Modified Uniforms
 

Alrighty guys I'm looking for some info on your modified uniforms. As for the forum, I found 2 references in one thread on the forum (http://professionalsoldiers.com/foru...niforms&page=2) with a little info on the why. Looking at the BDU pattern, it is clear why they were modified and why big Army adopted the style for the ACU.

What I am looking for is at what level were these modifications made? Were they 'standardized' by the unit or group? Were they done to a personal preference?

What sparked this is I got thee modified BDU's this weekend, the first I've gotten, and I kind of wanted some info direct from the source. I'll include some pics for reference.

#1 - 2003 manufacture date
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/...psd99d4045.jpg

#2 - 1993 manufacture date
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/...ps09f421a1.jpg

#3 1993 manufacture date
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3d982ec0.jpg


With respect,

Red

I made a post or two in there. We modified ours, on mainly a Team by Team decision, but most of us all had the "Lower Pockets" on the Shirt/Blouse/Jacket or whatever, relocated to the upper outside of the sleeve by the shoulder. When we wore our gear, the Pockets on the lower front were TOTALLY useless!!

As I said before, we (Team by Team) would adjust our cammo for each mission depending on what the AO that we were inserting into looked like. We would make this decision after we made our "Overflights" on the Photo Recons. But, as I stated before, in Laos, after 30 min. on the ground you would look like whatever you were into!!!

Later
Martin

I've seen teams modify their gear all the time. Where do you think the leg holsters, A7A strap belts, jungle hats with glitter tape sewn in, rucks with better shoulder straps, rucks with claymore bags sewn on, we modify or make things for our missions.

The mods we do are endless and the ones you mention are the ones you can see.....;)

That's what I tend to see, and for the reasons you've said. I've got a couple in DCU with the exact same mods, using the moved pocket design. Some with velcro, some without.

Are you guys familiar with the Close Combat Uniform (CU/CCU)? It was the first attempt to standardize the mods and it was issued to 2ID then 25th ID for limited use in 03/04 for 'mass' testing. I also learned from my former battery commander who was an FSO for one of the groups in A-stan, that he got issued a set as well (http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3df9d15a.jpg)

What I find really interesting is that you guys make the big Army thing logically about equipment and designs.

Personal preference - we didn't use velcro for anything - that noise carries a long ways...especially at night.

Like the 'beep' on an electric watch - we didn't use those, either.

Just sayin'...

Richard :munchin

I always thought the same thing about the switch to velcro. namtapes, etc makes sense because you're not taking those off constantly. But the sleeve pockets (which on the CCU were snaps), just didn't make sense as you access that quite a lot (from personal experience as well).

We always used buttons - quiet, always worked, could be easily repaired.

No snaps, no zippers, no velcro.

Richard :munchin

Come on Richard, velcro was not even invented when you were in the army. You told me how you hated carrying the breech loaders...;)

One of the best tools in the deployment box was a sewing machine.
Fix uniforms, modify in-country issed uniforms, modify kit, make gaiters, make slings, etc....

Yeah, but COL Berdan was ahead of his time by making us carry those Sharps rifles. :p

Richard :munchin

And Richard came in a year after I did ... he didn't have to work with mules like I did! LOL!

Velcro has come a long way
 

If you're worried about velcro, here's a video that some fella made to show how to open a velcro pouch under tactical conditions ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSK3maq8Cyk

It works.
I didn't hear the velcro on that pouch at all. :munchin

I didn't hear it either

As usual, thank you for your responses on this topic it has been very informative.


Red