I think the Army's on the right track by trying to whittle down the number of uniforms, and if it comes down to the greens or the blues, I'll take the blues any day of the week. Not sure I'm on board with the white shirt and all that, but I understand there needs to be some kind of replacement for the Class Bs as well as the As.
The ACUs were a major functional improvement over the BDUs, though I'm more than a little suspicious of that color's ability to camouflage me from anything.
The beret was a mixed bag. I hate having to wear the beret in ACUs (it's so much easier to put on the soft cap when you have your hands full), but it looks infinitely better than the Rosie O'donnell-ugly garrison cap in a dress uniform. Plus, taking the black color from the Rangers was dumb, especially since the tan beret actually looks better, if you ask me!
I am an honorably discharged Veteran of the Regular Army. I served from 1983-89, and left as an E5. I was a 13Bravo20-Gunner/E5. I had a slight break in service (approx 20 mos), but was on active duty for nearly 4 and one-half years before I was medically separated (STILL HONORABLE) for injuring my back. Anyway, sorry for the digression. Since I was in combat arms, I did not have many opportunities to wear my class A uniform. When I did, I wore my greens with pride and in accordance with regulations. I did not purchase the Dress Blues, as I did not need them. Also, my medical discharge from the Army ended my plans to make it a career (I was about to submit a fully approved OCS packet). In a nutshell, I CONSIDER IT A MISTAKE ON THE PART OF THE ARMY TO GET RID OF THE DRESS GREENS. The Blues should be retained for ceremonial purposes only, and not become general issue. The blues, from what I have been told by guys who have them is a high maintenance uniform and isn’t as durable as the greens. Can you picture folding a dress blue uniform and stuffing it in a duffel bag like the greens? I can’t picture it. I think the Army is making a big mistake. Also, it was pure bull***t to deprive the Rangers of the Black Beret.