Army's Search for a Better Uniform Camouflage Pattern A Case Study

Abstract

The development, testing, and fielding of combat uniforms for United States (U.S.) soldiers offers project management (PM) professionals an opportunity to analyze how programs progress through the U.S. defense acquisition institution. This case study centers on the U.S. Army's decision to change the camouflage patterns on combat uniforms and equipment not only for soldiers stationed in war zones around the world, but also for soldiers in daily garrison operations stateside. The case study is broadly applicable to project managers, business managers, engineers, testers, and logisticians involved in PM within the private sector, while specifically targeting acquisition professionals within the government defense departments. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking and analysis skills in the areas of stakeholder management and decision-making in a complex environment. The case is developed in two distinct parts. Part I allows PM professionals to analyze how to recommend a path forward to senior leaders with an increased chance of success of meeting desired objectives. Part II allows PM professionals to analyze how to recommend a set of options or courses of action for senior leaders to enable an informed, knowledge-based decision.