A recent Army Times article showed a new uniform that the 25th Inf Stryker brigade will be wearing into combat in Iraq. Same BDU patterns we know and love, but with some of the following changes:
1:blouse upper pockets are angled to the inside, for easier access.
2: lower pockets were eliminated, and moved to the sleeves similar to the new marine uniform.
3: neck closure was added, similar to the old-issue field jackets. soldiers requested this as an addition to help with cold weather and air-assault operations.
4: the buttons on the uniform have been replaced with a zipper and covering velco flap. velco is also found on all the pockets
5: blouse was shortened to aid when wearing tactical gear/body armor.
6: instert flaps were added for the addition of elbow/knee protection. no more knee pads around the ankles.
7: pant cargo pokcets were moved higher on the leg
8: pant rear pockets removed
9: pockets were added around the calves.
the article also mentioned that the search for a new pattern is continuing, and that the army has narrowed the field, for the moment, to 15 patterns. each pattern has a woodland, urban, and desert version.
