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DEL.ICIO.USSome Ga. troops blister tattered desert uniforms
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Soldiers in the 48th Brigade Combat Team were thrilled to be the first to march off to war wearing the Army’s new mint-green, digital camouflage uniforms.
But after almost two months in the sands of Iraq, the reviews on the new duds are decidedly mixed.
Some Georgia Army National Guard soldiers say the uniforms are falling apart and aren’t ready for prime-time combat operations.
“They’re just not holding up,” said Staff Sgt. John Shaw, 43, of Long County as he stitched pants seams in two of his four uniforms. “Six uniforms might last a year over here. I doubt four will.”
Georgia Guard soldiers were supplied in February with four uniforms each. They say the seams wear out first, followed by the material in the seats. In addition, the Velcro used to affix rank insignias, name tags and unit patches creates problems because it gets clogged with sand.
Army officials said they will stand behind the uniforms until they have evidence that the problems are widespread and not isolated to a few soldiers. They said the changes in the Army’s battle clothing were not purely cosmetic, but were designed to improve a soldier’s performance in combat.
Officials who work for the Army’s soldier equipment division suggested that the 48th’s complaints are surfacing because Guard soldiers are not used to wearing any uniforms around the clock and have unrealistic expectations of normal wear and tear.
“I will tell you that I will be the first one to be called a goat if these uniforms don’t work out,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Myhre, a member of the 2nd Infantry Division’s Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis, Wash., which tested the uniforms in Iraq from October 2003 to October 2004.
Lt. Col. John Lemondes, who heads the Army agency that developed the uniform, said the new 50 percent cotton, 50 percent polyester uniforms are made of the exact same material and have the same thread count as their old summer-weight predecessor.
“For many of these Guard soldiers â€â€? this is the first combat uniform they have worn,” Lemondes said. “They have no basis for comparison.”
Myhre said that Stryker Brigade soldiers, when given the new uniforms � known as the ACU for Army Combat Uniform � for testing, preferred them over the old Desert Combat Uniforms, now worn by most soldiers in Iraq.
“They loved them,” Myhre said.
Soldiers from the 48th Brigade are the only ones wearing the new uniforms in Iraq. However, all soldiers are likely to begin wearing them within a few years. Having a single uniform rather than one with a green, woodland camouflage and the other with a tan, desert camouflage, was the whole point of developing ACUs.
The uniforms differ from their predecessors in about 20 ways. Buttons are gone; zippers are in. Slanted chest pockets and shoulder pouches were designed to make them more accessible while wearing body armor. Velcro patches mean soldiers don’t have to sew name tags, insignia and unit patches.
But 48th soldiers say that in addition to filling with dust and dirt, the Velcro frequently snags on other material and loses its fastening ability in harsh desert conditions.
Sgt. Timothy Hass, 33, of Kennesaw said the Velcro has another drawback.
“Every time I take my flak vest off, I end up inadvertently removing unit patches,” said Hass, a Cobb County Police motorcycle cop. “Sewing them on would be a lot better.”
Myhre said soldiers get specific instructions for cleaning the Velcro patches with a small green brush that comes in their weapons cleaning kits. “For the guy who is doing this every single day it becomes these little tricks of the trade. These are all learned behaviors,” Myhre said, referring to uniform maintenance habits.
The Army Combat Uniforms are more expensive � about $88 a set, $30 more than the old style.
But Lemondes said the no-iron fabric and Velcro patches end up saving money � as much as $6 to $20 per uniform for patches and even more in laundering costs since no professional care is required.
Spc. Darryl Wilson, 37, of Jonesboro said soldiers from other Army units frequently ask him about the new uniforms when he travels to larger bases near Baghdad International Airport.
“I feel like a fashion model whenever I go up there,” said Wilson, a loadmaster at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in civilian life.
Wilson, who is based at Forward Operating Base Michael in Mahmudiyah, said, “Some of the guys think the ACUs look futuristic and like them a lot. Others don’t like the look at all.”
Wilson says he recommends the uniforms because they’re lighter, more comfortable and dry faster than other uniforms. Wilson also has a desert camouflage uniform that he says is heavier and less comfortable than the ACUs.
Shaw said comfort should be secondary, though.
Desert combat uniforms are “more durable, and over here durability is more important than comfort,” he said.
Hass said the new uniforms are well-designed but could have been made a bit tougher.
“It’s not strong enough,” he said. “I like looking cool, but it ruins the effect when you sit down and the crotch seams rip.”
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By Soldiers Wife
July 18, 2005 01:48 AM | Link to this
It’s going to be difficult for the soldier’s who have ripped,torn ACU’s, to “prove” to the designer’s of the ACU’s that the uniform needs improvement. A huge percentage of the 48th (all units within) are prior active duty soldier’s, so they do have a point of reference on the durability and wear and tear of the ACU’s compared to the DCU’s and BDU’s. Wouldnt it be great if SUPPLY went ahead and ordered at least two more uniforms per soldier for the duration of the deployment!! The stitching may be the same count, but the thread is weaker. The material is a thinner thread count than it’s DCU’s counterpart-which makes wicking more effective. But that also means places like knees, seat, and waistbands wear much quicker, even though it is suppose to have ripstop. Velcro is always a great idea, but velcro like anything else is conditional to the environment you wear it in. When it is eat, sleep, mission, shower every 3 days, eat, sleep, mission,…. wouldnt getting out your tiny brush to clean your velcro be last thing on your mind?? The soldier’s will bring their four pairs of ACU’s home when they get leave, and the wives, mother’s, aunts, and others will spend their time sewing and patching and repairing. If you need to get your soldier a pair, you can get the Combat Ready ACU’s from Brigade Quartermaster, at www.actiongear.com.
By Jenny
July 18, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this
I get so frustrated with people basically saying, “Oh they’re National Guard. They just don’t understand.” That ranks right up there with saying, “They’re from Georgia so shoes and indoor plumbing are new.” The 48th Brigade soldiers are there, in the sand, doing the mission, and wearing the uniform - not sitting in an office in Washington saying, “Boy don’t those look good!” Why can’t they seriously look to see which complaints are valid instead of brusing them off to ignorance? As for Velcro…great stuff, but I deal with it on orthopedic braces every day, and it does wear out and get full of gunk. Maybe these soldiers DO know what they’re talking about after all!
By Rodney K. Brown
July 18, 2005 09:27 AM | Link to this
We are in a war and we are talking about fashion. O.K. The new uniforms are 50% Cotton and 50% Polyester. Unless someone has come up with a new way to make polyester, being an old garment man from Bremen Georgia, the Clothing Center of the South, it’s my experience that polyester will wear out far sooner than cotton. And seeing as how the wear and tear of these uniforms are on knees and seats, what these soldiers are experiencing is pretty normal for polyester. It should wear out about twice as fast.
By Spc Sean Brown
July 18, 2005 10:04 AM | Link to this
Yes we are National Guard but we perform the same job over here as the Active guys and gals do. We all work together,we are all away from our families,and lastly we all work together. Our spouses back home suffer just as the active wives do. The uniform is not bad but is fading quickly and yes when you take your body armor off the patches come off as well. It will be great to wear back home without all the protective gear on but here yes we need to sew a few of the patches on. When the whole Army goes to the uniform noone will know who is who…National Guard or Active Duty…. We are all VERY active duty in Iraq.GodSpeed
By Denise Fields
July 18, 2005 10:14 AM | Link to this
I too am sick of our soldiers being referred to as just “National Guard Soldiers”. Our men are there doing the job and making the sacrifice and believe it or not they know what works in a combat situation just as well as a active duty soldier. These uniforms may have the same the thread count but they are not as durable as the DCU’s. And as for the velcro…yea it sounds like a good idea but anyone who has dealt with velcro knows it does not last forever, especially in the environment they are in. Come on..do you really expect a soldier in a combat situation to have to stop everyday and clean the velcro with his “little brush”…I think they have bigger issues to worry with than keeping the velcro pad clean.
By Gail
July 18, 2005 10:46 AM | Link to this
Before some say that the new uniforms are so wonderful why don’t they take a survey of how many of the soldiers have pants that the crotch is ripped out? They would then know just how well they hold up. As for the National Guard not knowing how uniforms should hold up, how about the ones that have been active duty for years. May of them had the seats already ripped before they left for Iraq, and for various reasons were unable to DX them. With the Iraqi culture, how do you think it looks, when the soldier is on patrol and the crotch rips out. The Iraqi kids point and laugh. Is this how we want our soldiers preforming their mission? I think not! If the army can’t afford to give them 2 new uniforms, can’t they at least replace the torn pants?
By SOLDIERS WIFE
July 18, 2005 10:55 AM | Link to this
i have come to like the look of the new uniform but from the beginning i knew velcro was not the best thing to use.
it makes me so mad that my husband is over there with 4 pairs of pants and all but one has the crotch ripped out. he says when they walk thru town the kids point and laugh. they are fighting over there and should at least be supplied with more uniforms. i’m not even sure how many pants he has gone thru because while they were in training in states he had several pairs rip but was able to turn them in to get new ones. since he’s been in iraq he’s already repaired his pants when he got to kuwait now they are ripped again and they’ve only been there 2 months. we are sending material to him to repair them. no telling how many times he’ll have to repair them. we are looking to buy him more pants but they are expensive and hard to find. but i think it shouldn’t be our responsbility to find new pants for him the army should see this and issue new pants for them. he says that every solider has at least one pair of pants that are ripped. it doesn’t sound like it is an isolated problem.
By Ken C.
July 18, 2005 11:28 AM | Link to this
Regardless of all the pros and cons of the new ACUs. It is completely wrong that the best military in the world cannot insure that our soldiers have replacement uniforms. AS to the comments from the “experts”,that the NG does have the experience wearing combat uniforms is completely out of line. I would think that the command staff of the 48th would make sure that our soldiers are well supplied. Maybe a photo of a soldier with a ripped out crotch on his ACUs on the front page of the the major newspapers would work. Meanwhile, we will continue to buy ACU print fabric at Wal-Mart to send for uniform repair.
By Solider's Wife
July 18, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this
As an active duty spouse for 10 years and to boot a Rapid Deployment spouse to a husband sent all over the world in 24 hours…..MY NATIONAL GUARD SOLIDER DOES KNOW WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT. And I am ashamed that the AJC would KEEP calling our soliders out and depicting them as simple minded part timers. They are giving their lives and their families for the Operation in Freedom. Let’s treat them with just as much respect if not more for their courage. Would these AJC reports leave their families and pick up a gun and go out on patrol and be willinng to kill for that freedom instead of holding a pencil and “reporting” back home??? I think not!
By Tony A.
July 18, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this
The same old thing over and over again. Its just National Guard! WHen are they ever going to realise that they are doing the same job as them and if wasn’t for the citizen soldier the regular army would be deployed more often. Maybe this is one of the reasons that retention is down. Being treated as second class citizens at the military bases.
By Steve
July 18, 2005 12:27 PM | Link to this
The problem here is twofold. First and foremost, our National Guard troops are being treated like the red-headed stepchild of the US military - AGAIN. These men and women are doing the same job under the same conditions and are taking the same risks as our “professional” soldiers, sailors and airmen. Petty infighting only serves to denigrate some of the people who are there in harm’s way.
Second, as the son of a career Army officer, I know that it has been practice for generatrions to go with a new design, unifrom, etc., come hell or high water once money has been appropriated and spent on it. The new ACUs are the uniform of the day, or soon will be. Military brass needs to recognize that the new wonder uniform is not perfect, suck it up and make the adjustments and changes needed to accomodate our troops. You can bet when it’s anyone other than Guard members who are complaining about rips, tears and uniforms wearing out, there will be hell to pay.
By Greg
July 18, 2005 12:33 PM | Link to this
As a retired Army Officer who spent time in both combat and in Washington, I can understand the frustration expressed by the soldiers of the 48th Brigade Combat Team. What they have to realize is that there are political and economic pressures at hand whenever there is a change in basic issue materials, be that main battle tanks or in this case uniforms. Often times “field testing” is a misnomer and is expected to be “field acceptance”. When the anticipated positive responses are not forthcoming then the plan of action is often to discredit the messanger. I encourage the members of the 48th Brigade Combat Team to continue to point out any and all problems that they encounter with the new uniforms with the hopes that those of the Army’s soldier equipment division will eventually heed their input.
By A soldier in iraq
July 18, 2005 12:35 PM | Link to this
As a soldier who spent more than a decade on active duty I believe I have realistic expectations of fair wear and tear. After going through numerous setsof BDU’s, probably close to about 30 sets I have never had the crotch rip out of a set and I know of very few soldiers who have. As for this being the first combat uniform worn by national guard soldiers I can’t believe LTC Lomondes even said that. Mostof the guardsmen in my unit had combat patches from Desert Storm, Somali, and a few even had them from Vietnam, among other places. How many active duty soldiers today have seen combat in Vietnam. The active army needs to realize that national guardsmen are doing the same thing they are and should not get brushed off when they have a valid complaint. These army equipment division soldiers should worry more about durability and usability than fashion. This is a combat zone not a runway show.
By Ashley
July 18, 2005 01:01 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to correct something stated in the above story. The 48th is not the only group wearing the new uniforms. I am currently deployed to Camp Buehring in Kuwait, a transient camp. We see all the soldiers heading up to Iraq (we saw the 48th when they were coming through here). There are many many many soldiers wearing the new uniform.
By Soldiers Wife
July 18, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this
I would like to see Lt Col Lemondes walk around with his pants ripped at the crotch and see how he feels and eveyone one else who said, THAT THE NATIONAL GUARD DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. But guess what that will NEVER HAPPEN. As for the National Guard being treated differently that is very true. We were at a Marine Base, trying to get a Car Decal, and they told us that they cann’t help National Guard Soldeirs only Active Duty Soldiers.
Thank you
By Beverly Wiggins
July 18, 2005 01:39 PM | Link to this
Dearest Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Myhre, Lt. Col. John Lemondes and Army Officials who work for the Army’s soldier equipment division…GET A CLUE! There’s a very good reason why the “NATIONAL GUARD” soldiers are experiencing the ripped-out uniforms and clogged velcro…THEY’RE FIGHTING A WAR IN DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS!THEY’RE PATROLING UNMERCIFULLY HOT DUSTY ROADS…and WALLOWING IN THE SLUDGE-FILLED CANALS 18 to 23 HOURS A DAY…EVERYDAY! I’m sure your “Test Uniforms” performed wonderfully….(for whatever POLITICAL REASON!!)But IN THE REAL WORLD…they evidently DON’T HOLD Up! Or is it just those ole’ignorant National Guard Soliders trying to make all of you LOOK BAD? Give me a BREAK! If you won’t admit you POSSIBLY could be WRONG…at least issue the guys more uniforms!! It’s the UNTIMATE SHAME AND DISGRACE in that society to have you crotch ripped open and exposed. American Troops deserve better than that…no matter WHO THEY ARE! Oh yes…and I am so glad you reminded our National Guard Troops about the SMALL GREEN BRUSH’S that they are suppose to use to un-clog their velcro! Between fighting INSURGENTS, DODGING MORTAR ROUNDS and IED’S…it probably SLIPPED THEIR MINDS!!
By Soldiers Wife
July 18, 2005 02:10 PM | Link to this
PLEASE BE ADVISED!!! IN A PREVIOUS COMMENT POSTED THERE IS A REFERENCE MADE TO A WEBSITE TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL ACU’S FOR YOUR SOLDIER. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH OFFICIALS WHO HAVE RECENTLY MADE ME AWARE OF A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE KNOCK OFF VERSIONS OF THE ACU’S AVAILABLE ONLINE! PLEASE READ THE COMMENT BELOW, AND AVIOD SENDING YOUR SOLDIER THESE KNOCK OFF UNIFORMS FROM www.actiongear.com ! There was a reference to www.actiongear.com. The uniform featured at this sight is not the Military ACU and would not be authorized for the Soldier to wear. The most obvious problem is the shoulder pockets are not the correct type and would stand out like a sore thumb. Additionally, IR protection would not be present in these type of knock off’s, presenting a possible danger to your Soldier if the enemy is using night vision goggles. Please get the word out to the Soldiers and family that it would be inadvisable to purchase these knock off uniforms for Soldiers in a combat environment.
By Sgt. Brown
July 18, 2005 02:58 PM | Link to this
As an NCO with a great deal of active duty experience, I take exception to the comment that we are but mere Guardsmen who haven’t a clue about the wear of a uniform. I have many years of active duty military. I have been through two prior uniform transitions and this uniform, while it has several posotives, is without a doubt the least durable that I’ve worn.
By Calhoun GA
July 18, 2005 08:35 PM | Link to this
What troubles me is nowhere in this article does it indicate a plan of action to get more uniforms to our soldiers. It doesn’t matter who’s the first to wear them, whether they were previously active duty or not, their experience in comparing them, or who might be at fault in the design; they are ripping apart - GET MORE UNIFORMS TO OUR SOLDIERS ON THE DOUBLE!! USA gives billions of dollars in aid to other counties annually for miscellaneous causes, so there is no acceptable excuse for the lack of ample uniforms for our soldiers. The Army’s Soldier Equipment Division should make whatever changes are needed to the uniform and/or supply of the uniforms as soon as possible to accommodate our soldiers fighting for their lives.
By E.W.Stanford
July 18, 2005 10:18 PM | Link to this
Another example of the lack of proper equipment given to our soldiers in this illegal war. How dare the desk-sitters in Washington send our soldiers out with such inappropriate clothing materials for a desert environment! As for insults to Nat’l Guard soldiers, how dare anyone sully their reputations! They have a proud history and provide a valued service.
By amanda
July 18, 2005 11:33 PM | Link to this
When can you go to Camp Taji, Iraq? There are a lot of the 48th there and they dont get the recognition they deserve. Also the ones pulling guard at Mahmudiyah don’t get the notice they deserve. And another thing The Nat’l Guard Soldiers are just as important as the full time active duty soldiers. They do just as much and sometimes more. Each soldier deserves just as much recognition as the next because they are all over there away from family and friends. So to ALL of YOU SOLDIERS; GOD SPEED AND COME HOME SOON.
By Spc. Crump
July 19, 2005 02:28 AM | Link to this
Yes I am National Guard, and yes I have been active duty. I was in Desert Storm with the Marine Corps infantry. To be told I’m just a National Guardsman is an insult I cannot accept. Is my blood not as red? Do I not die as easily? Comparing my deployments from active duty to the Guard. The Guard deployments are much harder. I am not simply changing barracks, or with base i’m on. I’m leaving my wife and children, my home. Do not patronize or belittle my position. I do have realistic expectations of my uniform. These new digital uniforms fail any comparison to the old ones. I have never had the crotch rip out of my old BDUs. I’ve had 3 of my 4 rip in the past month. These uniforms are not about eogs and who is a “goat” or not. It’s about giving our troops what they need. If American forces are to walk around with tattered uniforms with parts of their bodies exposed. Then these uniforms are just the thing. As for the velcro…I find it unprofessional and amateurish.
By Janicia
July 19, 2005 11:23 AM | Link to this
It’s quite simple. If the uniform is not holding up, they need more of them.. Issue them NOW!
By Jan Loftus
July 19, 2005 12:33 PM | Link to this
Another thought on there being very little news from Taji. Your info is great but why not give more to all areas. My prayers are with all of the soldiers and especially, Sgt Heskett in the MD National Guard. Since you will be there only a few more days, please cover some activities from Taji. God Bless all of the soldiers.
By Carl
July 19, 2005 02:26 PM | Link to this
As the child of a WWII and Korea veteran who is a retired Air Force Colonel, I find Lt. Col. John Lemondes’ partisanship between the regulars and the reserves and National guard disgusting and, really, par for the course for those of his mindset.
For one, I don’t believe that our National Guard should have left our borders. But the other is that if the new uniforms are that flimsy, then IMMEDIATE STEPS should be made to get any new uniforms reinforced to strengthen them in the areas where they need it (knees, crotch, bottoms). Perhaps a double or triple layer of the new cloth added? Get working on it, military buyers.
Why in the world are we taxpayers having to fork up millions to pay Haliburton’s costs, when they cannot even provide basics to our fighting warriors? Maybe it’s time for a change in Congress too come election time.
By in iraq
July 19, 2005 07:53 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of being called just National Gaurd. I think we get hit harder when we are away. I have buddys here in iraq that make three to four times as much money back home. Some have even had to sell home businesses and cars, because they are not making enough money hear. Please stop referring to us a just “National Gaurd”
By Mother of a Guardsmen
July 19, 2005 11:19 PM | Link to this
I am the mother of a one of these Georgia National Guardsmen, and like all the rest of those that have posted here, is very proud of these wonderul men and women, Andwhat they are doing for OUR country. I totally agree with each and every sentiment that has been shared here.
My son was in Bosnia. He knows what combat is just as many many of these men and women do. I am not accepting anyone insulting these AMERICANS…ever!
Since they are good enough to go fight for our country..then by GOD they are good enough to have uniforms that wear and work for them. They don’t need to be thinking about where I put that darn little brush to clean the velco when they need to be thinking..HOW do I save my mates life…GET real….FIX the uniforms…GIVE them what they need…and do it quick!
By Mother of a Guardsmen
July 19, 2005 11:21 PM | Link to this
I am so proud of what you are all doing by standing up for our men and women in IRAQ…..Never been prouder to be living in Georgia…
Now, who can we send this to that will make a real difference?
By SSG Barry
July 20, 2005 06:18 AM | Link to this
I cannot believe that a “lite” bird colonel in the pentagon has the audacity to cite in writting that Army National Guard soldiers have never worn a combat uniform. I have been in the Army for 20 years 11 of which I spent on active duty and can say that I have worn my “combat” uniform on 2 real world missions 1 with 1Armor Division and 1 with the 3ID. I would also add that the “lite” colonel has insulted every prior service active duty member who is currently serving in the National Guard. I would like to also inform the “lite” colnel that a good 60% of the Guard members have served on active duty prior to joining the Guard. So, if the “lite” colonel is suggesting that we in the Guard do not know how to maintain a uniform what is his explanation for the Active Army’s excuse?
By A Proud Soldier's Wife
July 20, 2005 10:07 AM | Link to this
Why is it that our “just National Guardsmen” were good enough to be called to war but not “good enough” to be recognized for what they are? They are Soldiers!!!!
It must be nice for the pencil pushers to sit in their office saying what can and what can’t work with the uniform, they aren’t out there doing the real job that our soldiers are doing.
To all of the soldiers of the 48th BCT- You guys are the BEST and everyone back home is very proud of you!
By Karen White
July 20, 2005 01:05 PM | Link to this
As a Army wife I am not at all happy with your new version of the new uniforms. From what I’ve hear they don’t hold up. The new uniforms distracts our soldiers from doing the job they have to do. This is not a fashion show or a place to have experimental uniforms, it is combat, it is life and death situations and we want our spouses, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters to come home safe. I am sure if President Bush knew about this he’d have it fixed in a heartbeat he doesn’t play, He’d say fix it. And before we knew it he would have flown a seamtress and all the uniforms required for the unit. We have a wonderful President if he finds out he will fix it.
By Chris Herndon
July 21, 2005 08:44 AM | Link to this
I am a soldier and have been on active duty for almost 20 years. I do not own one of the new uniforms but I do know one thing for sure. Soldiers in the field know more about wear and tear on uniforms and equipment than soldiers serving in the Washington DC area. I am currently serving in the Pentagon and have completed two deployments in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
If LTC Lemondes visits the 48th Brigade in Iraq he will see for himself the problems that they are having. I am sure he is a very good soldier and is doing his best to develop and field a new uniform that will be better than the BDU and DCU.
Let the good soldiers get together, talk and something great will come out of it.
Regards,
By SGT Doughten
July 22, 2005 03:10 AM | Link to this
I am not sure what LTC Lemondes comments were intended to insinuate, but I wish he would either apologize or explain his remarks to the rest of us. I am a National Guard soldier and very proud of the fact that I get to help the great nation that has given me so much. However, I am very insulted when comments are made to degrade or lessen our sacrifice. Many of my civilian soldier friends are taking on serious financial burdens due to deployment. Everyone, both at home and abroad take on these hardships knowing full well of the possible consequences. As a country that has become politically correct, I think it prudent that we be more sensitive to all our brothers and sisters who wear the uniform. In regards to the durability of the new uniforms, I have not been issued them thus far. In light of this, I think it best to take every issue that is brought to the table as valid. Our leaders should entertain any and all ideas that are feasable to make these uniforms the best they can be. With all this being said, I once again would greatly appreciate a response from our LTC Lemondes so as to not tarnish one mans reputation for something that may have been said with a tongue and cheek meaning.
By Jenny
July 25, 2005 12:20 AM | Link to this
I do not mean this in an ugly way, but I read an article today that stated that the new ACU’s are sewn by persons who are visually impaired. In light of all the problems and comments, wouldn’t it be prudent to let them contine to sew the web belts and helmet straps, and pass along the ACU sewing to someone else? I know the military supports the Lighthouse for the Blind by using many items they produce, but maybe this isn’t the best choice.
By MP SSG
July 25, 2005 06:34 PM | Link to this
Where are all the CSM’s? Shouldn’t they be there taking care of their soldier’s needs? There has to be some CSM’s out there seeing this first hand and can report it back through the chain of command to get these issues properly addressed.
Maybe direct contact with PEO will also help to address this issue in a more timely manner. Knowing the previous BDU’s went through several generations themselves, it will be no wonder that these uniforms will also go through more that the three that they have to date.
By Sgt Allen F Gaskill,C Co 108 Ar
July 28, 2005 09:14 AM | Link to this
I have been wearing uniforms since 1981 and have never had uniforms that fall apart as easily or as quick as the new ACU,,if you want to see the tatered and toren uniforms send a photographer to Yusafiyah,, and look around at the crotches, pockets, and torn seats , that we see everyday.. If you really want to know how bad they are give them to a farmer boy back in the States and watch him cuss and throw the things away in a month of wearing ,,,,,maybe they will believe someone back home ,,,, they don’t seem to take what we say seriously…