Hate for ACU?

[HeloMedic1171]

You guys really need to give the velcro=noise subject a rest. This subject has been beaten to death here.

Crip

Operation in a jungle environment were noise discipline is second to none and hearing velco break that discipline time and time again I think it's an important issue...

I am in the jungle where I am and my mod'd BDUs have velcro on the arm pockets. If I am worried about the noise I should probably have my finger on the trigger instead of in a pocket...

Crip

I think that pretty much sums it up. plus, I'd also like to point out -

While guys like Crip are in the jungle doing what they do, the vast majority of us (being in the conventional forces) are in the desert, or in the urban environment. while I agree the pattern isn't the best, they already KNOW we're there. no need for noise discipline in a crowded Baghdad/Kabul Street. and Crip, I couldn't have said it better, I'm going to use that last quote.

 

[pardus]

Being a soldier is like being an olympic athlete, its the small tweaks to performance that make the difference between winning and loosing.

Like I say, I dont know how you guys operate in the J, maybe that noise is acceptable to you.
We used pruning shears instead of machetes because of the noise for example, no talking beyond quiet whispers and then only when nessasary.
Jungle was our thing, we were past masters of that, (actually it's lucky because its about all we could do lol).
Not judging just my point of view based on my experience.
Every unit and Army is different and has their thing and thier focus.

 

[pardus]

I think that pretty much sums it up. plus, I'd also like to point out -

While guys like Crip are in the jungle doing what they do, the vast majority of us (being in the conventional forces) are in the desert, or in the urban environment. while I agree the pattern isn't the best, they already KNOW we're there. no need for noise discipline in a crowded Baghdad/Kabul Street. and Crip, I couldn't have said it better, I'm going to use that last quote.

I think you missed the point of my comment, noise discipline in the jungle has nothing to with close contact with the enemy and being ready to fire at all!

(Replying to Crip also)

When you are getting undressed to get into your bag at night you must be silent, you cant be ripping velco willy nilly, clanging mess tins, coughing, cocking weapons etc...
You arent on guard for the enemy to walk around the corner, that just isnt what this is about.
Noise disipline is 24/7 even when sleeping.
Hope that comes across as I mean it too.

 

[HeloMedic1171]

I think you missed the point of my comment....

it's entirely possible. it's just not something I'm used to practicing, but then, I'm with MPs, and I came from Aviation.... "noise/light discipline? what the fuck is that???" it makes sense what you're saying - I just don't think it's applicable in many/most cases. the ones where it is, they have a fix for that.

 

[pardus]

I just don't think it's applicable in many/most cases.

True, bummer for the guys that it does though.
Like saying most of the Army doesnt need fire retardant clothes so fuck the airborne guys. ;)

the ones where it is, they have a fix for that.

They do? Please tell me im interested to know.

( im reading my post and it's kinda sounding like Im being an ass but I want you to know im not, just the way its coming out so you know)

 

[Diamondback 2/2]

Well my opinion is that the ACU’s are the biggest mistake the army has made since the war. It is noisy, the color sucks, the boots suck in wet environment. The damn thing cost too much, and it does not last at all. I have gone through 5 sets of ACU’s, and the last 2 years I was a freaking small arms instructor. Meaning I did not do shit, other then blab my mouth and teach people how to shoot. I still have 3 sets of DCU’s and 6 sets of BDU’s that are still serviceable… I hate the pockets, I hate the pin on badges, and I hate the patches. I do not know how many times my flag fell off, or I could not find my fucking nametapes. Even better, you put it together for the next day, get up slap it on. Speed off to post b/c your drunk and late, and you get there just in time not to get yelled at by 1sgt. In addition, what did you do, garbed the wrong fucking top. Now you do not have your patches, name tapes, flag, or badges. Moreover, you have to give a class in 20 min…:doh:

How about when you are in the woods, and you snag the Velcro on every fucking tree limb. On the other hand, when you are laying in an OP and right when it’s time to STFU and be quiet, the FO opens the arm pocket to get his map. All b/c he saw it on Tears of the sun… “basterdo you lied to me” :doh:

The ACU uniform sucks…….:bleh: I want the USMC design in multicam…

Okay excuse the bad language and the rant, back to reading I go…:)

 

[HeloMedic1171]

True, bummer for the guys that it does though.
Like saying most of the Army doesnt need fire retardant clothes so fuck the airborne guys. ;)

absolutely - though that's not a good way to do business, I agree. but that's why us bird-riding folk and the dirt darts get extra cool shit like nomex and lightweight air-warrior gear. because we need(ed) it. but the rest of those that walk, crawl, or drive don't, so they need not wear it and the govt. need not spend the extra money.

oh, and so you know - depending on your division, you get fire retardant shit regardless of position. I'm in 3rd ID (mech), and I have fucking tanker's coveralls. great for fixing my car or the truck, worthless in a HMMWV as a medic. (I'm in an MP Co).

They do? Please tell me im interested to know.

( im reading my post and it's kinda sounding like Im being an ass but I want you to know im not, just the way its coming out so you know)

No worries, I've posted here enough to know when you're being an asshole. usually I'm laughing at whoever the poor bastard is on the other end.

as for the fix - the ones where it matters are mainly SOF. Rangers, PJs, Army SF, SEALs, the like. they wear pretty much whatever they want. case in point - I never see SOF guys wearing their ACH's or any sort of kevlar.... I wonder if they get issued them, even, while the rest of us have them glued to our noggins. they do things their way - because that's what works best for them. Also, SOF guys are in the minority of people still wearing BDUs, or DCUs, and are the only ones wearing Multicam uniforms. none of us conventional guys are getting that stuff. it's one of the operational "perks" of being SOF. you wear what suits the mission best, not what makes you look like the other 169 swingin' D***S in your company. Damn, I hate the MP corps. :) hope this helps.

 

[HeloMedic1171]

Well my opinion is that the ACU’s are the biggest mistake the army has made since the war. It is noisy, the color sucks, the boots suck in wet environment. The damn thing cost too much, and it does not last at all. I have gone through 5 sets of ACU’s, and the last 2 years I was a freaking small arms instructor. Meaning I did not do shit, other then blab my mouth and teach people how to shoot. I still have 3 sets of DCU’s and 6 sets of BDU’s that are still serviceable… I hate the pockets, I hate the pin on badges, and I hate the patches. I do not know how many times my flag fell off, or I could not find my fucking nametapes. Even better, you put it together for the next day, get up slap it on. Speed off to post b/c your drunk and late, and you get there just in time not to get yelled at by 1sgt. In addition, what did you do, garbed the wrong fucking top. Now you do not have your patches, name tapes, flag, or badges. Moreover, you have to give a class in 20 min…:doh:

How about when you are in the woods, and you snag the Velcro on every fucking tree limb. On the other hand, when you are laying in an OP and right when it’s time to STFU and be quiet, the FO opens the arm pocket to get his map. All b/c he saw it on Tears of the sun… “basterdo you lied to me” :doh:

The ACU uniform sucks…….:bleh: I want the USMC design in multicam…

Okay excuse the bad language and the rant, back to reading I go…:)

i think that, right there, explains how I feel about the ACU. it's comfy, and I like the wash and wear aspect, but the pattern blows goat nuts, and I don't like the velcro because it doesn't last. i know 6 months is the service life... but jeebus fuck, I have BDUs that are as old as I am, handed down to me from relatives. I'd rather have a uniform that lasts and functions well, than one that "looks cool". i think if I hear one more FNG PVT say "i like 'em cuz they look cool" I'm gonna make him eat my nametapes/patches.

 

[Diamondback 2/2]

but the rest of those that walk, crawl, or drive don't, so they need not wear it and the govt. need not spend the extra money.

I have two good (Infantry) friends, who have spent a lot of time in BAMC burn unit. That would strongly disagree with you on this one.:2c:

 

[pardus]

No worries, I've posted here enough to know when you're being an asshole. usually I'm laughing at whoever the poor bastard is on the other end.

as for the fix - the ones where it matters are mainly SOF. Rangers, PJs, Army SF, SEALs, the like. they wear pretty much whatever they want. case in point - I never see SOF guys wearing their ACH's or any sort of kevlar.... I wonder if they get issued them, even, while the rest of us have them glued to our noggins. they do things their way - because that's what works best for them. Also, SOF guys are in the minority of people still wearing BDUs, or DCUs, and are the only ones wearing Multicam uniforms. none of us conventional guys are getting that stuff. it's one of the operational "perks" of being SOF. you wear what suits the mission best, not what makes you look like the other 169 swingin' D***S in your company. Damn, I hate the MP corps. :) hope this helps.

Oh really motherfucker well fuck you and while you're at it get done and give me 10 million!!!! ROTFL!

Understood cheers.

LOL I wore a helmet about 6 times in 6 years if I was lucky.
If Im deployed with any choice I'll take multicam in a BDU format (as sold on www.brigadequartermasters.com

 

[HeloMedic1171]

I have two good (Infantry) friends, who have spent a lot of time in BAMC burn unit. That would strongly disagree with you on this one.:2c:

sorry, I didn't make myself clear - I meant on the air warrior gear, specifically. they didn't need that... they needed my coveralls I'm not using. My apologies to them and to you. nomex is something we should all have. hopefully the new advanced combat shirt will become a reality and we'll all be better off.

 

[Diamondback 2/2]

sorry, I didn't make myself clear - I meant on the air warrior gear, specifically. they didn't need that... they needed my coveralls I'm not using. My apologies to them and to you. nomex is something we should all have. hopefully the new advanced combat shirt will become a reality and we'll all be better off.

No worries, we are tracking...

 

[HeloMedic1171]

Oh really motherfucker well fuck you and while you're at it get done and give me 10 million!!!! ROTFL!

Understood cheers.

LOL I wore a helmet about 6 times in 6 years if I was lucky.
If Im deployed with any choice I'll take multicam in a BDU format (as sold on www.brigadequartermasters.com

one sheepfucker, two sheepfucker, three sheepfucker......

ROTF......

I saw those, and I drooled. I'm too much of a gear-geek for my own good. I'd buy them if I could come up with a good use for them besides paintball and off-roading, as I really don't hunt enough to warrant them. they sure do look like they'd fit the bill, though. need a kevlar? or will you get one issued? I have 2 PASGT's at my Mom's I need to do something with. the Oregon Aero kits make them quite lovely to use.

 

[pardus]

one sheepfucker, two sheepfucker, three sheepfucker......

ROTF......

I kell you...

I have 2 PASGT's at my Mom's I need to do something with. the Oregon Aero kits make them quite lovely to use.

What size? I do need one, need a medium so I can put pads in it.
WTF is a Oregon Aero kit?

 

[pardus]

Would obviously prefer a MICH pot if anyone has one but will take what I can get, had enough head trauma to last until about next week....

 

[HeloMedic1171]

the kits are here:

http://www.oregonaero.com/p81_2001.html

good stuff. THE most comfortable helmet pads, period. this basically turns a PASGT helmet into an ACH. the only difference being, you have protection over your ears, wheras the ACH does not have such shielding.

and I believe I have 2 mediums.

 

[surgicalcric]

OMG where to even start this reply...

Velcro, again: If the argument on the uniform comes down to noisy velcro then we should remove it from all of our pouches and other kit and while we are at it large zippers can be just as noisy if opened quickly so they should be removed. This noise issue comes down to Situational Awareness, not the method used to secure your blouse. I make more noise opening my ruck than I do getting into any of my shirt pockets.

Nametapes and patches: I would tell you that if you cant grab the right top on the way out the door to work then you should get up earlier to check those things or set aside your uniform the night before so its not an issue. I have all of my patches/tabs/tapes on every ACU uniform I own. As for the pin-ons, I dont wear them so I will refrain on commenting on this with the exception of stating there is a company who makes plastic badges and I hear they are great...

Serviceability: They need alot of work. I find the blouse to fit better than the BDU top but the pants need some work. As well they should be using stronger thread to keep the crotch from ripping out. Fortunately for me I wear BDU's where I am for everything except the Dog and Pony show from time to time.

"Perks": ACH's, we wear them, you just might not be around to see it.

As for the rest of our kit and "perks," SOF's jobs very greatly from the conventional military much of the time and as such we have some leniency in the choices we make and what we wear because at times we need to look different than the other soldiers in the battlespace. There are also times it benefits us more to look like everyone else.


Helomedic:

If you are fed up with the MP's (you cant spell wimp without MP) you can always put in your packet for SFAS... Dont bitch about it, do something about it.

Crip

 

[pardus]

OMG where to even start this reply...

Velcro, again: If the argument on the uniform comes down to noisy velcro then we should remove it from all of our pouches and other kit and while we are at it large zippers can be just as noisy if opened quickly so they should be removed. This noise issue comes down to Situational Awareness, not the method used to secure your blouse. I make more noise opening my ruck than I do getting into any of my shirt pockets.

lol poor Crip My pouches didn't have velco nor my shirts zippers

There was one unit that was banned for a time from wearing rain gear as they are noisy but that was recindered.

The velcro is a minor issue to my mind compared to the colour of the ACUs but it was brought up so i'm giving my $8 worth.

 

[pardus]

the kits are here:

http://www.oregonaero.com/p81_2001.html

good stuff. THE most comfortable helmet pads, period. this basically turns a PASGT helmet into an ACH. the only difference being, you have protection over your ears, wheras the ACH does not have such shielding.

and I believe I have 2 mediums.

Thanks r.e. the oregonareo.

I will gladly take a medium PASGT off your hands! :)

PM me when you get a chance.

 

[surgicalcric]

...The velcro is a minor issue to my mind compared to the colour of the ACUs but it was brought up so i'm giving my $8 worth.

$8 is a pretty conservative figure if you ask me... lol

I knew I had forgotten something in my last post. The colors do suck, atleast the 2 different shades of grey/foliage green 504. I dont dislike the digital pattern but there needs to be some green (ranger green comes to mind) in the pattern to blend in down here where I am. I have seen the ACU's being worn in this area for the obligatory photo ops for a magazine and they stand out worse than most can believe. I will see if I can dig up a few of the pics since we have a few on our shared drive...

Crip