Crye Precision MultiCam

[Archangel]

Any of you gentlemen know why the Army didn't pick this pattern? Cost maybe?

http://www.mustangmods.com/data/2/cryestrikef.jpg

http://www.mustangmods.com/data/2/cryestrikeback.jpg

http://www.mustangmods.com/data/2/mich2.jpg

http://www.mustangmods.com/data/2/cbp1.jpg

http://www.mustangmods.com/data/2/combat2.jpg

http://www.mustangmods.com/data/2/combat3.jpg


7/20/04 (updated 11/10/04)- The small, New York-based design firm of Crye Associates was formed in 2000 and in 2001 won a contract to participate in the U.S. Army’s project ‘Scorpion’, which was the first phase of FCS (Future Combat Systems) program. Crye’s involvement in the project included a complete redesign/overhaul of the uniform and equipment worn by the combat soldier. One of the many innovative ideas/items that stemmed from that project is a new camouflage pattern. Unofficially referred to as the ‘Scorpion pattern’ until now (as it was born out of the Scorpion project), Crye is now producing it as ‘MultiCam’. Newly established Crye Precision is the manufacturing/production side of design-oriented Crye Associates, and has introduced the pattern, as well as apparel and equipment made in MultiCam. Fabrics in 1000d and 500d Cordura and 2 weights of 50/50 NYCO twill are now available.

The MultiCam pattern is a result of extensive development and testing over the past couple of years, by both Crye and the Army. It is designed to work in multiple environments (hence its name) – which include desert, woodland and urban. Although it came out on top in Army tests, the Army has decided to go with new ACU pattern which is basically a variation of the MARPAT pattern used by the USMC, with changes in colour. Why they chose grey as the overall shade, I don’t know.
Crye studied the many factors that affect camouflage, like geography, seasonal changes, varying lighting conditions, shape and form in the development of the pattern and colours.

MultiCam is comprised of six colours, (note that I'm using names that I'm most familiar with to describe the colours and that may not be entirely accurate)- a dark chocolate brown, a medium/flat earth brown, MJK khaki/green, medium green, desert pink, and a light grey (the base fabric natural colour). What makes it difficult to describe (and see) is that some of these colours are gradiated and fade into each other in some places. Another feature of MultiCam is that is does not consist of a uniformly tight pattern that repeats itself freqently. The medium shades of colour alternate in a larger pattern, so that an area will change from a predominantly green hue to a brownish one a yard down. The small blotches of grey and dark brown will sometimes cluster in one area, then be absent in another. This combination of tight pattern and larger, 'seasonal change' enables MultiCam to work both close up and from a distance away. The large changes of overall tone break up one the silhouette of the larger form while the smaller patterns blend it with the immediate environment. Crye coined the term 'macroflage' for the way the distribution of large areas of colour works. Photo (1) on the left shows 4 different swatches cut from different areas of fabric. The top left swatch is predominantly green while the bottom left one is brown. The ones on the right incorporate the smaller blotches of colour. Photos (2) and (3) show Multicam in arid (L) and woodland (R) environments

[Archangel]

Seems so much more effective than the ACU:

http://www.mustangmods.com/data/2/mc1.jpg

http://www.mustangmods.com/data/2/mc2.jpg

http://www.multicampattern.com/img/splash_graphic5.jpg

http://www.multicampattern.com/img/splash_graphic2.jpg

http://www.multicampattern.com/img/splash_graphic3.jpg

http://www.multicampattern.com/img/splash_graphic4.jpg

http://www.multicampattern.com/img/splash_graphic.jpg

[eggroll]

AA

It is an effective pattern which I find more effective than that of the Universal pattern. Why Big Green opted to go this route, I cannot say.... The MC is flying out of my doors, I can never keep enough for reserve.... on thing I find interesting is the degree of color/tonal variation across a swath of material.

EGG

[Archangel]

AA

It is an effective pattern which I find more effective than that of the Universal pattern. Why Big Green opted to go this route, I cannot say.... The MC is flying out of my doors, I can never keep enough for reserve.... on thing I find interesting is the degree of color/tonal variation across a swath of material.

EGG
I think the bottom line was the cost issue.

[The Reaper]

I think the bottom line was the cost issue.

More like the NIH Syndrome by Natick.

TR

[Peregrino]

More like the NIH Syndrome by Natick.

TR

I can't help but agree - it's the only thing that would explain why we have the ACU and not the Crye system. From a (former) soldier's perspective it doesn't make sense to deprive the troops of the best system available for what appears to be partisan politics. On top of which - supposedly Crye was doing the development at the behest of the military. FWIW, I looked at the Crye "ensemble" at the SHOT Show and was very impressed. The multi-cam is nice but it's just part of the entire concept. Crye's approach was so radically different from the BDU and Natick bureaucracy solutions that I had to stretch my prejudices a bit to slow down and really look at it. It is definitely a field/combat uniform and there is a lot more to it than just the multi-cam pattern. It looked to me as though the designers/engineers actually answered (or tried to answer) some of the bitches we've all had about our uniforms and equipment. Even the body armor and LBE were novel concepts. I found them to be interesting and worth looking into - BUT - I would have to wear it in a real world environment to have an opinion worth putting forward as a recommendation. Looking good on the showroom dummy and performing well on a "live action dummy" in the field are two wildly different things.

On the other hand we have the Army's answer. After visiting the 5th Gp CoC and seeing the new Army uniform (and talking with the guys wearing it) I was NOT impressed. I'll be getting a personal take on it as soon as they get back. I figure a year in the sandbox (probably with pithy interim reports) will give the ACU a thorough shakedown. My source is not known for reticence or tact - if he has an opinion I can guarantee he will share the whole thing, completely unvarnished, without any consideration for the sacred cows involved. I'll keep everyone informed as circumstances warrant. Peregrino

[The Reaper]

Have to agree.

Don't like the ACU pattern, design, material, or the construction. Looks like s**t in garrison, and doesn't appear too comfortable or practical for patrolling either. Pattern is noticable in green jungle/woods and desert.

100% cotton ripstop, lots of pockets, no starching, BDU and DCU patterns. The old jungles (with pockets relocated and a VELCRO patch for a removeable fabric nameplate) were just about perfect, need an modern updated camo pattern like the Crye.

Maybe next time the soldiers will get some input rather than the CSM mafia.

TR

[Archangel]

I'm hoping that after reviews / complaints come back from the field that the ACU will become a fad like New Coke & they would reconsider the MultiCam.

[The Reaper]

I'm hoping that after reviews / complaints come back from the field that the ACU will become a fad like New Coke & they would reconsider the MultiCam.

Too much institutional baggage already.

TR

[frostfire]

this is quite old...just in case for those who have not heard/seen it yet

http://projects.star.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/projects/MEDIA/xv/oc.html

perhaps one day it will find military/tactical application....now where did I put that Predator DVD...

[NousDefionsDoc]

I like the looks of the Crye stuff. The body armor looks very comfy.

[Archangel]

this is quite old...just in case for those who have not heard/seen it yet

http://projects.star.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/projects/MEDIA/xv/oc.html

perhaps one day it will find military/tactical application....now where did I put that Predator DVD...
Predator technology. :D

That's pretty cool. I've only seen the video of the guy in the street, but have not seen the rest.

[Peregrino]

It also has a lot more plate to it. The concept reminds me of the transitional field armor from the 14th century. (A better mix of plate and soft armors resulting from improved technology.) Overall it appears to have much better Level III (maybe Level IV) coverage than anything else out there. Not sure I would want to hump it all day, but it looks like the best stuff available for urban/motorized stuff like the sandbox. Again, I would have to wear it a while before I committed myself. Peregrino

[37F5V]

Maybe next time the soldiers will get some input rather than the CSM mafia.

TR

That will be the day!

I peruse a few other forums dealing with NCO business and the biggest gripe I've seen are NCO's complaining about not having shiney boots and creases to inspect. That same arguement goes on here at work as well if you can believe that... Shit, thats 20 minutes extra each day that I can worry about conducting training as opposed to looking at boots and strings hanging off of crap ass BDUs. If I want to train on the conduct of an inspection I can pick something a bit more "Battle Focused"..... or Class A's.... :D

[optactical]

Unversal Pattern: It's here to stay like the black beret, the only difference is the Universal Pattern won't get your ass kicked by a disgruntled Ranger, rather, it will get your ass shot off anywhere in the jungles of the world. It's basically useless in the Pacific AOR, to light for the J, way too light for Korea, but since when do we fight in the jungle, that's crazy talk. :confused:

Once again the USMC has trumped us by proving that even a Marine knows that the desert comes in a different color than the Woods, curse those bastards and their bottom up gear development, don't they know top down micromanagement is how you run and equip an effective fighting force. :D

As for Multicam, is does work well in both environs, and quite well, I know, I saw some pictures on the website of the guys who sell it. :)

I own a few Multicam items and it works well in the Aussie Savannah, the Korean Penninsula, the forests of Japan, the savannah and jungles of the PI and all over to tell you the truth. As for desert, I don't know, they never hold exercises there, just wars, and SOCPAC doesn't go to war, it might leave a blemish on someone's record (subject to change, I think someone found out we exist recently).

All smart assed comments and disgruntled behavior aside: Multicam GOOD, Universal Pattern NOT CONSIDERED FOR EVALUATION DUE TO SELF PRESERVATION

I'll still let the sales of it put my baby through college :cool:

[militarymoron]

FWIW, i'm not much of a step above a 'live action dummy' being a civvie but i find the whole Crye system pretty well designed and comfortable, based on my limited experience shooting and running around in the stuff. the armour chassis is unlike any other i've worn and while it might 'look' bulky, it's more comfortable and less restrictive feeling than an RAV or interceptor, especially combined with the armoured belt. the chassis is quicker to don and doff or adjust than most.

as a taxpayer, i'm also frustrated that the Army didn't choose the most effective or practical pattern available, and instead came up with the untested ACU pattern. some people have defended that decision explaining that effective camouflage ISN'T important in the Army's role - that it's more for 'uniformity' and recognition/identification. but when you look at the some of the info that natick is putting out, it's claimed to work well in all environments.
universal pattern isn't going to go away anytime soon - that's the idea i get from speaking to material manufacturers.
here's an excerpt from an email notice to ACU pattern manufacturers from natick:

"Update of US Army NSC Airdrop/Air Delivery Equipment Color Transition

This notice is to update the manufacturers of Natick Soldier Center procured Airdrop/Aerial Delivery equipment on how they will be affected by the Army's transition to Universal camouflage and the companion color Foliage Green 504.

Background:
The Army is transitioning to a new camouflage pattern and color scheme which does away with requirements to procure uniforms and equipment focused on specific environments. The new Universal camouflage pattern improves the flexibility of the uniform and equipment because they can now be used across desert, urban and woodland environments. Universal camouflage will replace the Woodland camouflage wherever it is currently used. Universal camouflage is comprised of the following three colors: Desert Sand 500, Urban Gray 501 and Foliage Green 502. It is important to note that when the colors are used individually, they are assigned different color number designations which are Desert Sand 503, Urban Gray 505 and Foliage Green 504. Where Camouflage Green 483 is currently used as a solid color, the new Foliage Green 504 will replace it. A large majority of Airdrop Air Delivery component suppliers have been working very hard since the Fall of 2004 to be able to match their products to the Foliage Green 504 color. Currently none of these colors have a colorchip. In the next few months, a stand alone document containing color chips of all these colors will be published and distributed to all current suppliers and prime manufacturers. These colors WILL NOT be incorporated into FED-STD-595, Color Association of the United States of America or Pantone colorchip systems. Until such time as a colorchip is published, shade matching will be to the "MASTER GOLD STANDARD" of the Universal camouflage pattern Roll# 3729.

How future contracts will be affected:
For new contracts, this transition has been handled through the Specification Conversion Table dated 6 June 2005. This table, which is included with every solicitation and contract, has been updated to state that Universal camouflage and Foliage Green 504 replace Woodland camouflage and Camouflage Green 483 wherever they are currently required. This Conversion Table is only applicable when it is included in the solicitation or contract. You should begin to see this new requirement on upcoming solicitations. As always, if this requirement can't be met a letter of deviation will have to be submitted through the appropriate NSC channels for approval.

How current contracts will be affected:
For current U.S. Army contracts for Airdrop/Air Delivery equipment, the transition is more complicated and will be initiated differently. Prime manufacturers will be officially requested to set their own transition date for each of their contracts individually. This flexibility is to ensure that this transition does not render their current stock of CG 483 components obsolete. The date will be based on their current CG 483 inventory levels for that contract, an estimated timeframe of depletion, and the ability of their suppliers to provide components in FG 504. Current contracts will not be affected in any way until prime manufacturers of Airdrop/Air Delivery equipment have been contacted to provide the above information. "

cheers,
MM