On 14 June 2004 -- the 229th birthday of the United States

Army -- the Army officially unveiled its new wrinkle-free uniform digitized camouflage pattern combat uniform designed with major input by the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Corps and enlisted Soldiers, and tested by Stryker Brigade Soldiers in Iraq since October 2003.

Three different versions of the ACU have been developed, and more than 10,000 uniforms have been produced and battle-tested in the sands of Iraq and at Army training

centers. Current fielding plans call for fielding to the total Army by December 2007.

This isn't a cosmetic redesign of the uniform. It is a functionality change of the uniform that will improve the ability of Soldiers to execute their combat mission. Every change was made for a reason. The bottom pockets on the jacket were removed and placed on the shoulder sleeves so Soldiers can have access to them while wearing body armor. The pockets were also tilted forward so that they are easily accessible. Buttons were replaced with zippers that open from the top and bottom to provide comfort while wearing armor.

There were 18 changes made to the uniform, to include removing the color black and adapting the digital print from the Marine Corps uniform to meet the needs of the Army.

The Army's Natick Laboratory in Natick, Mass., took the original digital pattern to the next level by developing a pattern for world-wide theaters to encompass both the BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) and DCU (Desert Combat Uniform) requirements. Black is no longer useful on the uniform because it is not a color found in woodland areas. The current colors on the ACU are green and sandy brown.

There has not been a major change to the US Army uniforms since the BDUs were introduced in the early 1980s. This new uniform performs well in multiple environments. Its new pockets and color designs are a result of Soldiers in combat. It is designed to meet actual wartime requirements. Patches and tabs are affixed to the uniform with Velcro to give the wearer more flexibility and to save the Soldier money

. Soldiers can take the name-tapes and patches off their uniforms before laundering, which will add to the life-cycle of the patches.

The ACU will consist of a jacket, trousers, moisture-wicking t-shirt and the brown combat boots. It will replace both versions of the BDU and DCU. The black beret will be the normal headgear for the ACU, but there is a matching patrol cap and boonie hat to be worn at the commander's discretion.

In addition to the overall pattern and color changes, the ACU changes include:

1. Mandarin collar that can be worn up or down
2. Rank insignia affixed above right chest pocket
3. Velcro for wear