Am I the only one who thinks that Velcro on a combat uniform is a stupid idea?

You are NOT alone. I was a self-proclaimed fabric repairman in the Army for 16 years since I enjoyed doing it (It calmed me down) and no-one else wanted to do it in my unit. Velcro is one of the worst things to put on a uniform. The constant opening and closing of Velcro in a dusty or dirty environment wears it out so fast it was all I could do to replace it constantly, where as a metal, bronze or brass zipper rarely ever needed replacing. Bottons also are cheap and reliable. The guy who thought this up on a uniform was nothing but a chair sitting Officer who never had to worry about field duty. What a Dumbass.

I hate to say this, but this isn't a very intelligent question.

First, the average soldier is never in a situation where "the smallest noise can give away your position". The average soldier moves with a group of soldiers, carrying a load of equipment that, even when properly secured, makes a lot more noise than a ripped-off velcro patch would.

So the question is, what do special operations soldiers think about the uniforms - such as Long Range Surveillance teams and the like, where stealth actually is of the essence?

If you look back in history a little, you'll see that special operations soldiers actually were the first to have sleeve-pockets added to their uniforms and use velcro patches. The use of velcro patches allows them to take off the patches prior to going in the field. So that solves your second conundrum - you can't give yourself away by means of a ripping-off velcro patch if you've taken them off before the mission.

The new ACU uniform, by the way, wasn't designed by "one guy", but rather with input from a whole lot of soldiers. Then it was improved on by input from more soldiers. And the guys buying the uniforms are thinking, "Thank God I don't have to pay $3.50 per patch to get them sewn on anymore."

I have often wondered the same thing myself.

I can honestly say that I have my fair share of Blackhawk tactical gear - and almost EVERY piece (with the exception of molle-oriented products) has velcro in some way shape or form.

They were really on to something with the tension pin that is found on some gear, it's quiet, but bulky and not nearly as effective as a closure (if it were to get caught on something the compartment could open). As another answerer suggested the allure of velcro is the fact that it's secure. The clips like you find on sternum straps (commonly found on backpacks) are effective too, but still not completely silent, and again - the size factor.

I would think that if you are in the fastener business and can find a sure fire way to secure gear that will last through washing and rough treatment, you've got something there. If the people who made velcro and zippers can make an empire out of that. Think about a better product coming on the market.

Take care. :)

I don't know why the average soldier has it but I know it's great for spec ops guys who sometimes have to work for other branches of the military than the one they are in. Some branches are hung up on uniform regs, and spec ops not in that branch don't care about the uniform, they just operate. So when you are on the base with those that care and would give you an article 15 for the 1st offense, you Velcro those name tapes, and rank on those camis. When you are out in the field disarming an IED you operate the way you want to operate and drop the stuff that doesn't really matter.

I don't think it's the brightest thing... but looking at the specifications for the ACU, it's the pockets and sleeves that are velcro closure. If you're not prepared (pockets closed) the noise isn't the issue...

And just for "Sarge" the velcro patch issue on flight suits wasn't so much for the RANK... it was to dispose of your SQUADRON patch... that way you don't have to disclose your Unit and Aircraft type.

I do prefer a zipper though... only velcro on the flight suit as issued was the pen-pocket flap, and the knife-pocket flap.

FYI, the uniforms go thru a LONG testing process... it's not "some" guy buying them.

Judging on the answers I've read here, I'd say no.

Not everyone in the military is in the special forces, and are not usually required to be so quiet.

Removable patches, and/or velcro-pockets are extremely quick, and relatively quiet when compared to gunfire, or even normal walking for that matter. Besides, who would be dumb enough to open a velcro pocket when that person is required to be silent?

The only velcro part of the uniform I disagree with is the patches. Let the things get sewn on. How many times are you going to be changing the US Army patch for one that says something else?

If you're in a combat area you'll be wearing a ballistic vest and won't be able to reach most of the pockets on the uniform anyway. Most gear that is needed is kept in different size ammo pouches attached to the vest.

The noise of velcro doesn't alarm the enemy it's the noise of the convoy approaching and the helo's overhead.

Maybe if you wore one you might not ask silly questions.

As ridiculous as the rates of injury we receive and survive compared to what the combat Soldier survived in WWII. There is a reason we have the equipment we have today and it is all about accomplishing the mission. A fully equipped Infantry Battalion from today operating in WWII would have dominated any battlefield.

Speed not sound was the design. Not many situations that sound is an issue & they know to not open pockets during those times. However, ripping your pocket open fast could save yours & others lives. You do not lose buttons & constantly have to sew them on. There were many practical reasons for velcro. Personally I hate the stuff but people do not shoot at me & I have a seamtress that sews on my buttons & replaces my zippers.