Adding a pen pocket to the BDU

[Eclipse]

One of the thing that always strikes me as a good addition on the ACU's is the pen pocket on the lower arm.
My using similar material, my tailor has said she could add this to my BDU's and field uniforms in a professional
manner.

Two questions - a violation of 39-1?  I do, after all, have a rep as the uniform Stazi.

Second, for those who wear that uniform, are these a good idea or uncomfortable?

Right now, of course, I would never use the pen slot on the left breast BDU pocket - not only don't I like the look of the pen sticking out, but nothing screams "professional" like having the "I" in "CIVIL" all filled in with blue or black ink.  My bullet-sized space pen with stylus tip always goes in the button slot inside the front of the shirt.

[Stonewall]

ABUs have pen slots on the sleeve but I don't use them.  I did at first, but I found that when I bend my arm or throughout the duty day as I'm lifting, pushing or otherwise manipulating my arm, the pens which are rigid, end up getting pushed out of their slot.

When I'm working on the firing range, I use the pen pocket on the outside of the calf area in the pants to keep my Sharpie markers for grading targets.  I keep my pen where I used to keep it in my BDUs, inside the button hole slot inside my chest area.

In short, I have had more hassle than it's worth with the sleeve pent pocket.  They fall out.

[Al Sayre]

Why not just have her add a slot on the inside of the breast pocket?  then you can clip it there, it's secure, and no one sees it?

[arajca]

As for your first question, yes. Since your are making an unauthorized modification to a uniform, it is a violation of the Uniform Stazi bible CAPM 39-1.

[Eclipse]

Why not just have her add a slot on the inside of the breast pocket?  then you can clip it there, it's secure, and no one sees it?

I don't like to put anything in the pockets as it makes the uniform look baggie (I'm not going to the extreme of pulling the buttons and sewing them down, and will keep flat objects in them if I have to, but in general I try to avoid using them).

[Major Carrales]

Why not just have her add a slot on the inside of the breast pocket?  then you can clip it there, it's secure, and no one sees it?

I don't like to put anything in the pockets as it makes the uniform look baggie (I'm not going to the extreme of pulling the buttons and sewing them down, and will keep flat objects in them if I have to, but in general I try to avoid using them).

Are BDU pockets meant to be "useless?"  I know the service shirt and coat pockets are meant to be "flat," but I believed that field uniforms were meant for field use.  That means occasionally putting things in the pockets (if nessary to some degress).

Educate me please...

[Eclipse]

Why not just have her add a slot on the inside of the breast pocket?  then you can clip it there, it's secure, and no one sees it?

I don't like to put anything in the pockets as it makes the uniform look baggie (I'm not going to the extreme of pulling the buttons and sewing them down, and will keep flat objects in them if I have to, but in general I try to avoid using them).

Are BDU pockets meant to be "useless?"  I know the service shirt and coat pockets are meant to be "flat," but I believed that field uniforms were meant for field use.  That means occasionally putting things in the pockets (if nessary to some degress).

Educate me please...

Not at all - this is purely a personal aesthetic thing.  I use the pants pockets for anything I can fit in them, but I've got enough bulges all over the place without adding to the bulk with a lot of stuff in the upper pockets.

We've got a few seniors, and more than a few cadets, who pull the buttons and sew down the pockets - I'm always 1/2 jokingly telling them that I'm going to write a Group SOP that requires the form 60 be in the pocket so they have to undo their handy work.   

But to the question, no, the BDU pockets are there to be used...

[notaNCO forever]

Why not just have her add a slot on the inside of the breast pocket?  then you can clip it there, it's secure, and no one sees it?

I don't like to put anything in the pockets as it makes the uniform look baggie (I'm not going to the extreme of pulling the buttons and sewing them down, and will keep flat objects in them if I have to, but in general I try to avoid using them).

Are BDU pockets meant to be "useless?"  I know the service shirt and coat pockets are meant to be "flat," but I believed that field uniforms were meant for field use.  That means occasionally putting things in the pockets (if nessary to some degress).

Educate me please...

What are you crazy as soon as you get a new BDU blouse you should get the thread and needle out and close up the pockets. At least that is what some people think; I even know people who have sown their sleeves in the rolled up position. I'm with eclipse keep them flat if possible but if you have to put something in them than thats fine. I do however have a BDU louse with the pockets sown down because it was impossible to keep the edges from curling.

[Fifinella]

I do however have a BDU louse with the pockets sown down because it was impossible to keep the edges from curling.

Ya gotta hate those BDU lice.  itchy. 

[Hawk200]

What are you crazy as soon as you get a new BDU blouse you should get the thread and needle out and close up the pockets. At least that is what some people think; I even know people who have sown their sleeves in the rolled up position. I'm with eclipse keep them flat if possible but if you have to put something in them than thats fine. I do however have a BDU louse with the pockets sown down because it was impossible to keep the edges from curling.

I find the confusion between the service uniforms and utility uniforms amusing. BDU's are meant to work in. Sewing down the pockets is impractical. If you have to have a perfectly flat uniform, wear blues.

What kind of excuse would you use on a SAREX or actual mission? "Oh, I couldn't bring a pen, notepad, my keys, wallet, etc. because my pockets are sewn down. I look pretty, though, don't I?"

A lot of people do that in the Air Force, even sewing down leg and back pockets as well. Gotta love the ones that need a pen, or a piece of paper, or need to borrow some money, because they can't carry it.

[EMT-83]

I replaced the buttons on my BDU blouse pockets with velcro. It lays flat, and it's much easier to get into the pockets.

[Stonewall]

Military

People who sew down pockets:  Administrators, the same folks who iron/starch uniforms that instruct you not to.

People who don't sew down pockets:  Operators, the folks who spend time in the field and may need to use a pocket.

CAP

People who sew down pockets:  People that saw someone in the military do it so it must be the thing to do.

People who don't sew down pockets:  Those who see things through a practical sense and realize that flat pockets that serve no purpose are a waste.

[notaNCO forever]

I replaced the buttons on my BDU blouse pockets with velcro. It lays flat, and it's much easier to get into the pockets.

I like that idea might have to try it with my BDU's.

[Fifinella]

Military
People who sew down pockets

Never was an issue in flightsuits. 

[NIN]

My BDU shirt pockets are sewn down.  They're like a thousand times easier to deal with that way.

I *never* put thing  in my shirt pockets, though, even before I ever did that.

Pants pockets? Yeah, go nuts.    Shirt?  Don't bother.

As for the Combat Administrator Award (the "Pen over the I"), well, I think it looks sloppy, so I just don't do it.

Had a guy in the sq that met at the local Air Guard base once, he was a real rag bag.  NOTHING we could do would sort this guy out and his unit commander seemed like he was uninterested in doing anything to help, too. (this is before the Blue BDUs)   He would show up to group activities with not only something IN every pocket, but something -sticking-out-of- nearly every pocket.  I said to him "Hey, whats up with that?" and he shot back "well, if they didn't want me to put something in them, they shouldn't have put them on the uniform in the first place..."

*sigh*

[SarDragon]

I do however have a BDU louse with the pockets sown down because it was impossible to keep the edges from curling.

Ya gotta hate those BDU lice.  itchy. 

And I was wondering what kind of seeds he's using. 

[davedove]

and he shot back "well, if they didn't want me to put something in them, they shouldn't have put them on the uniform in the first place..."

Well, although I agree that some folks go overboard, it is a valid statement, especially for a work uniform.

[jimmydeanno]

As for the Combat Administrator Award (the "Pen over the I"), well, I think it looks sloppy, so I just don't do it.

Oddly enough, AFM 36-2903 says "In order to present the proper military image pencils and pens will be concealed. (EXCEPTION: When carried in compartment of left BDU pocket not to exceed two.)"

[notaNCO forever]

As for the Combat Administrator Award (the "Pen over the I"), well, I think it looks sloppy, so I just don't do it.

Oddly enough, AFM 36-2903 says "In order to present the proper military image pencils and pens will be concealed. (EXCEPTION: When carried in compartment of left BDU pocket not to exceed two.)"

The 39-1 says something along that line to.

[Eclipse]

Maybe its a wives tale, but I was under the impression that all the pockets were to be buttoned closed at all times, negating the stuff sticking out of them issue. Full, sure, but not hanging open.

As to the pen in the BDU pocket, the problem is that its rare you notice a camouflage space pen or something similar, it usually somebody with a Hello Kitty or Rainbow Bright multi-color deal with tip bright enough to use as a range flare. 

[notaNCO forever]

Maybe its a wives tale, but I was under the impression that all the pockets were to be buttoned closed at all times, negating the stuff sticking out of them issue. Full, sure, but not hanging open.

As to the pen in the BDU pocket, the problem is that its rare you notice a camouflage space pen or something similar, it usually somebody with a Hello Kitty or Rainbow Bright multi-color deal with tip bright enough to use as a range flare. 

Hey I like my hello kitty pen. I was always told to keep all the buttons buttoned also. I'm almost positive it says do in the 39-1 to. Of course some people go out of their way to make sure stuff is sticking out of their pockets just to be rebellious.

[Hawk200]

I replaced the buttons on my BDU blouse pockets with velcro. It lays flat, and it's much easier to get into the pockets.

Probably a good idea. What I've been thinking about doing is putting a zipper with some Velcro, a la ACU. I'm still trying to figure out how to do it without it being visible.

Mods are fine, as long as you can't see them.

[Always Ready]

Mods are fine, as long as you can't see them.

Agreed. I wouldn't do anything to the visible part of the uniform. If you can't see it, it doesn't exist (well only as far as uniforms are concerned). ^{*Adding zipper and some velcro mods to my list*}

I don't mind stuff in the blouse pockets as long as it doesn't look like someone has a compass tumor sticking out of their chest. It just looks weird and it is redundant for doing stuff like shuffling paperwork at the weekly meeting. Stick what you NEED in your pockets. If you aren't doing something useful with the stuff in your pockets, don't put it in there.

[ol'fido]

As a former 11B, I never liked carrying things in my pockets in the field. In the pants, it justs rubs when you walk a lot. In the shirt, anything bulky between you and an LBE was a pain. In garrison, I carried my normal pocket trash. But, also in garrison, I kept one set of BDUs with the pockets sewn down for "spits and starches Mondays".

[jb512]

As a former 11B, I never liked carrying things in my pockets in the field. In the pants, it justs rubs when you walk a lot. In the shirt, anything bulky between you and an LBE was a pain. In garrison, I carried my normal pocket trash. But, also in garrison, I kept one set of BDUs with the pockets sewn down for "spits and starches Mondays".

...rated best answer.

Get your bulky crap out of your pockets, and don't wear them as though you slept in them the night before.  Especially not in a volunteer SAR organization...

[Gunner C]

As a former 11B, I never liked carrying things in my pockets in the field. In the pants, it justs rubs when you walk a lot. In the shirt, anything bulky between you and an LBE was a pain. In garrison, I carried my normal pocket trash. But, also in garrison, I kept one set of BDUs with the pockets sewn down for "spits and starches Mondays".

"Remember . . . It's not how you play, it's how you look." 
(Idiot Leg 1SG, 1984)

[NIN]

Maybe its a wives tale, but I was under the impression that all the pockets were to be buttoned closed at all times, negating the stuff sticking out of them issue. Full, sure, but not hanging open.

Agree.  That's the way its _supposed_ to be.  This dude was at an airshow one year and I swear: orange vest poking out of one cargo pocket, canteen out of the other, VHF radio in one blouse pocket, FRS in another, notepads or something in the third.. it was just.. silly..

As to the pen in the BDU pocket, the problem is that its rare you notice a camouflage space pen or something similar, it usually somebody with a Hello Kitty or Rainbow Bright multi-color deal with tip bright enough to use as a range flare. 

The Army was actually smart and said "It doesn't matter what kind of pen you have in the pen pocket..." thus blunting dumb[....] 1SGs and SGMs who go "Hey, there, solider, your pens don't match!" or "You should be wearing gold colored pens, not silver" or "Your pencil should always be outboard of the ballpoint in the name of standardization... And your third pen must be a Sharpie.."

I bought a cheapo pen-pencil set at Staples.  Silver and black. Serves my flight suit and my ACUs just fine, its fairly unobtrusive yet professional looking.

Unfortunately, my Pilot G-2s don't fit in my ACU pen-pocket due to the rubber at the writing end, which annoys me to no end as those are my favorite pens.  Fit fine in the button placket of my BDUs, however.

[Gunner C]

Maybe its a wives tale, but I was under the impression that all the pockets were to be buttoned closed at all times, negating the stuff sticking out of them issue. Full, sure, but not hanging open.

Agree.  That's the way its _supposed_ to be.  This dude was at an airshow one year and I swear: orange vest poking out of one cargo pocket, canteen out of the other, VHF radio in one blouse pocket, FRS in another, notepads or something in the third.. it was just.. silly..

As to the pen in the BDU pocket, the problem is that its rare you notice a camouflage space pen or something similar, it usually somebody with a Hello Kitty or Rainbow Bright multi-color deal with tip bright enough to use as a range flare. 

The Army was actually smart and said "It doesn't matter what kind of pen you have in the pen pocket..." thus blunting dumb[....] 1SGs and SGMs who go "Hey, there, solider, your pens don't match!" or "You should be wearing gold colored pens, not silver" or "Your pencil should always be outboard of the ballpoint in the name of standardization... And your third pen must be a Sharpie.."

I bought a cheapo pen-pencil set at Staples.  Silver and black. Serves my flight suit and my ACUs just fine, its fairly unobtrusive yet professional looking.

Unfortunately, my Pilot G-2s don't fit in my ACU pen-pocket due to the rubber at the writing end, which annoys me to no end as those are my favorite pens.  Fit fine in the button placket of my BDUs, however.

There's three ways to carry a pen in BDUs, none of which require the pen to be exposed:

• Put the pen inside the left breast pocket.  There's an access opening and a handy holder inside.  Don't put the clip outside the pocket but clip it to the inner pocket pen holder inside. 
• Put the pen inside the channel in the front consisting of the cloth inner panel where the jacket front closure buttons are sewed into.
• Carry your pen in your front pants pocket.  It's not as comfortable, but it's out of sight and it will be handy.

BTW, IMO telling someone what kind of pen they have to carry is dumb, unless you're stipulating that on a ground team you have to use a pencil (the writing doesn't run when wet).

[Senior]

Eclipse do you mean the dosimeter slot on the BDU pocket?
I always keep my pen inside the button cover flap of the  BDU's.

[RiverAux]

Get a brown or black pen and no one will see it in the pen pocket and if they do, so what, its authorized. 

[Eclipse]

Eclipse do you mean the dosimeter slot on the BDU pocket?
I always keep my pen inside the button cover flap of the  BDU's.

Is that what its really for?  I think I've seen you or others make that assertion here before.

Do you have any cite on that?

I've seen all kinds of stuff hanging from there from pens to radios (and as mentioned the lovely blue "I").  They all look bad.

[MikeD]

Unfortunately, my Pilot G-2s don't fit in my ACU pen-pocket due to the rubber at the writing end, which annoys me to no end as those are my favorite pens.  Fit fine in the button placket of my BDUs, however.

If you take the rubber grip off they fit into flight suit pen pockets, so I'd assume that they'd fit in the aCU ones.

[gistek]

The BDU pocket flap has a small opening that a pen can stick through. Sometimes I actually do keep a pen in there, but it's the type where the clip attaches to the very top of the cap. That way it doesn't extend above the flap and obscure the CAP tape.

I sew down the corners of my pockets with one or two loose stitches. That way they stay nicely flat for most purposes, but if I have to put something in the pocket and need the space it's easy to rip the stitch and have the entire pocket volume available.

I like the idea of keeping a form 60 in one of the pockets. I keep one in my wallet, but having one where everyone knows where it is could save a lot of time in an emergency.

[Fifinella]

But *everyone* knows the little gap-thingy in the left BDU blouse pocket is for hanging your sunglasses from... [ducking to avoid flamethrowers] 

[notaNCO forever]

But *everyone* knows the little gap-thingy in the left BDU blouse pocket is for hanging your sunglasses from... [ducking to avoid flamethrowers] 

No it's to clip radios on to.

[O-Rex]

But *everyone* knows the little gap-thingy in the left BDU blouse pocket is for hanging your sunglasses from... [ducking to avoid flamethrowers] 

Ahh!! heresy!! heresy!! 

If you want a pen pocket, like the ABU or ACU, you can unstitch the little pen pocket that's inside the left breast pocket of the BDU then sew it to the lower left sleeve.

As for sewing down the pockets, been doing that for years, even when I was on active duty-alot of NCO's did (however, we usually maintained a 'functional' set for actual field wear.)  I also removed the pleated bellows material from the BDU shirt pockets (ABU's don't even have them) and elasticized the bottom of my BDU pants-goodbye blousers.

Waaaay back in the Army when we had guard-duty, everyone had a 'supernumary' uniform and LBE (on some installations, the sharpest soldier didn't have to pull guard duty, and was put on standby, called supernumary-competition for that was fierce!) Uniforms were tailored and pockets sewed-down and LBE was in pristine condition.

Sure, some uniform-nazis may bristle, but I can remember when the bdu was cut like a potato-sack, and alterations were not authorized; we'd go to a local tailor to give the bdu shirt a bit of a flare, and lo & behold, later generations of BDU's were actually made that way. 

If the modifications are done right, you'd never know they were there: you'd just see a sharp-looking uniform. 

[Eclipse]

Sure, some uniform-nazis may bristle, but I can remember when the bdu was cut like a potato-sack, and alterations were not authorized; we'd go to a local tailor to give the bdu shirt a bit of a flare, and lo & behold, later generations of BDU's were actually made that way. 

I did the same thing with my USAF-style service jacket.  A tuck here and there to give it a little shape.  I know its supposed to be a "drape cut", but not the living room curtains!

[O-Rex]

Another example of a uniform mod that became standard were special operations folks taking the bottom pockets from the BDU and sewing them on the upper sleeve: wouldn't you know it? the ACU and MARPAT utilities now have them.

The Khaki uniform itself was derived from a field modification: British soldiers in India in the late 19th century dyed their tropical white uniforms tan to avoid getting picked off by snipers-that color became a standard uniform color the world over for nearly a century.

When I get flight suits with the little flap on the sleeve pocket, I take them off (they're useless) and use the material, which is incidentally just the right size, for a handy pen-pocket on the lower leg zippered pocket (like the 'McPeak' style flightsuits have)  and NO, I don't wear a 'morale patch' on the pocket velcro (I actually wear a little 1X2 inch piece of 3M black non-IR cloth reflective tape with velcro backing-it's flat black, but turns bright white when you shine a light directly at it.)  Under normal conditions, you wouldn't know unless I told you. As for the reflective tape, most folks who discover that little secret (at night when we're preflighting by flashlight for a midnite aerial bug hunt) actually ask me if I have one for them-which I usually do.

Now, this is where I insert the "don't try this at home" disclaimer: If you are going to noticeably alter the appearance of the uniform item to the point where it looks more 'different' than it does 'sharp' or functional when worn, then stop right there.

(still-growing) Cadets: if you are wearing a uniform that you may hand-down when it no longer fits, you might want to hold off-the cadet who gets your uniform might not appreciate the mods.

It's kind of like plastic-surgery on pop stars and aging actresses: sometimes a little is good, but a lot gets just plain weird. 

[sfdefender]

Another example of a uniform mod that became standard were special operations folks taking the bottom pockets from the BDU and sewing them on the upper sleeve: wouldn't you know it? the ACU and MARPAT utilities now have them.

That is one of the best mods for guys who routinely wear body armor or some sort of tactical vest that prevents the use of the lower two pockets.  I am glad that they went that route on the ACU. It is very Tactical and Practical

In my 13 years in CAP and combined 9 years in the Air Force/Army. I have never used the lower pockets on my BDU top. 

MATT BREWER
Major, CAP

[O-Rex]

Matt: 

I think that part of the reason was the change in the cut of the uniforms as well as the development of body armor.  If you compare the BDU with the VN-era jungle fatigue shirts (man, I loved that uniform!) the latter was actually longer and the bottom pockets were lower.  Plus the design and cut of present-day body armor covers more area that previous gens did.  I was out long before the current models came into being, but I remember the marked difference between the old Green vests and the PASGT models when we swapped steel pots for Kevlar helmets in the '80s. 

I do remember that the high collar and material on the newer vests chafed the hell out of our necks, and can appreciate the convertible mandarin-style collars on the current Army and Marine uniforms.

I always thought that lower pockets were impractical when in the prone position, which is where you probably want to be when the bullets start flying (?)

[Major Carrales]

The Khaki uniform itself was derived from a field modification: British soldiers in India in the late 19th century dyed their tropical white uniforms tan to avoid getting picked off by snipers-that color became a standard uniform color the world over for nearly a century.

Yes, I've read that this dying was actually done with tea.

[Senior]

Eclipse, the US Army NBC NCO Course taught me that the opening is for the
dosimeter.  Yes my cadets hang the ISR through the opening.  It works and
it is practical but it is not right.  I have never used the bottom pockets on
my BDU top in the Army or CAP.  

[Eclipse]

Something like this?



Me either on the lower pockets...

[Hawk200]

Eclipse, the US Army NBC NCO Course taught me that the opening is for the
dosimeter.  Yes my cadets hang the ISR through the opening.  It works and
it is practical but it is not right.  I have never used the bottom pockets on
my BDU top in the Army or CAP.  

I'd be interested in seeing a reference for that. I hear that every now and again, and no one seems to be able to show me in writing from a reliable source.

[hatentx]

In the bdus the only thing I ever places in the bottom pockets were my 9 line Medivac card and such.  Usually not more than 3 or 4 pieces of paper. 

I have always used the front flap on the bdu between the buttons for wearing pens.  One of the most interesting mods I ever saw was a guy took his BDU pockets and sowed them down, but on the inside made a pocket similiar to a suit pocket and kept pens and such there.  He would just un bottom the top button and get what he needed and the buttoned it back. 

The Arm pockets on the ACUs are wonderful and in the A2CUs they give you two pockets per side.  So awesome.  The only down fall I have seen with the pen pockets on the arms are 1) not all the same size and large pens like a sharpy dont fit in all of them depending on manufacturing. and 2) the pens always broke when taking off my old style body armor (one with the flap on the chest)

[Gunner C]

Eclipse, the US Army NBC NCO Course taught me that the opening is for the
dosimeter.  Yes my cadets hang the ISR through the opening.  It works and
it is practical but it is not right.  I have never used the bottom pockets on
my BDU top in the Army or CAP.  

Of course he did!  Everyone in the army wears a dosimeter! [/sarcasm]  I'm thinking that it is an urban legend (based on the self-importance of the boys in Alabama (yes, NBC is important, it's just that it's not imporant enough for everyone to have an attachment point on their uniform) - back when the BDU came out there were probably 1 or 2 dosimeters per company, maybe fewer.  I was on a special atomic demolition team:  we had two and never used them. 

Back to your regularly scheduled firefight. . .

[Al Sayre]

I wear one every day, but it won't fit the BDU slot.

[Gunner C]

I wear one every day, but it won't fit the BDU slot.

Someone had to wear it.  Just sayin'. 

[Stonewall]

On one of my NCO boards or soldier of the year boards I was asked this question.  The answer, acording to the Army Study Guide was cooks could place their thermometers there.  That's all I got.

[Al Sayre]

I wear one every day, but it won't fit the BDU slot.

Someone had to wear it.  Just sayin'. 

Well, I do work at a nuclear plant...

[es_g0d]

Here's a handy tip that even my TI would approve:

If you want to clip a pen somewhere on your BDUs, avoid the attention (justified or not) of putting it in the hole on the left breast pocket.

Instead, clip your pen in between the material where the buttons are buttoned and the front of the blouse.  There's a nice little horizontal enclosed place there that will hide the item from view yet still keep it handy for use.  No sewing necessary.

[Eclipse]

Instead, clip your pen in between the material where the buttons are buttoned and the front of the blouse.  There's a nice little horizontal enclosed place there that will hide the item from view yet still keep it handy for use.  No sewing necessary.

We've mentioned this a few times, but I must admit it was a revelation for me the first time someone showed it to me as a newb.


The biggest problem I've had is its so unobtrusive there I tend to leave them in there when I have them cleaned.

[SarDragon]

Well, when I put my similar pen in the corresponding location on my BBDUs, it shows, unless I button the top button. Back to the drawing board.

[Eclipse]

Is there something wrong with the shirt?  I've never known anyone to have an issue like that.

[SarDragon]

Nope. Considering that your shirt is a size or two larger than mine, mine might not be long enough in that area, or the fabric strip runs up higher inside the shirt.

[Always Ready]

Maybe you make a small cut in the material lower than the top to clip the pen on. I'd reinforce the edges of the cut though. Otherwise it will just fray, but it should work.

[Eclipse]

All of mine, camo & blue have the slot running open all the down - it sticks out the top?  Are you wearing like a G.I. Joe shirt?   

[SarDragon]

Nah, they are Propper brand.

After comparing my shirt to your picture, it looks like my button strip is cut higher/longer. I have almost three clip lengths between the top of the strip and the buttonhole below the top, using the pen cap clip as a measure.

[CrewDog]

Try hooking your pen to the flap behind the button area. It conceals the pen and yet it's handy.  Sewing pockets closed is a rediculous technique utilized by Air Force Office workers who really have no need to wear BDUs in the first place.  Respectfully submitted (Non-office worker)

[Eclipse]

If you want a pen pocket, like the ABU or ACU, you can unstitch the little pen pocket that's inside the left breast pocket of the BDU then sew it to the lower left sleeve.

I pulled an unserviceable blouse apart to see if this was even feasible.  Unfortunately the material is only about 1/2 the size of a regular pen, so unless you're stylin' the Fisher Bullet-sized Space Pen, it would be sticking out/falling out, etc. 

I think, though that someone who was really motivated could cut a strip out of the pattern of an old shirt and match the camo so close you'd never seen it.

I was also looking at maybe a slot at the sleeve cuff inside the sleeve.

Just musing...

[Stonewall]

You know, if we went to these....



You wouldn't have to add a pen pocket...
 

[davidsinn]

You know, if we went to these....



You wouldn't have to add a pen pocket...
 

Stonewall for Nat/CC. I'd buy that tomorrow if it was authorized.

[Fifinella]

That looks eerily like Viet Nam-era fatigues.

[RogueLeader]

They are OD ACU's, they took a second for me to realize it too.

[Hawk200]

That looks eerily like Viet Nam-era fatigues.

Mostly it's the green color, and the slant pockets. That's basically an ACU in OD. I've worn jungles before as well (back when CAP authorized them), and I'd take jungles over the ACU any day.

[Stonewall]

... and I'd take jungles over the ACU any day.

And I'd take any color ACUs (OD, Woodland, Multi-Cam, Tiger Stripe, etc.) over ABUs.  I've worn ABUs and ACUs and ACUs win hands down.  Other than color, ABUs are just like BDUs except hotter and heavier.  Oh, and the pen pockets.  But of course, Eclipse is rectifying that issue as I type.

Right?  Eclipse?

You got a picture of this thing yet?

[MIKE]

Try and get this this back on topic.

[Eclipse]

... and I'd take jungles over the ACU any day.

And I'd take any color ACUs (OD, Woodland, Multi-Cam, Tiger Stripe, etc.) over ABUs.  I've worn ABUs and ACUs and ACUs win hands down.  Other than color, ABUs are just like BDUs except hotter and heavier.  Oh, and the pen pockets.  But of course, Eclipse is rectifying that issue as I type.

Right?  Eclipse?

You got a picture of this thing yet?

I'm going to be busy the next few days, but I need to un-"USCAP" my field uniforms so when I'm doing that I'll take a shot at the non-standard pen pocket somewhere.  And post a pic if it comes out ok.

[citizensoldier]

That looks eerily like Viet Nam-era fatigues.

I Know!  I miss my pickle suit in all truth.

CS