Posted on 02/05/2018 12:41:01 PM PST by Strac6
Pictures at link.
Scroll down to the "new" Operational Combat Uniform. Basically the same uniform 75th Rangers had, (and LRRPs and Snake Eaters wore when not in Tiger Stripes) in Vietnam 50 effing years ago.
Change # 7352A .... at a probable cost of 70 Bazillion Dollars!!!
to be replaced next year by.....
Ping.
Better uniforms, great, but why did they waste huge $ going through about 5 other styles before going back to what worked 50 years ago?
PS, everyone who cares about soldiers should read ‘Dereliction of Duty’ by (then) COL H.R. McMaster. It tells the truth about the JCS - LBJ - McNamara criminal actions that led up to RVN as we knew it, and killed 50,000 servicemen.
It so POed the then JCS when he wrote it, they almost stopped him at COL.
First book that ever got me really mad about RVN.
The Army always believes that changing the uniform is the key to improving moral.
Actually, of course it’s the result of a new requirement - the older uniform wasn’t worth a damn in Afghanistan.
That, and you miss the obvious: the Marine Corps MARPAT uniforms looked and worked much better and they had to catch up.
My touchiness on the subject reflects the resentment I still carry about the crappy support the damn civilians gave us while we were giving our all in Vietnam.
I don’t care if they have to gold plate everything: if we need it and maybe our lives depend on it, fork it over.
I wish I had my old Jungle Fatigues...
especially the boots.
How much time did you spend in Vietnam?
The Army digital cam always looked to me the exact tone of a dollar bill. Not exactly conspicuous unless one wants to promote the dollar bill
Isn’t this mumticam? They have been wearing for the past 5+ years. Now they will not be allowed old ACUs is all
Thanks for the ping. I wonder if the Air Force is still using Nomex flight suits. I didn’t like them. Too hot and not comfortable.
Sheesh.
Full circle to Woodland Combat.
Deja vu all over again.
This is so much BS. I can’t believe how much the Army has thrown down the rat hole on uniforms. Exactly how many enemy combatants can we kill with uniforms. Some senior officers need their a$$ kicked all the way back to civilian.
Can’t wait to see what the navy comes up with, camouflage is so necessary to them and the AF.
Thank you... A picture speaks a thousand words.
Thank you... A picture speaks a thousand words.
First tour, 65-66, was cut short by 20 days to make a Fr. Sill OCS class date.
Second tour, 69-71 regular 12 months, then extended 6 months to work at MAC-V in a great job. (Also got the extra 30 day leave and the Golden Airline Ticket. War is Hell)
Seriously, it truly was the best of times and the worst of times.
Back in 2008. SGN to DaNang, then Hanoi, then Ha Long Bay. Very warmly received. Asked to help find family members who had fled to the Big PX when DPRV took over in 75.
re: SGN. That is still the three-letter airport code, and no one calls the city Ho Chi Minh City. Some say HCMC, but most just say Saigon.
Old, but very true rule: “The Army with the worst uniforms always wins.” ,,, because they spend their $ on bullets, not bras and britches.
Did keep my jungle boots, but they were pretty much used up. It is an outrage they are now not available other than cheesy Chinese knockoffs. They were some of the most comfortable boots I ever wore.
Read somewhere that the digital stands out. Gives away one’s position.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.