dumbest thing ever. Starting with the logo. It looks like something that some joe would get at a recruiter’s office as a thank you for joining The Army. To add more. The sleeves are very tight and keep the heat in and don’t allow your arms to air out. As a conclusion. The collar on the shirt is very anoying and feels as if i had 550 cord tied tightly around my neck. I wish that The Army would have came out with the same asc that The Marines have. They seem to have a solution to all those glitches i described.
I have spent 3 consecutive tours in Iraq.…. The uniform is fitting to everything else the army does. It doesn’t make sense. None of it. 1) its meant to be worn under the armor and breathe better… How come the only parts that breathe are covered by the armor? 2) Whats with the placement of the name tape and rank… if you are wearing your gear then you already have it on your IBA/IOTV. I agree there is no sense in wearing Nomex around the fob if you are not on mission but seriously… on the sleeve? 3) IR Tabs that has velcro that stays open just as long as you have your finger on it, good one guys. 4) Still getting no where with the pattern, I have an idea. How about I put on an assless banana suit and just go walking through sadr city singing hymns. Urban warfare… nothing on us is concealed anymore at all. They see us, they know our policies, they know how to get us and get away and we can’t do anything about it. Just give us a uniform so that when I go take a steamy one off the side of Tampa I don’t stick out like a fag at a bachelor party. We don’t get the luxury of doing anything without breaking some standard and now the Army is making sure we are even more uncomfortable with their upgrades. Thank you, I will take my ETS because I am done with the piddly games
I have one question? is multi cam being used through out the army. I s this being issued?
Only SF, Rangers and infantry soldiers should have input on the specs of a combat uniform. POAGS while wonderful for supporting the mission do not spend the same amount of energy eqipping themselves for solely combat functions. Gunslingers invest time, thought and trainging into the simplest of performance events (mag changes, immediate action, fire commands etc.) The guys who know how to use their kit effectively and understand what its like to sweat your nuts off all day in a uniform that doesn’t breath with a piece of velcro rubbing your neck raw and a blown out crotch seam all the while standing out amidst the mud colored buildings and terrain should be the ones offering recommendations on how to correct the ACU debacle. Bottom line is the ACU is a heaping pile of shit and should be fixed before we worry about a new .50 cal machine gun when the M2 is just fine or invest thousands on goofy XM8s. BTW, HK 416 gasless uppers with a 6.8mm configuration would also be a sound investment in case any of you project warrior dip shits ever surf the web to see how many grunts hate your shit.
First off, its POGS…Personnel Other then Grunts. Secondly to say that only SF, Rangers, and Infantry should have say on combat uniforms specs is damn retarded. As an Artilleryman, I have spent 2 deployments doing combat patrols; dismounted and mounted…so INF LT…get real!! The ACS is a good concept and idea, but unlike all military gear it will need improvement ie: soft skin humvees to M1114s to M1151s to MRAPS and Strikers. But I do agree that the Army wates too much time and money on useless gear and ideas. The ACS is a great idea that needs work and will come around in time. And one more question..if you need noise discipline, why would you have something you need in a velcro pocket?
For all of you who are confused about the wear of the ACS here is MILPERS message regarding the wear of the ACS and the POC for this policy.
From: DAADMINISTRATOR@PTSC.PENTAGON.MIL [mailto:DAADMINISTRATOR@PTSC.PENTAGON.MIL] On Behalf Of PTC WASHINGTON DC//ALARACT//
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 8:45 AM
To: DCS G1 Agency Mail
Subject: ALARACT 207/2008
Importance: Low
UNCLASSIFIED//
PRECEDENCE TO: ROUTINE DTG: 221242Z AUG 08
PRECEDENCE CC: ROUTINE
TYPE: DMS SIGNED/ENCRYPTED
FROM PLA: PTC WASHINGTON DC//ALARACT//
FROM D/N: C:US,O:U.S. Government,OU:DoD,OU:ARMY,OU:Organizations,
L:CONUS,L:WASHINGTON DC,OU:DA PENTAGON
TELECOMMUNICATIONS(uc),OU:ALARACT RELEASE AUTHORITY(UC)
SUBJECT: ALARACT 207/2008
TEXT:
UNCLASSIFIED//
THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN BY THE PENTAGON TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTER ON BEHALF OF DA WASHINGTON DC//DAPE-HRI//
SUBJECT: WEAR POLICY FOR THE ARMY COMBAT SHIRT (ACS)
1. THIS MESSAGE SERVES AS IMPLEMENTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ARMY COMBAT SHIRT.
2. ON 1 APR 08, THE ACS WAS APPROVED FOR FIELDING TO DEPLOYED SOLDIERS IN IRAQI, AFGHANISTAN, AND KUWAIT. CURRENTLY THE ACS HAS THE “ARMY STRONG” LOGO STENCILED ON THE FRONT OF THE SHIRT. IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THE “ARMY STRONG” LOGO WILL BE REMOVED, AS OTHER BRANCHES OF SERVICE WILL ALSO BE PURCHASING THE ACS FOR WEAR WITH BODY ARMOR. THE “TEAM SOLDIER CERTIFIED GEAR” LOGO WILL BE HEAT TRANSFERRED IN TO THE LABEL INSIDE OF THE SHIRT TO DEMONSTRATE AUTHENTICITY ONCE THE “ARMY STRONG” LOGO IS REMOVED.
3. THE ACS IS A UNIFORM ENHANCEMENT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FLAME PROTECTION FOR INDIVIDUAL SOLDIERS, WHILE MAXIMIZING BREATHABILITY, MOISTURE MANAGEMENT AND COMFORT WHEN WORN AS A SYSTEM INCLUDING INTERCEPTOR BODY ARMOR (IBA) AND FIRE RESISTANT UNIFORM TROUSERS SUCH AS THE FIRE RESISTANT ARMY COMBAT UNIFORM (FRACU) OR ARMY AIRCREW COMBAT UNIFORM (A2CU) TROUSERS.
4. THE ACS IS CONSTRUCTED WITH FLAME RESISTANT FABRICS. THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL SLEEVE AND SHOULDER FABRIC PROVIDES GREATER PROTECTION OF EXPOSED AREAS. THE LIGHER MOISTURE MANAGEMENT “TRUNK” PROVIDES FLAME PROTECTION, WHILE MAXIMIZING BREATHABILITY UNDER THE INDIVIDUAL IBA.
5. THE ACS IS DESIGNED TO BE WORN WITH THE IBA AND IS CLASSIFIED AS A COMBAT SHIRT. THE RIGHT SHOULDER SLEVE OF THE ACS IS EQUIPPED WITH HOOK AND LOOP FOR THE WEARING OF THE SOLDIER’S LAST NAMETAPE AND RANK INSIGNIA.
6. THE SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA AND THE INFRARED SUBDUED FLAG WILL BE WORN ON THE LEFT SHOULDER SLEEVE.
7. THE ACS WILL BE WORN TUCKED INTO THE TROUSERS.
8. THE ACS CAN BE WORN AS A STAND ALONE ITEM AND IS DESIGNED TO BE WORN NEXT-TO-SKIN, WITHOUT A T-SHIRT, IN HOT WEATHER. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT PRECLUDE WEAR OF FEMALE UNDERGARMENTS OR T-SHIRTS CURRENTLY APPROVED FOR WEAR.
9. THE ACS CAN BE LAUNDERED NORMALLY AND DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL TREATMENT.
10. THE ACS WILL ONLY BE WORN IN A DEPLOYED OR FIELD ENVIRONMENT.
11. POC FOR UNIFORM POLICY IS SGM K. EASLEY, DSN 225‑5406, COMM
(703) 695‑5406. E-MAIL IS KATRINA.EASLEY@HQDA.ARMY.MIL.
12. THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE DCS, G-1.
13. EXPIRATION DATE CANNOT BE DETERMINED.
===============================================================
heres the deal… i’ve worn it, its not bad but it sure isnt great. the arms dont breath at all, and they are so bulky with the pog padding that you cant bend your arms. the torso is SO strechy that you cant even take the damn thing off. the army strong logo is just super gay. i got this great idea! how bout we just carpet bomb ALL these mofos and get the hell back to living our lives!
oh yeah, everyone who wears one without wearing body armor just looks gay too… its meant to be worn UNDER body armor. its not so you can catch the eye of the fat chick sitting across the chow hall… or fat dude, whatever your prefrence. wear your ACU’s and be thankful you get to sit in an air conditioned office.
I am lookig for a Marpat Digicam Shirt can you help and a Baseball cap to match
Ya, that doesn’t look totally gay — lol. Shoot me now!