The camouflage pattern will not stand alone among coming changes to the Army Combat Uniform. Joining the camo: a new belt, undershirt and boots.
The new personal gear, expected to roll out this summer, is darker to better match the new Operational Camouflage Pattern. Current lighter colors of the maligned gray Universal Camouflage Pattern would provide stark contrast to the new pattern.
Perhaps most visible: the default Desert Tan boots of today will give way to Coyote Brown 498. The darker color will blend better in a wider variety of environments, according to Program Executive Office Soldier. Coyote brown also does not show dirt or wear as easily as today’s tan boots.
The T-shirt worn under the combat uniform and the belt will shift from Desert Tan colors to Tan 499, which also skews slightly darker, to better compliment the pattern.
The phase-out plan for the old boots, belt and shirt remains unclear. PEO Soldier referred questions concerning the phase-out to Army public affairs at the Pentagon, who did not immediately have an answer. It’s also unclear if soldiers in garrison will have the option of wearing Desert Tan boots and shirts until they wear out.
