The 172nd Stryker Brigade was the one of few first units to deploy with new Universal Camouflage Pattern- Army Combat Uniform (UCP-ACU). There wasn’t any UCP colored patches available yet so Olive Drab patches from BDU era was used, with velcro added to those. This is one of the earliest “transitional uniform era” in the collection. The 172nd was one of the unfortunate units that had one of the longest deployment (16 months) due to US. Army’s stop loss policy in 2005. This soldier was in the 4/11th Field Artillery. He was eventually promoted from Specialist to Corporal, presumably during the deployment and patches for ACU were finally available.

US troops were issued language translation smart cards small enough to be carried in pocket. It typically would include translations of important keywords in languages of the region; as well visual illustrations to point out; and some cultural information that would help troops to interact with local population. Those can be useful in circumstances an attached interpreter is not available on a patrol.

There are many varieties of those. I am always in search for more.

ODA 3236 uniform and team hat

10th Special Forces “Panzer” modified DCUs.

Two examples of “Panzer mods” DCU. We came up with name due to the fact those were modified at the shop at Panzer Kaserne. Typically 10th SFG wore those. There are also exists tan velcro example which isn’t shown here. Panzer mods were most commonly seen worn in Africa (OEF-A, for advisory role) as well few instances in Afghanistan and Iraq. The black velcro one is currently in Paul Arnold‘s collection. The OD green velcro currently in my collection is named to the soldier who was severely wounded in Uzbin Valley Ambush in 2008. He was one of the 7 to receive bronze star with V device.

Navy EOD modified DCU

USASOC modified DCU

Special Forces support personnel’s DCU.

ACH worn by a support personnel with the 3rd Special Forces Group from 2011 to 2016. The helmet saw three deployments to Afghanistan.

A nearly complete set from TACP airman. The modified DCU has SSGT ranks velcro’ed. The chest rig is Afghan made. Most of gear was spray painted tan to blend in environment better.

Note: I didn’t acquire this lot directly from the veteran so history is unknown however, based on equipment and uniform, my best guess for period is 2004-05.

This DF-LCS LBE was produced by Eagle Industries for USAF Security Forces Squadrons. On this set up: 3x double ammo pouch, 1x double ammo pouch with buckle, 1x IFAK pouch, 1x MBITR pouch, and 2x canteen/utility pouch. Not shown: Safariland drop-leg holster.