The Tale of Two Camouflages: Digging into the History and Uses of MultiCam and Scorpion OCP Military Patterns

Dive into the fascinating world of military camouflage with us as we unpack the history and uses of two iconic patterns: MultiCam and Scorpion OCP. These camouflage designs have carved out a significant place in military history, and they continue to be popular choices for soldiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and survivalists alike.

The Birth of MultiCam

MultiCam, a brainchild of Crye Precision, made its debut in 2002. This design was conceived to be versatile, capable of blending into various environments, seasons, elevations, and light conditions. With a palette of seven colors, MultiCam provides effective concealment, whether you're in an arid desert or a lush forest. The US Army rolled out MultiCam as a replacement to heavily popular (sarcasm) ACU camo pattern worn by our military. 

The MultiCam Advantage

The strength of MultiCam lies in its adaptability. It's a single camouflage pattern that caters to multiple terrains, making it a favorite among military personnel and outdoor adventurers worldwide. After much testing, the military realized that the pattern of MultiCam helped our troops blend in easier and better in environments that have multiple terrains. The US Army would continue to sport this new camouflage for more than 10 years. 

The Rise of Scorpion OCP

Scorpion OCP, originally known as Scorpion W2, was born from the Objective Force Warrior program in 2002. However, it wasn't until 2015 that the U.S. Army officially adopted an improved version of this pattern. The pattern itself is very similar to MultiCam with some minor tweaks which we will discuss later in this post. 

Scorpion OCP in the Field

Scorpion OCP offers a slightly more pixelated and less organic look than MultiCam but serves just as effectively in diverse environments. It's the current standard issue for the U.S. Army, attesting to its reliability and functionality on the battlefield. In addition to the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have also adopted the Scorpion OCP camo pattern for their uniforms. 

A Side-by-Side Comparison

While MultiCam and Scorpion OCP share a common heritage, they've evolved differently to serve unique purposes. MultiCam features larger organic shapes and a warmer tone, while Scorpion OCP has smaller, more digital shapes and a cooler, more subdued color palette. Both camouflages are affective for survivalists and hunters but the Scorpion OCP tested better for what the military hoped to accomplish. 

Choosing Your Camouflage

Whether you're a soldier, a hunter, or an outdoor adventurer, both MultiCam and Scorpion OCP offer excellent concealment and versatility. Your choice between the two will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and the environment you'll be navigating. Both camos are good enough for the military and will be good enough for your needs as well.

Conclusion

The stories of MultiCam and Scorpion OCP are tales of innovation, adaptability, and military prowess. As we continue to supply these iconic patterns at Gear Up Surplus, we hope this deep dive into their history and uses helps you appreciate them even more. Choose your camouflage wisely, gear up, and embrace your next adventure with confidence!