Four Options for New Army Camo Patterns

2012 has brought forth many changes for the Army, one being the uniform.

As the Iraq war ended, so will the combat uniforms. The Army will select three new combat uniforms: a woodland variant, a desert variant and a “transitional” variant that covers everything in between.

The Army expects to spend up to $10 million. Seem exhorbitant? Not really, providing the best concealment for our troops is for safety, and the options are needed since Bragg has units deploying all over the globe in different environments. 

After field trials this summer, officials plan to submit recommendations for the new camouflage in October. If all goes as planned, production could begin in early 2013 according to the Army Times news report.

To identify the top competitors, the Army first used a calibrated computer program that allowed 900 soldiers to rate how well all existing camouflage patterns blended in 45 terrains. According to the Army times news report, the terrains were derived from a comprehensive Corps of Engineers global terrain study completed in 2011 that highlights the 15 different military operating environments with unique colors that change with elevation and season.

The industry competitors for the contract are:

ADS Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va., teamed with the Canadian firm HyperStealth Biotechnology Corp.

Brookwood Companies Inc., of New York City.

Crye Precision LLCB of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Kryptek Inc., of Fairbanks, Alaska.