Even the Army gets a fashion reboot every once in awhile. But in the case of the new camo rolling out for soldiers, the focus is safety, not style.
Beginning on July 1, soldier uniforms in the Operational Camouflage Pattern will be available for purchase at select military clothing stores, the U.S. Army reported.
New soldiers will receive army combat uniforms in the pattern beginning in January 2016. During the summer of 2016, equipment and uniforms in the pattern will become available to members of the U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. National Guard and Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Enlisted soldiers receive an annual clothing stipend that can be used to buy pieces in the new pattern.
"I myself will wait until I am issued my clothing allowance before purchasing a uniform with the Operational Camouflage Pattern," said Army Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey. "I encourage all soldiers and leaders to do the same by budgeting for a new uniform, belt, boots, and T-shirts as you receive your clothing allowance over the next 2-3 years."
If your spouse is about to be deployed, preparation is key.
The Army reported that the new pattern was selected after the most comprehensive uniform testing the military branch has ever performed.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno told Army Times that the testing revealed that the pattern of the uniform is very important in protecting soldiers in a variety of environments.
Army Times reported that the Operational Camouflage Pattern will replace the Universal Camouflage Pattern, a green and gray pattern that proved to be unpopular. The new uniforms will be similar to the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage that has been worn in Afghanistan over the last five years.