US Army Universal Camouflage Pattern Dropped

Image copyright US Marines

The US Army will no longer use Universal Camouflage Pattern-based uniform, it's been announced. Much-heralded on its arrival in 2004, UCP hasn't been too effective in the majority of combat settings, so a replacement pattern is now expected to be introduced in coming months.

It is understood that the Universal Camouflage Pattern cost a staggering $5bn to develop but, ultimately, its pixelated green and grey shades don't offer the level of protection they should.

Consequently, US warfighters deployed in Afghanistan have recently been provided with another type of uniform - MultiCam. Introduced in February 2010, Crye Precision's MultiCam was found to be 21 per cent better at concealing than UCP after a series of intense trials. The remainder of troops, however, continue to wear the Universal Camouflage Pattern.

"Essentially, the Army designed a universal uniform that universally failed in every environment" an unnamed US Army representative told The Daily, adding: "The only time I have ever seen it work well was in a gravel pit."

Universal Camouflage Pattern

UCP's roots lie in the MARPAT camouflage the US Army co-developed with the US Marines in the early 2000s. The Universal Camouflage Pattern development programme really gained momentum after the start of the Iraqi and Afghan conflicts and work on it took place at the Natick, Massachusetts-based US Army Soldier Systems Center. However, according to a center representative, political agendas then took over.

Almost a decade later, the camouflage design is being withdrawn because it simply doesn't work against a multitude of backgrounds. "You've got to look back and say what a huge waste of money that was", Lawrence Holsworth, a camouflage expert, commented, adding: "UCP was such a fiasco."

US Army UCP

"I wouldn't characterize it as a 'fiasco", US Army Soldier Systems Center representative David Acetta stated in comments quoted by AOL Defense. "The UCP did have fairly good results in a number of different environments. It's not the best for all, but it is effective to a different degree in all different climates, environments, day and night light levels."

Armed Forces International will report further on the US Army's new choice of camouflage in future News coverage.

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GEN III ECWCS

The multi-layered insulating system of the Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (GEN III ECWCS) allows the wearer to adapt to varying mission requirements and environmental conditions. Materials offer a greater range of breathability and environmental protection, providing greater versatility in meeting Soldiers’ needs.

GEN III ECWCS utilizes an innovative design that reduces bulk, taking up 33 percent less space, and weighing 25 percent less than its predecessor systems. Each piece of GEN III ECWCS functions either alone or in concert with other components as a system, thus providing more options for the Soldier and enabling seamless integration with load-bearing equipment and body armor configurations. The Gen III ECWCS design allows moisture to escape and at the same time has water-resistant properties.

GEN III ECWCS is a 12-piece kit that enables the wearer to utilize seven different layers, depending on the mission and environment. The system functions through insulation, which resists the transmission of heat, traps air, and wicks moisture away from the body; layering, which increases air space and allows easy adjustment to a Soldier’s activity level; and ventilation, which allows moisture to escape. By mixing and matching Gen III ECWCS components, wearers can protect themselves from temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 60 degrees.

 

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Afghan Special Forces in Ghostex Camouflage

Two months ago HyperStealth Biotechnology Corp. publicly released the Ghostex Kilo-1 camouflage pattern to be utilized by the Afghan Border Police. For a little background, the Ghostex™ Advanced Camouflage System was developed for operators to hand pick a pattern that meets the need of their specific AO. In conjunction with ADS, Inc., Hyperstealth developed these different camouflage patterns with a major focus on US Special Forces and Black Ops.

Given HyperStealth's close ties through ADS, Inc. with Afghan Forces and the wide spread acceptance of their camouflage patterns with the ANA, ANCOP, and ABP, it comes as no surprise to us to come across this video giving an overview of Afghan Special Forces and seeing that they are wearing a Ghostex camouflage pattern.

We are yet unsure if this is the same Kilo-1 adopted by the ABP though, as there are countless possible variants, but it is very comparable with what appears to be a MultiCam colorway and the main pattern. You can skip to minute 1:39 for one of the clearest shots of the pattern and color palette. 

We had previously seen the APU wearing MultiCam uniforms, so their acceptance for this transitional camouflage utilized by many ISAF/NATO forces in OEF is apparent. However they clearly wanted something different in terms of pattern to differentiate from the US, UK, and Australian forces that are utilizing some variant of the Crye Precision design. Clearly it appears Afghan Special Forces are modifying their uniform concealment to fit in with their foreign operating allies, whereas in the past U.S. forces have been known to go old school woodland for the sake of matching.

These are very exciting times for the camouflage design industry so we will be looking forward to see how the different players shake things up by spreading their innovation across the globes fighting forces.

Afghanistan's own Special Forces unit have been demonstrating their skills on a camp just outside Kabul. Engaged in special training under US supervision, these soldiers have been conducting many successful operations on their own.

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Revision BATLSKIN

MONTREAL, CANADA – Revision Military, the recognized global leader in ballistic and laser eye protection, launches into the head protection arena with the introduction of its new Batlskin Head Protection System. The first fully integrated and fully modular solution of its kind, the Batlskin Head Protection System combines groundbreaking technology and design, with new materials and innovative processes to deliver an all-new ballistic helmet shell, trauma liner, front mount, retention system, mandible guard and visor. The result is a single, fully integrated system that provides excellent protection from blunt force, blast and ballistic threats, with a lightweight wearability for peak performance.

“The product of several years of research and development work, we’re proud to introduce the Batlskin system at a critical time. The unfortunate reality is that wartime head and face injuries are at an all-time high,” explains Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. “The Batlskin Head Protection System not only makes radical leaps forward in helmet and liner technology; its integrated visor and mandible guard could also greatly reduce the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in blast situations. At the same time, the modular and scalable nature of this system provides soldiers with the unique ability to quickly armor-up and -down as the threat environment dictates.”

About the Batlskin Head Protection System Modular Components: 

The Batlskin Lightweight Helmet uses advanced shell technology to achieve weight reduction while increasing ballistic performance. Its rigid construction is engineered to withstand blunt force, blast and ballistic threats.

• Hybridized layers of materials bonded through innovative manufacturing processes provide the next generation of combat helmet shells
• Enhanced ballistic performance, at minimum 20% lighter than current shells for long-wear comfort

The Batlskin Impact Liner uses dual foam technology for superior fit, comfort and impact absorption. Its multi-level design allows for cooling and stability while shim pads afford a custom fit.

• Exceeds EN 397, Canadian CG634 and U.S. ACH impact standards
• Lightweight, sweat-wicking materials offer superior comfort and wearability

The Batlskin Ergonomic Retention System employs one-handed adjustment buckles for ease of use and straight-line-force design for stability—even with night vision equipment.

• Integrates with Batlskin head protection system ensuring no interference with communications equipment or when sighting a weapon
• Comfortable nape pad and cabretta leather-lined chin strap allow for superior wearability

The Patented Batlskin Multi-Purpose Front Mount allows for the rapid attachment of protection enhancing devices such as the Batlskin visor and mandible guard. Ingeniously, it also doubles as a universal NVG mount with a lightweight and durable construction for modern-day battlefield use.

• Provides excellent stability for NVG use and other surveillance devices
• Core piece that seamlessly integrates Batlskin visor and mandible guard

The Batlskin High-Threat Mandible Guard provides lightweight blunt force, blast and ballistic protection for the lower jaw. Its durable, low-profile design is engineered for rapid attachment and removal while on the fly.

• Seamlessly integrates with all Batlskin modular components even when sighting a crew served weapon
• Alternative polycarbonate or lightweight wire cage mandible guards available for different threat levels

The Batlskin Three-Position Visor provides blunt force, blast and ballistic protection, flawless optics and maximum field-of-view. Designed for quick donning and doffing while on the move, it is scratch, fog and chemical resistant.

• Locked, vented and up positions allow for full ballistic coverage, breathability & adjustability
• Visor frame, seal and arm ensure secure attachment to the helmet during blast overpressure stresses

Revision’s Batlskin Head Protection System makes its European debut at DSEi, taking place at the ExCeL London Centre in the UK, September 13-16, 2011. Its North American unveiling will take place at the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, USA which runs October 10-12, 2011.

ABOUT REVISION

Revision develops and delivers purpose-built protective equipment for military use worldwide. The company, which began with eyewear, has expanded to face and head protection and continues to develop their capabilities for integrated, performance-enhancing soldier systems. To that end, Revision brings the most advanced expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and finest technical minds. Clients include the U.S. Department of Defense, the Canadian Department of National Defence, the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organization, the German Federal Defence Force and the UK Ministry of Defence. Privately owned and ISO 9001:2008 certified, Revision’s operational headquarters is located in Essex Junction, Vermont, USA, with additional offices in the Netherlands and Canada.

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SYSCOM Wants to Know: How are your FROG Gloves?

Marine Corps Systems Command is canvassing deployer Leathernecks for their feedback on their fire-resistant gloves.MCSC’s Program Manager (PM) for Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE) is sponsoring an Internet survey on Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) gloves.All active duty and reserve Marines who were or are deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, and who currently have a Command Access Card (CAC), are invited to participate.

 The survey is located at https://usmcsurveys.natick.army.mil and will be open through Oct. 21. There is a demographics section that needs to be completed prior to beginning the actual survey.The results of the survey will help members of PM ICE improve FROG gloves that were fielded beginning in 2006. 

 The team hopes to field new improved gloves by the end of fiscal year 2012.We did some posts a while back on gloves, but let’s give it another shot. What have readers found are the best, most durable, safest gloves for combat use?

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