The current design has increased the cost a single uniform by over 30%. The previous style BDU (woodland camouflage) uniform costs $60.00 per uniform. The ACU (digital) costs $75.00 and the Multicam costs over a $100.00 per uniform. (all pricing does not include patches). Before approval of any new uniform or continued use of the current ACU uniform is granted THE MILITARY LEADERS MUST JUSTIFY the use of ANY Velcro (to include patches), zippers in the jackets, and any other style (regardless of color pattern) than the more cost efficient BDU style design. For example: At Ranger Joes Military supply store prices are as follows.
BDU (black) Pants sku#07820 $34.99, Jacket sku#07821 $34.99 for a uniform cost of $69.98
ACU (digital) Pants sku# 09881 $39.99, Jacket sku# 09880 $39.99 for a uniform cost of $79.98
Multicam Pants sku# A2288 $54.99, Jacket sku# A2287 $54.99 for a uniform cost of $109.98
This is without justification and unacceptable! Get rid of the zippers and 100% of the Velcro and save Soldiers and taxpayers a ton of money. $30.00 increase per uniform, multiplied by 4 uniforms per Soldiers, multiplied by 450,000 Soldiers is 13.5 million dollars in uniforms alone. I’m that could more efficiently wasted some other way.
Furthermore, the life expectancy of the BDU style uniform is in excess of two years. The life expectancy of the ACU/Multicam style is approximately 6-8 months. So the reason this affects both Soldiers and tax payers is simple. Tax payer’s picks up the original 13.5 million dollars and the Soldiers picks up the continued replacement costs for every year they serve after the first year.
The look of the design is a disgrace as well. The Army leadership claims to be focused on restoring professionalism back in the ranks. But they insist on a raggedy uniform design with velcro patches that curl up on the corners every time they get wet or they are exposed to high humidity. Or do they intend to ban working or training in the rain and humidity?
This must be addressed immediately. Sign this petition and write or call your Congressman and demand action!
