Military uniforms have undergone significant changes over the years, with one of the biggest changes being their colors. These changes aimed to improve the demands of our service members and their operations. As technology evolved, our nation has developed some of the most effective combat uniforms yet. We’ll guide you through the history of our combat uniforms, the current uniforms, and the camouflage patterns used in old and new military attire.

How Military Combat Uniforms Colors Have Evolved

The United States military has been wearing uniforms since the American Revolution. The revolutionaries wore blue uniforms, a stark contrast to the red coats worn by the British. The United States military continued to wear blue uniforms well into the 19th century, with the only exception being the Confederate soldiers who wore gray and “butternut” colors.

Once the war with Spain started in the late 1800s, American troops started wearing khaki, which was used to better blend into their environments. However, only troops that saw combat were issued khaki uniforms due to production issues, while some units still wore the same blue. This was the last war where Army blue was worn into combat.

At the start of World War I, the United States military still wore khaki made from olive drab (OD) wool. The uniform was altered slightly compared to its Spanish-American counterparts, which included drab lace cuffs, a standing collar, and four patch pockets.

After the United States entered World War II, service members started wearing OD and featured notable improvements, including water-resistant fabric and dual-weather usage for summer and winter deployments. During World War II, camouflage was starting to be developed to help conceal soldiers in the field.

In the Vietnam War, service members were able to wear olive green and khaki. Combat uniforms were made from tiger stripe camouflage, though its use was limited compared to how camo is used today. Tiger stripe camo usually had a base color of green, but sometimes had a base of brown or silver khaki. The uniform featured black stripes, which is how it got its name.

In Desert Storm and Desert Shield, troops wore the Desert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU), which was also known as “chocolate chip” or “cookie dough” camouflage patterns. This camo used a base color of light tan and included different-sized patches of brown shades and pale green. DBDUs also included splotches of white and black to mimic the appearance of rocks and their shadows.

Eventually, the older camos were phased out since they were thought to be less effective at keeping troops hidden in combat environments. Military uniforms have been evolving to create more better camouflage patterns that are more effective in various environments.

Current U.S. Military Uniforms

The evolution of military uniforms occurred to address the changing combat environments across the world. Now, we have some of the best uniforms available to service members since the beginning of our nation’s history. Below, we’ll cover some of the latest military uniforms issued to our troops today.

OCPs

Operational Camouflage Patterns (OCPs) are worn by the Army, Air Force, and Space Force. OCPs replaced Universal Camouflage Patterns (UCPs), which weren’t as effective at concealing troops from enemy observation.

OCP patterns feature four unique colors, which include two brown shades, light beige, and muted green. You’ll find OCP uniforms called Multicam OCP or Scorpion OCP, which feature the same colors but slight variances in their patterns.

Generally, OCPs are made from cotton and are combined with coyote brown boots. OCPs are more effective at keeping service members hidden from enemy detection while stationed overseas in combat zones.

NWU Type III

The Navy wears the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) while in combat to prevent damage to their dress uniforms. At first, Navy sailors wore NWU Type I, which was a blue, black, and gray camo, but there was some doubt surrounding the uniform’s ability to conceal service members. As a result, NWU Type I was replaced with NWU Type III, which sailors wear now.

NWU Type III features a digital woodland pattern with alterations to the colors to better suit the applications of the Navy. This uniform is paired with black or coyote boots.

MCCUUs

The Marines were one of the first branches to create their own uniforms, which became the Marine Pattern, also known as MARPAT. Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms (MCCUUs) use the digital woodland pattern, but Marines can also wear digital desert, depending on their operations.

MCCUUs feature a stitched eagle, globe, and anchor. This emblem is also found on a Marine’s boots, stitched on the heel.

ODUs

Up until 2004, the Coast Guard wore the same uniforms as the Navy, which was their Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs). Once each branch started to create and wear their own uniforms, the Coast Guard started to develop their own uniform.

The Coast Guard now wears the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU), which consists of dark blues and blacks. A Coast Guardsman would wear black safety boots with their uniform while completing their daily duties.

A Comprehensive List of Uniform Colors and Camos By Branch

Every branch is designated certain camo and colors for their uniforms, and most of their gear must stay the same color. Color cohesion is essential to ensure service members stay concealed while in combat situations. Wearing the same colors also creates a sense of community among our troops. The colors each branch are permitted to wear or use with their gear are as follows:

●Army: OCP

●Marines: Digital Desert and Digital Woodland

●Navy: NWU Type III

●Air Force: OCP

●Coast Guard: Navy Blue

●Space Force: OCP

Each type of uniform will have its own regulations, which will need to be followed strictly. For example, the Army wears OCP for their uniform, except for their undershirts and boots, which are Coyote. In addition, most branches will allow solid colors, like black, coyote, and OD green.

If you’re not in the military and are unfamiliar with the different uniform regulations, you can find them on each branch’s respective website, or you can talk to a recruiter.

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We offer gear in all current military colors, including OCP, Coyote, Olive Drab, NWU Type III, Digital Desert, and more. Browse our complete color selection today to find exactly what you need for your military career, or contact us with your questions.