Barriers to implementing a single joint combat camouflage uniform

MBA Professional ReportThe purpose of this thesis is to explore and understand the barriers that hinder the Department of Defense (DOD) from implementing a single joint camouflage combat uniform for the Armed Forces. Before 2002, the Armed Forces primarily relied on two camouflage uniforms: the woodland Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) and Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU). In 2002, the Marine Corps began issuing its Marine pattern (MARPAT) camouflage uniforms in woodland and desert colors and the remaining three services quickly followed suit, resulting in ten different camouflage uniforms in the past 15 years. These separate designs cost billions of dollars, duplicate effort, and complicate logistics with no discernible effect of better-concealed combatants. The methodology applies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT), and political, economic, social, and technological (PEST) analyses; examines the requirements and role of each of the Armed Forces; and compares advantages and disadvantages to a single joint camouflage uniform. The literature review consists of reports from the Government Accountability Office, research results, and additional government-related feedback. The findings of this report indicate that implementing a single joint camouflage uniform for all services will result in cost savings, effective concealment for all services, and logistical simplicity.http://archive.org/details/barrierstoimplem1094556836Captain, United States ArmyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited