Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/861022
introDUction BDU Woodland were introduced in service on 1 October 1981. The operation was planned for several years – it was assumed that starting from 1 October 1982 every soldier would own two sets of BDU, three from 1 October 1984 and four sets from 1 October 1985. After 1985, Utility and Dura Press uniforms were no longer authorized for use in the Army. Initially, in the new regulation AR670-1, Combat Camouflage Uniform was adopted as the new name for the uniform. It was used only for a short time and subsequent versions used the name of Battle Dress Uniform. The production rate of desert DBDUs was significantly lower and those uniforms were provided only for specific units. BDU SetUP AnD tyPeS the BASic elementS inclUDeD: • patrol cap or beret (since 2001) • coat • field coat • trousers AcceSSorieS inclUDeD: • belt – black, with a black open buckle • boots – black, leather • chaplain's apparel • raincoat – black (common element to the ceremonial apparel approved for garrison wear with BDU) • gloves – black, leather with inserts (depending on the year: olive, green, or black inserts) • handbag for women (general issue or commercial) • DI hat • Military Police gear • neckgaiter (introduced in after 2000) • scarfs – black to be worn with a black coat and olive to be worn with BDU jacket • socks – olive or black (depending on the year) • undergarments • brown T-shirt • additional elements: different types of footwear, special headgear, as well as other elements of the uniform, e.g. an ECWCS parka that was allowed for use with BDU and provided in some areas. At this point, several principles concerning the wear of BDU. Above all, soldiers would not wear the field uniforms outside the base or installation. Commuting in BDU was allowed, but it was preferred that the soldier used casual clothes. It was not allowed to wear a uniform in a restaurant that offered alcohol (not to even mention drinking it). That is why, in my opinion, when you are in a reenactment group and you make photos of yourselves during events with beer, etc., posting such pictures is not necessarily OK. Uniforms were considered as work wear. It was worn within the base and during operations. Americans are especially prejudiced against people who do not respect the uniform. Headwear was not worn inside buildings and always worn outside them. The only exception from that rule was the need to operate a vehicle (that is why headwear was not used at airports). It was also important that the hat cap to be carried in your hand. You were not allowed to attach the patrol cap to any part of your uniform (e.g. tucked behind the belt). Pockets of the coat and the trousers had to be empty and fastened. In buildings, it was allowed to carry a beret or a cap in the cargo pocket. The black raincoat was allowed with a BDU uniform only in situations when the unit did not provide any rainwear (and it usually did). Umbrellas or civilian backpacks were against the rules. Such items could be held in hand, but not carried. Wearing uniforms with civilian clothes was prohibited. www.fragoutmag.com