Quote:
|
Originally Posted by redhawk_six
FYI: The Propper ACU sold in stores is not issue. They have a civi version and an issue version. I know Colin at daves says different, swearing the stuff they have is issue, but its not.
|
Yes and no actually.
There are many (well, at least 3) companies making the ACU, although American Apparel was contracted to provide the issued uniform (issued as in provided to the troop by the army at the army's expense). See, Unlike the Marines, the Army does not restrict the sale of uniform-grade BDU's so the usual contractors began producing them for resale to troops.
Tru-spec uniforms are IDENTICAL to issue uniforms, and are bought by serving Army personel to compliment their issue set. I believe they even contain labels with the same NSN, which basically means they're approved for wear. I can't speak for the Propper stuff.
Now, there are also "civy versions" but the cut is different. You'll find that stuff all over the place, it has no velcro on the shoulder pockets, does not have the built in shock-cord pocket closures, etc.
In case anyone is curious, I have compared the issue American Apparel ACU uniform with the Tru-Spec ACU uniform side by side, and they are IDENTICAL. Also as stated above, the material in use on the newer Tru-Spec ACU is certainly not the same as the earlier fade-prone marpat, which is why I didn't hesitate to purchase it.