Usually, when something goes digital it doesn’t go back. The United States Army made a notable exception. The digital camouflage of the Universal Camouflage Pattern fell by the wayside with the introduction of the new Scorpion pattern on the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform (OCP). This new pattern, whose dark greens and browns equally lend themselves to camouflage in both woodland and desert milieus, has been a hit with soldiers and leadership figures. In fact, OCP is so effective that the Army Combat Uniform, or ACU, has since been adopted by both the U.S. Air Force and the nascent U.S. Space Force, replacing the Airman Battle Uniform in the former and inaugurating the new combat uniforms in the latter. Let’s take a closer look at the features included in an OCP uniform and discover why three different branches of the armed forces have enthusiastically embraced it.

Scorpion

The new Scorpion W2 pattern is the defining characteristic of the OCP uniform. Unlike the digicam pattern it replaced, Scorpion features smoother lines and a wide range of colors, from dark cream at the top to sage green and tan in the middle values with dark green and a bark brown color on the low end. Together, these curves and colors effective conceal their wearers at short and long ranges.

Nylon and Cotton Blend

The uniforms combine natural fibers with synthetic materials for a fabric that’s both durable and comfortable. These uniforms are meant for sustainable laundering, calling for cold-water cycles that not only protect against fading and shrinkage but use less energy along the way. You don’t need to take an OCP uniform in for dry cleaning, and indeed, you mustn’t—the chemicals in dry cleaning can compromise one of the uniform’s most important features.

Insect Repellent System

The feature in question is a chemical application that can keep the bug spray out of your backpack. OCP uniforms are treated with permethrin, an insect repellent. The permethrin in your uniform is colorless, odorless, and invisible, but extremely effective against insects and ticks. To be on the safe side, pregnant soldiers may want to forgo permethrin-treated editions.

Pockets and Accessories

The Army realizes you’ll need to carry some items on your person while in uniform. The OCP includes two slanted chest pockets and two sleeve pockets, the latter of which can take on any necessary badges or U.S. military patches. The pants come with eight pockets, including cargo pockets, expandable pockets, and inside pockets. Still, there’s room for the OCP uniform to take on some additional accoutrements—don’t forget name and rank patches as well.

Reinforcements

Among the features included in an OCP uniform is some extra fabric where it matters most. The seat, knees, and elbows of the uniform are reinforced with the option to add protective foam padding. Whether you’re in the field or at the desk, your uniform will keep itself together.