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US Army 3-Color Desert BDU Shirt

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Your Price: $15.00

Part Number: USAF3DCU-ARMY

Availability: In Stock.

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Description

Country of Origin: United States of America

"We must stop the terrorists.... now watch this drive!"

The standard 4-pocket Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) was the iconic look of the US Soldier and Marine from the early 1980s onwards to the beginning of the War on Terror. The uniforms were first adopted in limited numbers in September 1981 (hence the nomenclature, "M-81") to replace the dated OG-107 uniforms of the Vietnam era. The following month, it was adopted across the US military throughout the rest of 1981, beginning with the Army followed by the other branches of service. Featuring a distinctive infrared treated print of a unique four-color woodland, it was the first true "camo" uniform adopted in a widespread manner among US forces. For many years, the widespread use of the M81 Woodland pattern on BDU garments made it the iconic look for US servicemen and women across all branches. It become as ubiquitous throughout both the latter stages of the Cold War, and in the pop culture of the 1980-90s. Practical and utilitarian, it was an point of pride among all who donned it during their time in the service. It was eventually replaced in 2005 by the Marine Corps with MARPAT uniforms, and the Army in 2008 with the ACU cut UCP uniforms. The Air Force and Navy followed suit in 2011 and 2012 respectively, marking the end of this legendary uniform.

The unique 3-color desert iteration of the BDU was the sucessor to the 6-color "chocolate chip" camo, developed about a decade later at the US Army's Natick Labratories. Due to the pre-existing stocks of the 6-color desert pattern, and with most US military operations requiring M81 Woodland during the latter stages of the Cold War, the 3-color "coffee stain" camo variant saw virtually no use until 1990 when it was fielded in small quantities just prior to the Gulf War. The Gulf War would ultimately demonstrate some serious inadequacies with the 6-color desert pattern, given that it had too many jagged elements for a flat, desert environment. Thus, the underutilized 3-color "Desert Combat Uniform" (DCU) pattern was thrust into the military limelight again. By 1992, the bulk of US forces on operations in arid environments had largely switched over their uniforms to the 3-color DCU, relegating the 6-color pattern to limited usage as helmet covers and scrim netting. By the outbreak of the Global War on Terror in 2001, US forces would invade Afghanistan and Iraq respectively donning the 3-color pattern. The pattern proved effective, and would on many occasions be modified to suit the operation needs of the wearer, most notably among Special Forces personnel. Carrying US forces throughout the early phases of GWOT, it was fully replaced by the hated UCP pattern by 2008.

Features:

Nylon-Cotton Summer Ripstop construction, unless otherwise stated in variant descriptions
Standard 4 pocket BDU design - double hidden button secured
Pen pocket loop at left hand breast pocket
Hidden button plaquet design
Reinforced elbows
Waist cinching buttons
May additionally feature nametapes, badges, and other unit signifiers - some serious operational use and stories behind 'em all

Sizing Guide:

Chest Fit	Height and Length
Extra Small: 34-36 inch chest fit, garment measures 38 inches across chest	Extra Short: 5’5-5-7 height, garment measures 25 inches from collar stitch to bottom
Small: 36-38 inch chest fit, garment measures 42 inches across chest	Short: 5’6-5’8 height, garment measures 27 inches from collar stitch to bottom
Medium: 38-40 inch chest fit, garment measures 46 inches across chest	Regular: 5’9-5’11 height, garment measures 29 inches from collar stitch to bottom
Large: 40-42 inch chest fit, garment measures 50 inches across chest	Long: 6’0-6’2 height, garment measures 31 inches from collar stitch to bottom
Extra Large: 42-44 inch chest fit, garment measures 54 inches across chest	Extra Long: 6’1-6’3 height, garment measures 33 inches from collar stitch to bottom
Extra Extra Large: 44-46 inch chest fit, garment measures 58 inches across chest	Extra Extra Long: 6’3-6’5+ height, garment measures 35 inches from collar stitch to bottom

All prices are in United States Dollars (USD). We ship internationally!

Note: This product is in "Military Surplus Condition". Please refer to our Shipping and Returns Policy for more details.

US Army 3-Color Desert BDU Shirt

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