The ACU, err, UCP, throwback

The U.S. Army used the pixelated Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP), often incorrectly called ACU camo (which is the uniform style), from 2004 to September 30, 2019, making it a staple of the GWOT era. The Multicam-ish Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) replaced it because UCP performed poorly in desert and mountain environments like Afghanistan, and because the “pivot toward the Pacific” was formally announced in 2011. The gear itself wasn’t bad; it was just in a subpar camo pattern. Since then, UCP surplus gear has flooded the market, and you can get amazing deals from folks like Venture Surplus and Centerfire Systems, which has the whole kit for $75 right now. The above includes: Tactical Fighting Load Carrier Vest with Zip front, padded waist belt, mesh main body (NSN: 8465-01-525-0577) Load-bearing Waist Pack with zip front pouch (NSN: 8465-01-524-7263) 3-Day Assault Pack (NSN: 8465-01-524-5250) Shovel Carrier (NSN: 8465-01-524-8407) (4) Grenade Pouches (NSN: 8465-01-525-0589)…