Sof - Pcu

[kosk]

How many level (category) for Protective Combat Uniform (SOF-PCU) could you show me the photo / word

[bluffcove]

Yoda? is that you?

[TacoDelRio]

For cold weather, it is!

[Mike762]

How many level (category) for Protective Combat Uniform (SOF-PCU) could you show me the photo / word


Won't be long before DeltaWhisky58 gets in on this. You are new here so I'll give you some friendly advise, plz post in normal font like everyone else:)

[SafetyCatch]

...and speak English, jeez.

[Limeyfellow]

http://www.militarymorons.com/gear/clothes.1.html for a start has some photos of the stuff.

[kosk]

Sorry
thanks Limeyfellow
i am not Yoda

[slobo]

By all accounts, the PCU 7 level uniform system was created by Natick labs for a USSOCOM request. Does anyone know if non-SoF are wearing in the field (e.g., regular Army)? Also, does anyone have photos of PCU componenets being worn with non-PCU (e.g., Level 5 PCU jacket over basic ACUs)?

[stottman]

By all accounts, the PCU 7 level uniform system was created by Natick labs for a USSOCOM request. Does anyone know if non-SoF are wearing in the field (e.g., regular Army)? Also, does anyone have photos of PCU componenets being worn with non-PCU (e.g., Level 5 PCU jacket over basic ACUs)?

No, it has not been taken by the regular army.

I am in charge of ordering and issuing the system for an Army SF unit; Here is what info I can give.

The 7 layer name is kind of misleading. Layer 1 actually has two different options, layer 3 & 4 only have jackets, and layer 6 (waterproof gortex type deal) is not normally part of the issue. There has been some mention of a layer 8, but this is not in the system.


All the PCU SPEARS 7 layer items have NSNs (national stock numbers), while the old black 4 layer SPEARS did not have a real NSN, but a local one. However, all SPEARS items are managed by SOCOM, so I really doubt a line unit could order the items and actually get them. The regular army is experimenting with new ACU colored items, like the new Patagonia made wind jacket.

The old SPEARS black system was also modified, given NSNs, colors changed (on later issues)and is now issued to the regular Army as well. So maybe thats why SOCOM decided to get a new cold weather system. :) Actually, the Army adopting it was a good thing, as now soldiers in SF units can wear the black "smoking jacket" as an outer garment when not in the field. Before, many SOF units only allowed it to be worn in the field, or it had to be covered with a gortex. Plus we got issued another set. :)

The 7 layer issue process is kind of unique as well. Individual soldiers have to fill out a sizing sheet. It has the actual measurements in inches. This information is entered into a Military website by the unit. The website automatically figures out the right sizes, and orders the system for the soldier. The unit is then shipped items out by the SOCOM JOS (Joint Operational Stock) warehouse in Kentucky. The soldier receives a large plastic bag with his name on it, containing all the items. He signs for it, and goes on his way. If the JOS warehouse is out of an item, the unit receives a partial issue, and the backordered items are shipped later.

Compare this to the old 4 layer black system, where the SOF unit just received cases of the different sizes to issue out.

The soldier normally receives the following:

Layer 1 boxer - 3 each
Layer 1 Tshirt- 3 each
Layer 1 long underwear- 3 each
Layer 1 Long sleeve shirt- 3 each
(earlier, soldiers were only issued 2 each of layer 1)
Layer 2 top and bottoms: 2 each
Layer 3 - "teddy bear jacket" 1 each. Looks like they skinned a teddy bear to make it.
Layer 4- windshirt - 1 each
Layer 5- soft shell top and bottom- 2 each; earlier, it was only 1.
Layer 6- Not issued as part of the standard package. Units have to special order this.
Layer 7- Loft pants, jacket, and vest- 1 each.

All items, the soldier keeps, and are not turned in. Compare that to the old black system, where the soldier has to turn in the jacket and bibs when he leaves. They are then cleaned and reissued. The 4 later sytem is still being issued all, while supplies last. My unit is almost out of the silk weights and mid weights, exept in the extreme sizes like S and XL-Long.

The 7 later SPEARS system is issued to all in SOCOM units, to include support jobs.

[slobo]

Thanks Stottman -- very informative!!!!

One question -- are Army SoF wearing PCU and regular issue ACU items together in the field (e.g., Level 5 jacket with ACU pants), or is that either verboten or just plain frowned upon?

[FL Cool J]

PCU is outdated, MCU is the up to date softshell clothing.
http://www.herculeswear.com/

[akmarksman]

You know..I was quite comfortable using the exwacs..ECWACS
I talked to a buddy of mine and he wore a flightsuit type uniform that was ACU 1 day..and he liked it..are those going to be standard issue in the future? and if so,are they going to be nomex?

[rokdoc]

PCU is outdated, MCU is the up to date softshell clothing.
http://www.herculeswear.com/


You're an idiot.

Also...I've pretty much destroyed all of the PCU components that I wear on a regular basis in two years. What are you guys doing about replacing damaged/unservicable items?

[3rdMillhouse]

Hmmm.......Strong within the Force this young Padawan is.

[stottman]

You're an idiot.

Also...I've pretty much destroyed all of the PCU components that I wear on a regular basis in two years. What are you guys doing about replacing damaged/unservicable items?

We have not gotten that far yet. We barely started getting the items this spring, after winter.. We are the S.F.G.A. (SaFest Group in the Army), so low on the totem pole.

I imagine that we will just do a DX policy like other expendable/non recoverable items.

ETA: The only wear/damage issues I ever heard of in regards to the old black SPEARS was when it didnt fit properly (by the guys own admission), which might explain the wazoo issue procedure for the new one.

[FL Cool J]

You're an idiot.

Also...I've pretty much destroyed all of the PCU components that I wear on a regular basis in two years. What are you guys doing about replacing damaged/unservicable items?

Please watch your language.
Would be nice, if you could refer to my post in an adequate way.

[slobo]

Are SOF in the field mixing and matching PCU items with regular issue items (like Army SOF wearing Level 5 jacet with ACUs for example)?

[stottman]

Are SOF in the field mixing and matching PCU items with regular issue items (like Army SOF wearing Level 5 jacet with ACUs for example)?

Of course... SF units are very laid back when it comes to uniformity.

[Sabre]

Interesting post stottman, quite an extensive system when compared to the UKSF issue clothing system:

Layer one: Brown cotton T shirt

http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/products/TES119.jpg

Layer two: Windproof

http://www.army.mod.uk/img/royalengineers/shop/clothing/ml41.jpg

Layer 3: Beer Jacket

http://www.lastorders.com/store_images/products/1079_lg.gif

[stottman]

Interesting post stottman, quite an extensive system when compared to the UKSF issue clothing system:

Layer one: Brown cotton T shirt

http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/products/TES119.jpg

Layer two: Windproof

http://www.army.mod.uk/img/royalengineers/shop/clothing/ml41.jpg

Layer 3: Beer Jacket

http://www.lastorders.com/store_images/products/1079_lg.gif


Actually, the Brits have had neat little cold weather items for awhile.. Neat stuff like the green HH fleece jackets, etc... Also seen them do stuff like make wind shirts out of old parachutes.

BTW, thats not issued Beer for the British Army when deployed (at least not sold at the Efi I went with them to Bosnia is winter 95-96) :) It was all stuff like Becks, Fosters, Boddingtons, Guinness, etc.. :)

[Sabre]

Theres always gucci warm kit knocking around because the lads buy it themselves! :) The new issue softie jackets and trousers are quite good, but up until them the issue kit was pretty pants.

Yeah, 'wife-beater' isn't my choice generally. Gives you nasty hangovers Guinness is the true drink of heroes, though its effects on the intestines is a little uncalled for...

Who were you out in Bosnia with (in terms of Brits)?

[stottman]

Theres always gucci warm kit knocking around because the lads buy it themselves! :) The new issue softie jackets and trousers are quite good, but up until them the issue kit was pretty pants.

Yeah, 'wife-beater' isn't my choice generally. Gives you nasty hangovers Guinness is the true drink of heroes, though its effects on the intestines is a little uncalled for...

Who were you out in Bosnia with (in terms of Brits)?

I was a radio operator for the American SOF liason with HQ, 3rd UK Div, Gorni Vakuf. All I did was get drunk, get laid and eat good British chow.

[Sabre]

Excellent!

[~~~~]

You're an idiot.

Also...I've pretty much destroyed all of the PCU components that I wear on a regular basis in two years. What are you guys doing about replacing damaged/unservicable items?

hey, rokdoc - please clear your mail box, cause I would like to contact you via PM and I can't...

[rokdoc]

Please watch your language.
Would be nice, if you could refer to my post in an adequate way.


How about you learn the language before you go telling people to watch it? You ARE an idiot, simply because you're disseminating false information in a manner which suggests that you actually know something. You don't. MCU is a commercial garment, and will not be issued. It's not replacing anything.



~~~~: Doing it now.

[rokdoc]

the wazoo issue procedure for the new one.

The new fielding system came from a common problem. There are guys like me, who like our layer 1 t-shirts and boxers to fit normally, and the long sleeved components of 1-3 to be tighter. Then there are guys who like everything to fit more loosely.

Example:

I wear L/R ACU's. My shortsleeve L-1 stuff is Large, the long sleeve is Medium, my L-2 top is Medium. Everything else is large.



Stottman, what kind of gaiters are you guys getting in? Still the OR ones?

[FL Cool J]

How about you learn the language before you go telling people to watch it? You ARE an idiot, simply because you're disseminating false information in a manner which suggests that you actually know something. You don't. MCU is a commercial garment, and will not be issued. It's not replacing anything.



~~~~: Doing it now.

First, just stop insulting people just because they're from foreign countries. As you see, i speak English quite well.
I absolutely can't understand why you became so angry. I never said that MCU is being isssued! What i stated was the fact that MCU is up-to-date compared to PCU. I neither had the intention to say which of both is better or being issued or whatever. :|

[rokdoc]

Listen, dude. MCU is not up to date. Epic is the better fabric, and that's what the Gen 2 PCU soft shell items are made from. MCU doesn't suck. It's a good jacket for the price, but it's not on the same level as PCU. You don't know what you're talking about. Just drop it.

[slobo]

US army Rangers are SOCOM right? As such are they receiving PCU sets as regular issue?

10th Mountain? Are they SOCOM?

[nimer bortuqaal]

10th Mountain is not SOCOM; the Rangers are. I am not sure if the Rangers have received an issue yet, but if they haven't, I am sure they will be in the very near future.

I love the level 5 soft shell pants and jacket.

[bennett]

Stottman, what's the latest on the level 6?

I heard that a paclite jacket was being tried (popper/acteryxx?).
Are the gen II ecwcs being used instead?

Thanks in advance.

[stottman]

Stottman, what's the latest on the level 6?

I heard that a paclite jacket was being tried (popper/acteryxx?).
Are the gen II ecwcs being used instead?

Thanks in advance.

No idea.. The issue of any sort of ACU gortex is still up in the air here..

There is level 6 in the system, but it is not in the standard package.

[Frank Ochoa]

How many level (category) for Protective Combat Uniform (SOF-PCU) could you show me the photo / word
SOFTSHELL JACKET LEVEL V

[James]

This thread was a winner! Thanks for bringing it back.