View Full Version : The six-color "chocolate chips" desert camo pattern
From an old 1990 study (on DTIC):
"The standard U.S. Army desert camouflage uniform is made in a pattern consisting of six colors. The predominant color areas are tan, khaki, light brown, and dark brown. Small light-brown areas outlined in black are scattered throughout the other color areas. This uniform was taken to Saudi Arabia in 1980, and viewed against multiple desert backgrounds. In all cases the uniform appeared dark and did not blend well with any of the observed desert backgrounds. This information was given to counter-surveillance personnel at Natick RD&E Center, MA. A series of seven prototype desert uniforms was, then made and given to Fort Belvoir for a desert evaluation in 1986."
So as far back as 1980 the six-color pattern was known to be less than effective for it's intended environment, but production and issue went ahead anyway. I suppose this stems from using California and Arizona deserts as the template.
This would seem to qualify as a boondoggle, but not much was heard about it at the time. The Army's UCP and the Air Force's current (and horrid) Tigerstripes made a lot more press. Interestingly, the six-color pattern works well in many autumn woods backgrounds.
Anyone wear chocolate chips during their time in service?
I had 3 sets issued me for Desert Shield/Storm. I think it hid the grease and dirt better than the desert camo I was issued for Southern/Northern Watch... other than that, just another uniform.
Slightly off topic but didn't desert tigers come out in like the early 80s/super late 70s?
Yup. As seen in my avitar. They were old. Not ripstop and had very wide/goofy collars.
"Disco collars" were typical of that era.
Moose-Knuckle
12-04-15, 01:28
I always find this vintage HK advertisement to be nostalgic . . .
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/674/22883441033_57af5fc2ed_b.jpg
My Dad was at CENTCOM in the mid 80's and they were issued them as well as the night desert cover ups. They had to wear them to work either once a week or once a month - can't recall. My friends would see him in the chocolate chips and ask WTF is he wearing? Lol! This was obviously pre Desert Storn/Shield so that part of the world was not on lost Americans' radar.
I hated them then, but would like a set now.
My Dad was at CENTCOM in the mid 80's and they were issued them as well as the night desert cover ups. They had to wear them to work either once a week or once a month - can't recall. My friends would see him in the chocolate chips and ask WTF is he wearing? Lol! This was obviously pre Desert Storn/Shield so that part of the world was not on lost Americans' radar.
I still have mine. The boonie cover still fits but the medium regular pants and blouse have "shrunk" over the years in storage. =)
We were only issued one set along with the night camo smock and pants, they went over your regular cammies. We went 58 days once with out a shower. NASTY! The disco collars were pretty funny.
58 Days w/o a shower!
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Best%20Friends_zpss948duds.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/usmcvet0331/media/Best%20Friends_zpss948duds.jpg.html)
Burning SH@T!
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Burn%20Shit_zpsxwtcwhcu.png (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/usmcvet0331/media/Burn%20Shit_zpsxwtcwhcu.png.html)
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/F22B736E-orig.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/usmcvet0331/media/Snapbucket/F22B736E-orig.jpg.html)
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/USMC_zps06574af5.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/usmcvet0331/media/USMC_zps06574af5.jpg.html)
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/glycine.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/usmcvet0331/media/glycine.jpg.html)
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/010.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/usmcvet0331/media/010.jpg.html)
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/150318_1333895286667_1809625455_671760_4743435_n.jpg (http://s859.photobucket.com/user/usmcvet0331/media/150318_1333895286667_1809625455_671760_4743435_n.jpg.html)
I hated them then, but would like a set now.
Not trying to be smart but they sell them online as "Genuine Gear" It's in an unbreathable polycotton twill but it's out there.
Not trying to be smart but they sell them online as "Genuine Gear" It's in an unbreathable polycotton twill but it's out there.
Oh, I know. My comment was more wistful wishing than anything. There's also an awesome supply chain called "eBay." If I had a set, it would be in a seabag in a closet along with my other never-worn uniforms.
I always find this vintage HK advertisement to be nostalgic . . .
Ugh...
That 16in barrel MP5 :sick:
They should've used the G3 for that ad...
I miss old HK ads. They made you think that somehow, someway.....you might be in the middle of some hardcore gangster mess. Be it lurking in swamps, rappelling off mountains, or busting into a dope house. Every other gun ad was kinda lame but seeing those HK ads as a bastard kid blew my damn mind. Just like old Meatloaf record albums, Aliens in theatres, and all that.
Capital times.
wildcard600
12-06-15, 12:56
I still have mine. The boonie cover still fits but the medium regular pants and blouse have "shrunk" over the years in storage. =)
We were only issued one set along with the night camo smock and pants, they went over your regular cammies. We went 58 days once with out a shower. NASTY! The disco collars were pretty funny.
58 Days w/o a shower!
Burning SH@T!
Awesome pics !! I was only in middle school at the time but had alot of older cousins and relatives that were in various services during that era and was totally fascinated looking at the pictures and memorabilia they would bring to family gatherings. Very nostalgic. Thanks for sharing.
dwhitehorne
12-06-15, 14:42
Burning Shit photo. I can't believe you have a picture of that. PRICELESS. Damn I hated that detail. That is definitely one of those hard to explain to the family when that ask what did you do over there.
Also I remember the desert camo was made with the heaviest weight material I had issued and was hot as hell. David
Awesome pics !! I was only in middle school at the time but had alot of older cousins and relatives that were in various services during that era and was totally fascinated looking at the pictures and memorabilia they would bring to family gatherings. Very nostalgic. Thanks for sharing.
I turned 19 in the Gulf. First Thanksgivings, Christmas and birthday away from home.
Burning Shit photo. I can't believe you have a picture of that. PRICELESS. Damn I hated that detail. That is definitely one of those hard to explain to the family when that ask what did you do over there.
Also I remember the desert camo was made with the heaviest weight material I had issued and was hot as hell. David
Yeah they were good in the winter. I'm glad we were not there for the full heat of the summer! The shit burning photo is in my office. The Marine with me visited me two years ago. We were reservists and college roommates Together. He has the same photo in his office. It helps put things in perspective.
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