How OCP Uniforms Help in Creating Bonds, Know its Value and Importance
OCP represents the Operational Camouflage Pattern. It is the camo pattern. Operational Camouflage Pattern was codenamed originally as Scorpion W2. This is a pattern used by the military by the United States Army.
Why Was it Developed?
The first version of the Army's uniform was the ACU. It was a greyish uniform showing digital splotches referred to as UCP (Universal Camouflage Pattern). This was the same as the ABUs, but it had no stripes. However, it realized that these uniforms need to be re-patterned, and they were useless. Thus, the OCP came into existence, with a different pattern. The uniform was not changed, and so the name ACU continued. However, to distinguish it from the ACU that was the former name, they came with OCP, a camo name. Now it is known as OCPs.
The U.S.Army adopted officially in 2015 the Operational Camouflage Pattern Uniform. The Air Force and Space Force soon followed suit and made the OCP uniform mandatory. Though there was a delay, eventually, the OCP uniform pattern was considered close. It was regarded to be the best uniform engineered, and now the Space Force is fortunate to enjoy this uniform.
However, there were questions about Space Force using the OCP uniform. Later, it was announced that Space Force is also Earthbound, and there is a sense in using the camouflage pattern, as used by other branches offering service. The U.S. Space Force will wear the OCP uniform featuring navy blue thread for tapes and ranks.
Uniform Development
In developing a uniform, choosing the right colors is not easy. The Army combat uniform fabrics underwent testing for tensile strength to flame resistance. The uniforms went through endurance and functionality tests.
Uniform fabrics are checked for their performance, such as:
- Explosive bursts
- Extreme air pressure
- Ability to hold heat to sustain winter or to release in summer
- Handling regular use
The fabrics would release moisture, though sand fleas and chemical agents were held back. Besides, the advantage was if they were well-fitting and antimicrobial. Using mathematical models, everything in the uniform is tested.
A material tested for endurance, flammability, resistance to liquids, and many more are thrown on the uniform, it is expected to stay on as designed. The aim was the uniform should look cool and must be comfortable.
The OCP uniform key purpose is to respect the war law and to keep the traditional functions of the military, such as maintaining discipline and identification. Wearing a uniform is a pride, and it helps in creating bonds.
OCP Colors
OCP Rank insignia colors are Spice Brown, Khaki, and Black. The General Officers: Lieutenant General, General, Major General, and Brigadier General wear Spice Brown, such that it is embroidered on the OCP material.
OCP uniforms are important as it has a specific set of ideals and values. The uniform is a sign of strength, defense of freedom, and the USA's amazing concept.
The OCP Uniform's Beginning
The OCP was available at 20 locations on July 1, 2015, to U.S. Army soldiers, and it had a whopping sales surpassing $1.4 million. Later more installations started selling. The soldiers on real-world missions were to receive equipment and uniforms printed in OCP.
The belt and the T-shirt in the new Coyote color 498 and the soldiers were permitted to wear the Tan 499 existing belt, t-shirt, and boots until October 2019. The packs, body armor, and pouches in MultiCam and UCP patterns will be worn until altered with OCP.
The U.S. Air Force, on 14 May 2018, announced airmen would be changing from Airman Battle Uniform to the OCP. The Airmen will wear OCP uniforms from 1 October 2018 was declared. The basic training recruits, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets, and Officer Training School were to receive OCPs in 2019, 1st October.
Today, airmen wearing OCP are allowed to wear the green socks, desert sand T-shirt, and also the U.S. flag patches, besides the older boots. However, given enough time, it is said that all Airmen will need to have their own OCP uniforms latest by 1 April 2021.
OCP Uniform Importance
The OCP uniform is a military service sign. It is aesthetic and practical. This uniform is identified as a part of a unit as a service member, and they serve the line of duty or are worn during ceremonial occasions. It is a standardized uniform.
The importance of the OCP uniform can be presented into these features such as:
Solidarity
The military uniforms specifications help in reinforcing individuals in a single unit having a similar rank as equal. There is a feeling of belonging, and each member is expected to abide, ensure cohesion, group cooperation, emphasize regularity, and solidarity.
Symbolism
Military uniforms are heavily symbolic while they are practical. It is indeed worn by all rank members, particularly officers. The pins, medals, patches, and buttons represent achievements and denote military honors as they are worn fulfilling standardized specifications. These symbols have a strong meaning, and it elevates the value in the eyes of the viewers. The symbolism is not merely ceremonial. It is practical. Thus, the rank insignia can be instantly identified as it has implications of a hierarchical organization functioning as the military.
Multi-functionality
The military most branches do not give or issue a uniform. Multiple uniforms are mostly worn based on multiple occasions. An Army soldier wears a desert dress uniform or a service uniform in army green or an evening uniform in blue. There is a specification of each uniform to be worn on each situation. The blue or the formal white dress is worn to impress visually in ceremonial or formal events.
Line of Duty
The uniform specifications need you to maintain the functionality of the uniform in the line of duty. The uniforms failing to meet the set specific standards may interfere with the ability to perform duty. The OCP uniform offers the benefit that it is adapted to the official specifications to face the cold or beat the heat. Thus, the well-being of a soldier is never under risk in the field.
