New army combat shirt debuts

Soldiers Magazine, Nov, 2007 by Debi Dawson

THE Program Executive Office-Soldier has designed the new Army Combat Shirt to be more breatheable.

The flame-resistant ACS is in development for use under body armor. It is designed to replace two the Army Combat Uniform jacket and moisture-wicking T-shirt, thus reducing bulk and heat stress.

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The ACS features a mock-turtleneck, long sleeves in the camouflage pattern, flat seams reduce bulk and chafing, and built-in anti-abrasion elbow pads. The shirt is moisture-wicking, anti-microbial and odor-resistant.

Another change that increased breathability was replacing the elastic cuffs to keep out sand with adjustable cuffs that can be loosened for ventilation, or tightened to keep out sand and other debris. Hook-and-loop tape was added to The right sleeve to accommodate a name tape, rank and infrared flag. The left sleeve also has hook-and-loop tape for a unit patch.

The shirt is still in development, and further fielding will be determined by the Department of the Army.

--Debi Dawson, PEO Soldier Strategic Communications Office