Fielding MultiCam Uniforms in Afghanistan

NFL Pro Combat Uniforms, A multi-environmental camouflage pattern, MultiCam is designed to help soldiers hide in various elevations, seasons, and lights. Over the past year, soldiers in Afghanistan have been issued new Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs) in MultiCam, as the gradient camouflage pattern blends better into the country\'s terrain of woodlands, mountains, and desert.

Also referred to as Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, MultiCam was developed by Crye Precision, who at the time was already collaborating with the Army on new soldier equipment. Research for a camouflage pattern effective in all environments began in 2002, and the team took pictures of various terrains, rocks, and vegetation and studied animal camouflage to find common aspects. 12 patterns were created originally before deciding on the pattern now known as MultiCam or OCP. At the time, however, MultiCam was not chosen for the new ACU, and instead, the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) was used.

Considered a transitional camouflage pattern, MultiCam reflects the surrounding environment by taking an overall green or tan appearance. With a brown to light tan gradient base, with drab green spotted with dark brown and pink blotches in between, MultiCam tricks the human eyes\' perception of color and disguises volume and shape.

While UCP is better NFL Pro Combat Uniforms suited to the desert and urban environments of Iraq, where it was tested, it proved to be less efficient in Afghanistan. As a result, the Army began four-part testing in September 2009 to find a new pattern for soldiers in Afghanistan. Multiple camouflage patterns were first tested against various terrains. Then, pictures of six camouflage patterns, including MultiCam and UCP, against eight terrains were taken and approximately 750 soldiers were asked to judge the photographs and rank the patterns\' effectiveness. Out of these tests, MultiCam was chosen above the others.

OCP uniforms for ground soldiers in NFL Pro Combat Uniforms Afghanistan have been issued since August 2010, and the next step is NFL Pro Combat Uniforms equipping the Army aircrews. According to a May 31, 2011 Army Times article titled \"Aircrew Uniforms to Match Others in Afghanistan,\" the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade was the first to receive OCP uniforms and gear; next, the 3,000 aircrew members deployed annually will receive the same type of gear, most of which replaces previous UCP equipment. In addition to OCP, Army Aircrew Combat Uniforms, all of which have flash-fire protection and can be worn with Microclimate Cooling Vests

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