[9] Early ACUs can be distinguished by OG-green name tapes, combat and skill badges, and shoulder sleeve insignia.

Due to the increased use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), a flame-resist version of the ACU was developed for soldiers deploying overseas, especially to Iraq.

[13] Beginning in late 2010 U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Afghanistan (starting with the 173rd Airborne Brigade) were issued ACUs made in Crye Precision's MultiCam pattern, referred to by the army as the Operation Enduring Freedom Pattern (OEF, OEF-CP, or OCP),[14] which was far more effective for use in Afghanistan's terrain.

The original "Scorpion" pattern was developed at United States Army Soldier Systems Center by Crye Precision in 2002 for the Objective Force Warrior program.

[18] ACUs printed in OCP first became available for purchase on 1 July 2015, with deployed soldiers already being issued uniforms and equipment in the new pattern.

The Air Force version differs only in name tapes and rank being embroidered in spice brown thread instead of black.

[21] The ACU jacket originally used hook-and-loop fasteners, also known by the genericized trademark Velcro, on its sleeve pockets, and to secure attachments such as name tapes, rank insignia, shoulder patches and tabs, as well as recognition devices like the U.S. flag patch and the infrared (IR) tab.

In the summer of 2011, regulations were changed to allow for wearing of sew-on embroidered skill badges, similar in cut to the kind worn on the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU).

Permanent IR IFF squares are sewn to each shoulder to help identify friendly personnel when night vision devices are used, and are protected by Velcro tabs in garrison or when not in use.

[citation needed] The flag's stars appear in the top right as a symbolic gesture; the insignia "flies" in that direction because the soldier is moving forward and not retreating.

In the field, the jacket may be replaced by the flame resistant Army Combat Shirt when worn directly under the IOTV.

[28] The updates to the ACU trousers in late 2010 included removal of Velcro fasteners from forward-tilted thigh cargo pocket flaps which were replaced with 3 buttons.

Further changes as part of the transition to OCP removed the pockets for insertable knee pads altogether, along with the replacement of more Velcro with buttons.

When in garrison, the maroon, tan, brown, and green berets may be worn by paratroopers, rangers, advisors, and special forces respectively.

The green micro fleece cap is authorized for field and garrison use outside of unit PT, per local command.

The MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet) Camouflage cover rank must be sewn on if worn but is often not used as the night vision device mount would obstruct it.

[32] The UCP variant of the ACU was worn with tan Army Combat Boots and olive drab cotton socks.