Combat Uniform
OCP combat uniform composition, accessories, insignia, and wear guidelines.
14 guides in this topic
AR 670-1: 4-1. Authorization for wear
The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in OCP is the standard duty uniform for all Soldiers. It is authorized for wear on and off duty. The Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU) may be worn in hot weather conditions.
AR 670-1: 4-2. Composition
The combat uniform (ACU) consists of a coat, trousers, undershirt, undergarments, belt, socks, boots, and headgear.
AR 670-1: 4-3. Occasions for wear
The ACU is worn for garrison duty, field training, and deployments. It may be worn off-post for brief convenience stops. The ACU is not authorized for wear in civilian establishments primarily selling alcohol.
AR 670-1: 4-4. Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform
The IHWCU is authorized for all Soldiers as of 1 June 2019 but commanders cannot require purchase unless issued. It provides faster drying, improved comfort, and enhanced breathability. Soldiers may not mix IHWCU and ACU outer elements, and it should not be dry cleaned, starched, or bleached.
DA PAM 670-1: 4-1. Classification
The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU) in the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) are daily work, utility, and field uniforms. Soldiers may wear OCIE in UCP, OEF-CP, and OCP patterns. Personal clothing items like the tan 499 undershirt, rigger belt, and coyote boots are authorized with UCP OCIE items.
DA PAM 670-1: 4-10. Headgear
The patrol cap is the standard headgear worn with the ACU in garrison. The black beret is not standard but may be prescribed for special events. Commanders may authorize the fleece cap (black or coyote brown) in field environments, and the boonie hat for field or work details. Officers wear grade insignia on the beret flash; enlisted wear DUI centered on the flash.
DA PAM 670-1: 4-2. Composition
The ACU and IHWCU each consist of: coat, trousers, tan 499 undershirt, undergarments, tan 499 rigger belt, tan/green/black cushion sole socks, coyote leather combat boots, and headgear.
DA PAM 670-1: 4-3. Accessories
Authorized accessories: Military police, Neck gaiter, optional purchase or OCIE, OCIE, as determined by the commander in accordance with common table of allowances, Personal hydration systems, Scarf, utility, olive green 208, and more.
DA PAM 670-1: 4-4. Materials
The ACU fabric is 50% nylon and 50% cotton. The flame-resistant combat uniform is 65% flame-resistant rayon, 25% para-aramid, and 10% nylon. The IHWCU fabric is 57% nylon and 43% cotton, and is no melt, no drop.
DA PAM 670-1: 4-5. Insignia and accouterments
Authorized insignia: Identification, Combat and special skill badges, Special skill tabs, Brassards, and more.
DA PAM 670-1: 4-6. Badges worn on the combat uniform
Foreign badges are not authorized for wear on the combat uniform. Pin-on badges are not authorized in a field or deployed environment (see paras 4–8f, 22–16, and 22–17 for wear of combat and skill badges and ID badges on the combat uniform).
DA PAM 670-1: 4-7. General guidelines
ACU guidelines include: sleeves may be rolled or cuffed, trousers are bloused inside boots, headgear is worn outdoors at all times. Only black or coyote tan accessories are authorized with OCP.
DA PAM 670-1: 4-8. Combat uniform coat
The ACU coat is worn hooked/looped or buttoned and zipped, normally outside the trousers. All pockets must remain closed. Sleeves may be rolled above the elbow (no more than 3 inches above) when authorized by commanders. If badges are sewn on, the nametape, U.S. Army tape, and grade insignia must also be sewn on. The IHWCU coat has button closures instead of zippers.
DA PAM 670-1: 4-9. Combat uniform trousers
The combat uniform trousers are worn buttoned and with a belt.