Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/861022
BDU\s were quickly tested in combat. In 1982-1984 these were used in Lebanon (USMC) and in 1983 on Grenada (US Army and USMC). Experience gained during those conflicts revealed several shortcomings - the temperate uniforms did not perform well in hot and humid climate (cases of heat stroke were noted). As a temporary solution, older RDF and TCU uniforms, would be allowed until new tropical uniforms were available. Works on a tropical BDU were launched. BDU tyPe iii AnD moDificAtionS of tyPe i (1985–1995) Type III Coat Coat, Hot Weather, Woodland camouflage pattern; Combat NSN 8415-01-184-13XX Standardized on 14 July 1984 [5]. First contracts were awarded in FY1985 but uniforms were issued since 1986–1987. The fabric was the same 5.7-7 oz. 100% rip-stop cotton poplin as in TCU, but in Woodland camouflage pattern [10]. It should be noted thath 50/50 NYCO Twill is not significantly heavier than that material. In the case of the coat or trousers, weight decreases only by a dozen per cent, but Type II uniforms are lighter and dry quicker. The fabric is also wind resistant (NYCO Twill is a little bit less wind resistant, but it is warmer). Some changes were introduced in coat design. First of all, the cut was looser and the chest circumference was increased for all sizes. The adjustment tabs were placed sides of the back, on the waist. The size of the collar was reduced and the way of stitching of top pockets was different (from that time on, the inside edge of the pocket was stitched flat). Type III Trousers Trousers, Hot Weather, Woodland camouflage pattern; Combat NSN 8415-01-184-13XX Standardized on 14 July 1984 and the production was also commenced in FY1985. The trousers changed only a bit, apart from the material. A "bug flap" was added on the inner side of the fly. It was fastened with a button and served as protection of the crotch against insects or sand when the soldier did not wear underwear in hot climate. Due to introduction of Type III and after the first years of use, Type I uniforms design was changed accordingly. The NSN remains the same, despite the number changes of the cut (small collar, adjustable waist, stitching of top pockets). The cut of the trousers stayed the same ("bug flap" was never added to Type I trousers because it was a typical solution for tropical climate). New uniforms quickly become were very popular. Since the end of the 1980s, new soldiers very often received two sets of BDU Type I and Type III instead of four sets they used to get. Type III was then used not only as a tropical uniform, but as a summer uniform as well. However, the shortcomings of the material (all in all, known well already since the 1960s) were spotted immediately. Durability of the uniforms was poor – they were called "short-life uniforms". However, even supposing that soldiers had two sets, they could last for about six months of regular use. In hot and humid areas (e.g. in Panama), a Type III BDU could get totally worn out after two weeks. At the same time, Type I uniforms, although too hot for use, had a long service life (of up to two years and some of them could be used for even longer periods, despite frequent changing and washing). After several years of use, designers started to seek for new solutions for tropical uniforms fabrics. BDU tyPe Vi AnD fUrther www.fragoutmag.com