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Close Combat Uniform
US soldiers wearing the Combat Uniform (CU) in Tricolor Desert in 2004
TypeCombat uniform
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service
  • 2003–2004 (CCU)
  • 2003–2004 (CU Hybrid)[a]
  • 2004–2005 (CU)
Used by
  • US Army
Wars
Production history
Designer
PEO Soldier

Natick Soldier Center

Designed
  • 2003 (Pre-CCU 1)
  • 2003 (Pre-CCU 2)
  • 2003 (CCU)
  • 2003 (CU Hybrid)
  • 2004 (CU)
Manufacturer
Natick Soldier Center

American Power Source, Inc.

VariantsHot Weather Combat Uniform[1][2]

The Close Combat Uniform (CCU), later Combat Uniform (CU), and its two precursor prototypes are combat uniforms that were tested by elements of the US Army's 2nd Infantry Division and 25th Infantry Division's own Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs) in Mosul, Iraq, each for a deployment at a time in Tricolor Desert patterns.[3][4] In addition, from 2003 to 2004 during, the time of the first deployment field test alternate environment colorations received stateside field testing also at Fort Lewis, WA, Fort Polk JRTC, LA and Fort Irwin NTC, CA in US Woodlands, Urban Track, and Scorpion[5].

The original design objective was for use by Stryker ICV crews. (epic uniform features)

The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) replaced the then-standard Battle Dress Uniform System in 2004. Phase in complete by 2007. Unauthorized 30 April 2008.

[3][4][6]

Background

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stryker brigade combat team transition army uniform relation

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Reorganization plan of United States Army

looking for way to visually denote the the far-reachingness of the army modernization program while also fixing the issue of raising the US Army combat uniform to current combat-required demands like accounting for body armor and weight.


heat stress

 
BDU (note to self: get better image

Battle Dress Uniform System

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Main articles: Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform

Since ... United States Military standard uniform.


Development

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The development trials process was run by the US Army's PEO Soldier organization, supported by Natick Soldier Center's in-house clothing printing, pattern cutting, and construction through the use of the Prototype & Production Shop, Camouflage Evaluation Facility (CEF), and logistically-related facilities.

PEO Soldier had started researching improvements to the individual soldier since 1997 with its Land Warrior and Ground Soldier System (GSS) programs, with the prior Soldier Integrated Protective Ensemble (SIPE) Advanced Technology Demonstration's (ATD)'s program concluding in the fall of 1992.

Evolution

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The CCU was working inside of the Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI), a program to expedite cutting-edge technologies to frontline soldiers without the cost of outfitting the entire US Army. The earlier production-run model was was one of __ other Rapid Fielding Initiative projects issued to soldiers in 2003. The later production-run model was one of 14 Rapid Fielding Initiative projects[7] developed in 2004 that were then issued to soldiers deploying in 2005 and onward. It was among others like the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) and .

separate from the future-focused Future Force Warrior program, acting as a stopgap from the then-standard Battle Dress Uniforms and Desert Camouflage Uniforms and to the up-and-coming Future Warrior 2010 ensemble.

All uniforms produced in 50% Nylon, 50% Cotton (50/50 NYCO) blend woven as ripstop poplin. Unlike similar inkjet-printed prototype BDUs used in Phase I of the UCFW trials, all CCUs either used up old already-contracted fabric stock or had new experimental camouflage patterns from the aforementioned trials printed with vat dyes using screen printing as opposed to spraying reactive/acid dyes.[8] This was due to garment longevity concerns for colorfastness and acid dye potentially reducing the durability of the uniforms.

Colorations modeled throughout its development consist of prior patterns such as US Woodlands and Tricolor Desert in addition to patterns that were recently developed through the Universal Camouflage For The Future Warrior trials. As the name implies, specifically for the Future Force Warrior program.

PEO Soldier proof-of-design uniforms

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Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat Team sat down with engineers at Soldier Systems Center, Natick, MA, and helped craft a uniform that borrowed ideas from a number of different military uniforms, such as individually modified special operations uniforms and the Army's BDU-styled flight suit.[9]

The Stryker Brigade of the 3/2 IN evaluated initial ACU uniform designs on training exercises at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA and Joint Readiness Center at Fort Polk, LA, in early 2003. The 2nd Stryker Brigade, 1/25th IN evaluated a more refined uniform design on training exercises at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA and Joint Readiness Center at Fort Polk, LA in October 2003.

Pre-CCU 1

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In January 2003,[9] the Stryker Brigade of the 3/2 Infantry[9] tested at the National Training Center, Ft Irwin, California.[10][11]

 
Pre-CCU 1 or 2 tested in a field training exercise at the NTC in Ft Irwin sometime in 2003

Certain squads of stryker brigades tested them.[10][11]

Printed in:

Pre-CCU 2

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In October 2003,[9] tested at the Joint Regional Training Center Ft Polk, Louisiana.[10][11][12]

Printed in:

CU-Hybrid and Outlier Proof-of-Concept Future CCU

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Tagged as being made in 2003 and appearing

Printed in:

Proof-of-Concept Patterns:

Throughout 2003, the PEO-Soldier future technologies displays modeled both a Desert All-Over Brush and Desert Track manikins. Notably at The Pentagon Courtyard and on 13 May 2003, at Fort Polk.

special Desert All-Over Brush uniform somewhat resembling a CCU in it having shoulder pockets and trouser cargo pockets with a Desert Brush-printed OTV base carrier with prototype army upgrade and the Desert Track CU with a standard Desert Track-printed helmet cover over the Advanced Combat Helmet and a Tricolor Desert (rare at the time) OTV on mannequins.

Printed in:

  •  
    SFC Myhre modeling the Desert Track CU-Hybrid sometime in 2003
  •  
    Desert Brush mannequin at Ft Polk JRTC, LA on 13 May 2003
  •  
    The separate Future Force Warrior ensemble also in Desert Brush during UCFW Phase IV in March 2004
  •  
    In The Pentagon Courtyard
  •  
    PLACEHOLDER

CCU (3rd version)

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In October 2003, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division tested the CCU. Receiving their uniforms as early as

From November 2003 to November 2004, the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team deployed from Fort Lewis, Washington in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the sands of Iraq the 3rd Brigade Stryker Brigade Combat Team proved the value of the Stryker brigade concept in combat and logistics operations.[16]

(specific unit usage)[17]

In March 2004, a PEO Soldier feedback team including Sgt 1st Class Myhre went to Iraq and asked the soldiers which parts of the uniform they liked

2nd Infantry SBCT Video? from Uniform History

Double and square

Single and bar

Production Patterns:

Mods:

  • shoulder pocket velcro sheared
  • shoulder pocket remove
  • staggered 1" velcro strips[18]

Obtained by Attachment to unit/Private purchase/Trading:

Insignia having been seen worn on the Tricolor CCU includes:

 
1/23 SBCT of the 2nd Infantry Division on 19 May 2004 in Mosul, Iraq

CU (4th version)

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In January 2004, the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division tested the CU.[17] Receiving their uniforms as early as

The 2d Brigade deployed in January 2004 to Iraq and returned to Schofield Barracks in February 2005.

Single/Double and bar

Printed in:

Alternate construction (only labeled reusing CCU's contract of 03 labels):

Printed in:

Early ACUs Tagged as CUs

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Instruction label of prior prototype T-Block BDU coats

STEPS, Inc. Prototype and Paraclete Production Variant

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In prototyping prior, STEPS, Inc is best known for being contracted to produce only the coats of Urban T-Block-patterned EHWBDUs in 1998.

On the STEPS, Inc. website[24] a sewing sample uniform of what is claimed to be a part of the CCU development process. The Victoria Facility also allegedly assisted in research and development to an unstated degree. STEPS, Inc. had won the bid to the contract from the US Army Robert Morris Acquisition Center, which is located in Natick, MA, near the Natick Soldier Center. Not to be confused with the other US Army Robert Morris Acquisition Center located at Dugaway Proving Ground in Tooele County, UT. The website also claimed their unique cut to have been undergoing field testing in ~2003, at least before 11 September 2004, the time the website was archived.

Possibly the Proto-CCU 2

Uniform made in 50% Nylon, 50% Cotton blend (50/50 NYCO).

Production Patterns:

Misc Prints:

(SOF BDU) Special Operations Forces Battle Dress Uniform

Jacket made in 100% Cotton,

Trousers made in 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester (40/60 POLYCO).

Production Patterns:

Reinforcement foam pad inserts

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close-celled foam causes chafing and prone to breaking.

Adoption of ACU

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Main article: Army Combat Uniform

Army senior leadership introduced the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) during a 10 AM Army Birthday cake-cutting ceremony in the Pentagon courtyard for the 229th anniversary of the United States Army.[12]

In addition, the unveiling of the Army Combat Uniform to the general public on 14 & 15 June 2005, the day of the birthday and after respectively, was through official US Army websites such as the United States Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR) website press release[10] and Army News Service article.[11] It also received some local news attention which covered, for example, the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th BCT 2004 deployment to Iraq being the first to receive and combat test the ACU. Additionally, user blogs and thread forums of the time also discussed other stuff. (historiography of historiography..derp)

Originally set to being in April 2005, the process of replacing the US Army's BDUs and DCUs with the ACU began two months earlier (sometime February 2005) through the Rapid Fielding Initiative.[10]

Retiring of prior uniforms

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In February 2005, the first issues of the new Army Combat Uniform replaced the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Teams's prior BDUs and DCUs. By 2007, most US soldiers were wearing the ACU. Both the DCU and BDU were replaced come 1 May 2008, the last day that any US Soldier's remaining BDUs or DCUs were authorized for wear on, the official wear-out date on 30 April 2008. The complete outfitting of the US Army into the new uniform all-in-all taking just over three years.[31] Contrasting that with December 2007, PEO-Soldier's 2005-calculated estimate of complete fielding.

48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

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On 8 February 2005, Soldiers from the Georgia Army National Guard's 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were the first in the U.S. Army to receive the ACU at Fort Stewart, Georgia.[32][33] In May 2005, the unit began deploying to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom III (the third major U.S. military rotation of forces into the area of operations) and experienced some of the fiercest combat actions in the campaign. The brigade was assigned to Multi-National Division – Baghdad (MND-B) under the control of the 3rd Infantry Division and was responsible for a sector of southwest Baghdad, nicknamed the Triangle of Death. It replaced the 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.[33][34]

Soldiers reportedly felt like other units which had not received the uniform at the time were jelly. They somehow came before every single other unit in the Army in terms of importance.

In between, (ITO) security mission from the 56th Brigade Combat Team. The 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division replaced 48th Brigade units in Baghdad. The brigade's headquarters relocated to Camp Adder (located at Ali Air Base or Tallil Air Base) in the vicinity of Nasiriyah, Iraq, and the brigade had elements stationed as far south as Kuwait to as far north as Mosul, and as far west as the Syrian border.[35]

 
Transfer of duties ceremony as the 101st AB 2nd Brigade Combat Team on the left relieve the outgoing GARNG 48th Brigade Combat Team on the right turning over authority of southwestern Baghdad's security on 31 October 2005

Late April 2006 saw the brigade's return to the states. Mainly on 20 April 2006, at Ft Stewart, more than 4,000 members of the brigade began to return home after a year of combat operations in Iraq. The 20 April arrival marked the first of nearly a dozen flights over the subsequent weeks that brought the soldiers back to Georgia.

Then on 5 June 2006 were deployed again for 12 months.

2nd Infantry Division

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In 2005, CCU users got the ACU. They were stationed at X base.

During the late spring (May-June) of 2004, many of the soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division's 2d Brigade Combat Team were given notice that they were about to be ordered to further deployment, with duty in Iraq. As a result of the short notice, extensive training was conducted by the brigade as they switched from a focus of the foreign defense of South Korea to the offensive operations that were going to be needed in Iraq. Furthermore, time was given for the majority of the soldiers to enjoy ten days of leave. This was vital: many of the soldiers had been in South Korea for a year or more with only two weeks or less time in the United States during their stay of duty. More, they were about to depart on a deployment scheduled to last at least another year. Finally, in August 2004, the brigade deployed to Iraq.

 
Soldiers that tested the CU of the 2nd BCT, 25th ID (L) watch Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston point out finalized features of the ACU at Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq on 13 August 2004

25th Infantry Division (Light)

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In 2005, CU users got the ACU. They were stationed at X base.

Components

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Jacket

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blah blah different velcro colors on CU

Trousers

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Headgear

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Advanced Combat Helmet

T-shirt

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same as DCU

Boots

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same as DCU

Insignia

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A soldier of the 82nd Airborne Division with IR reflective sheet duck-taped onto his helmet and a missing velcro-attached sleeve IR reflective square on 20 February 2004

Haphazardly safety pinning 1" square silver-colored

attempted remediation with

Full color IR US flag

issued with CCU

Black and White Subdued IR US flag

issued with CU

Stryker tab

Labels

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Natick Soldier Center's (P²IF)[36]

CCU: DAAD16-03-F-0160 (tagged on CU Hybrids and CUs as well)

American Power Source, Inc.

CCU: SP0100-03-D-0351

CU: SPM100-04-D-0367 (more rarely, SP0100-04-D-0367)

References

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  1. ^ Cox, Matthew (27 June 2019). "Army's New Hot Weather Uniforms Are About to Hit Shelves". Military.com.
  2. ^ South, Todd (28 June 2019). "Tired of sweating in your ACUs? Try these new hot-weather cammies". Army Times.
  3. ^ a b c d Larson, Eric H. (2009). "History and Development of the US Army Close Combat Uniform (CCU/CU) 'Mk2'" (PDF). Camopedia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 June 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  4. ^ a b Larson, Eric H (2007). "History and Development of the US Army Close Combat Uniform (CCU)" (PDF). Early Camopedia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 March 2009. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  5. ^ "Close Combat Uniform (CCU) - experimental US Army". USMC militaria (in French). Archived from the original on 21 June 2024. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  6. ^ "The CCU (Close Combat Uniform) - CAMOUFLAGE UNIFORMS". US Militaria Forum. 14 April 2009. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
  7. ^ "US Military Taking Delivery of Advanced Combat Helmets". Defense Industry Daily. 29 August 2005. Archived from the original on 17 July 2007. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
  8. ^ "Facility sifts out camouflage design duds". Soldier Systems Center (SSC) Press Releases. Natick, Mass. 30 July 2004. Archived from the original on 15 October 2004. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d "PEO Soldier - FAQs". PEO Soldier Website. Archived from the original on 18 October 2005. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Triggs, Marcia (15 June 2004). "Army unveils new combat uniform, replace Battle Dress Uniform (BDU)". United States Army Public Affairs (Dating Error, 1 Day After the US Army Birthday). United States Department of the Army. Archived from the original on 18 June 2004. Retrieved 18 June 2004.
  11. ^ a b c d e f Triggs, Marcia (14 June 2004). "Army Gets New Combat Uniform" (PDF). Army News Service. WASHINGTON. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 October 2004. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Army Combat Uniform (ACU)". Global Security (Revision: 1 September 2004, 15:58). 14 June 2004. Archived from the original on 2 September 2004. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
  13. ^ "2003 CCU EXPERIMENTAL CLOSE COMBAT UNIFORM SHIRT COAT UNIFORM NATICK DESERT LBT". WorthPoint. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  14. ^ "Found while helping friend clean a closet". US Militaria Forum. 5 September 2016. Archived from the original on 26 June 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  15. ^ "UCP SUCKS (Universal Camo Pattern) RANT". Mil-spec Monkey. 25 February 2007. Archived from the original on 10 October 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  16. ^ "US Army, 2D Infantry Division/ROK-US Combined Division-Our History". 2id.korea.army.mil. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  17. ^ a b c d e "CCU Desert Uniform ?". US Militaria Forum. 5 February 2010. Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  18. ^ "US Close Combat Uniform (CCU, 2004)". KommandoPost. 5 August 2019. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  19. ^ "Task Force Freedom Commanding General, Major General David Rodriguez and country music singer Toby Keith pose for pictures with Soldiers". Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). IRAQ. 10 June 2006 [Taken 15 May 2005]. Archived from the original on 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  20. ^ a b Emmanuel, Pierre (16 February 2009). "Close Combat Uniform (CCU) - EXPERIMENTAL". Picasa Web Albums (Google Photos). Archived from the original on 23 September 2010. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  21. ^ a b "CCU - grey sewing pattern and misc". International Association of Combat & Militaria Collectors (IACMC). 2 January 2010. Archived from the original on 16 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  22. ^ "2003 CCU EXPERIMENTAL CLOSE COMBAT UNIFORM SHIRT COAT UNIFORM NATICK DESERT LBT". WorthPoint. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  23. ^ a b "Close Combat Uniform slate grey". International Association of Combat & Militaria Collectors (IACMC). 22 June 2009. Archived from the original on 15 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  24. ^ a b "Manufacturing". STEPS, Inc. 2003. Archived from the original on 11 September 2004. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  25. ^ "Inverted Slant Pocket BDU". US Militaria Forum. 25 May 2008. Archived from the original on 2 June 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  26. ^ "PRE MSA PARACLETE SOF BDU WOODLAND CAMO JACKET TROUSERS MEDIUM SHIRT /LARGE PANT". WorthPoint. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  27. ^ "PARACLETE SOF BDU'S, DESERT PATTERN - SHIRT AND 2 PAIRS TROUSERS". WorthPoint. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  28. ^ "PARACLETE SOF DESERT DIGITAL AOR1 BDU PANTS SHIRT UNIFORM SET MEDIUM * CAG AWG". WorthPoint. Woodlands woobie blanket backdrop. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  29. ^ "PARACLETE SOF DESERT DIGITAL AOR1 BDU PANTS SHIRT UNIFORM SET LARGE *CAG AWG". WorthPoint. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  30. ^ "PARACLETE SOF DESERT DIGITAL AOR1 BDU PANTS SHIRT UNIFORM SET MEDIUM * CAG AWG". WorthPoint (Image 9). Coat hangers in front of closet background. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  31. ^ Lorge, Elizabeth M. (23 January 2008). "Army to Retire BDUs". US Army. Archived from the original on 14 March 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  32. ^ Lesser, Erik S. (8 February 2005). "New Army Combat Uniform Debuts At Fort Stewart". Getty Images. FORT STEWART, GA. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  33. ^ a b Hirschman, Dave (17 July 2005). "Some Georgia Troops Blister Tattered Desert Uniforms". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on 20 July 2005. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  34. ^ Basu, Moni (5 June 2006). Cook, Rhonda (ed.). "Families bid farewell to soldiers off to Iraq". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on 5 September 2006. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  35. ^ Basu, Moni (22 September 2005). "48th will range widely in new Iraq security role". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on 24 September 2005. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  36. ^ "Prototype And Production Integration Facility (P²IF)" (PDF). Natick Soldier Center. RDECOM. 28 August 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 February 2013. Retrieved 28 June 2024.


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