When Did the Army Switch to OCPs?
The United States Army officially switched to Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniforms on October 1, 2019. The switch from the previous Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) was part of a larger effort by the Department of Defense to standardize camouflage patterns across all branches of the military.
Background of the Change
The UCP had been in use since 2004 and was designed for use in desert environments. However, it proved ineffective in other environments such as woodlands and urban areas. In 2014, the Army began testing new camouflage patterns with the goal of finding one that would be effective in multiple environments. After extensive testing, OCP was chosen as the new uniform pattern.
Benefits of OCP
OCP is designed to provide better concealment in a variety of environments. It features a mix of greens, browns, and tans that blend together to create a disruptive pattern. This helps soldiers blend into their surroundings more effectively than with UCP. Additionally, OCP is also more durable and fade-resistant than UCP.