Camouflage Combat Uniform

Abstract

The development, testing, and fielding of combat uniforms for soldiers offer acquisition professionals an opportunity to analyze how programs progress through the U.S. defense acquisition system. This case centers on the U.S. Army’s decision to change the camouflage patterns on combat uniforms and equipment for soldiers. The case is broadly applicable to project managers, business managers, engineers, testers, and logisticians involved in project management, while specifically targeting defense acquisition professionals. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking and analysis skills in the areas of stakeholder management, resource management, and decision making in a complex environment. The case is developed in two distinct parts. Part I provides an analysis of the Army’s development of a plan with an increased chance of success in meeting desired objectives. Part II analyzes how the Army decided to change the camouflage pattern on combat uniforms through an informed, knowledge-based process.