During The Maryland Defense Force’s Annual Muster soldiers were able to get a first look at the new Army Combat Uniform that will be worn by the entire force. The Defense Force had been wearing The Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) up until now which features a digital urban grey pattern. The uniform was used by The US Army from 2005 to 2019 when it was replaced by a new uniform, The Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). This new uniform combined elements of green and brown mixed with a ‘scorpoion’ pattern. This will now be the new uniform of The Maryland Defense Force.
However there will be a few alterations to differentiate The Maryland Defense Force’s OCP uniform from The United States Army’s. First, The US Army’s name tapes feature Black Text on The OCP pattern but The Maryland Defense Force will utilize a maroon text color on the same OCP pattern. The Maryland Defense Force will also wear The Maryland State Flag on their right shoulder instead of The United States Flag.
There will also be changes to the patrol cover used by The Maryland Defense Force. They will utilize more of a Baseball style rather than the flat top associated with US Army’s Patrol Covers. Another requirement that will be needed is above the rank emblem the letters M.D. will need to be represented. These changes are designed to differentiate State Defense Force troops from US Army or US Army National Guard soldiers.
All other elements of the US Army’s OCP uniform will remain the same for The Defense Force. No alterations will be required of The Cold Weather Fleece Jacket, Watch Covers or Coyote Combat Boots so SDF troops would be able to purchase the same items as US Army soldiers.
Most State Defense Forces currently wear The OCP Army Combat Uniform, except for a few that still retain The Universal Camouflage Pattern. The Tennessee State Guard, Indiana Guard Reserve, Michigan Defense Force and New Mexico State Defense Force still utilize this pattern. Some State Defense Forces such as The Virginia Defense Force & Vermont State Guard wear a much older Army uniform known as The Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). The uniform of The State Defense Forces are determined and authorized by The Adjutant General of Their State (Senior National Guard General).
To learn more about State Defense Force uniforms visit our Uniform Section.
Sources: Maryland Defense Force – Military.com – Wikipedia
