Abstract
A new combat uniform is improved for added combat safety with various functions such as survivability, battle conformity and a camouflage performance system. Camouflage performance is an important factor in terms of combat survivability since it makes identification difficult and provide security. The combat uniform is worn under extreme conditions (exposure to ultraviolet light, sweat and friction) and an excellent color fastness to repeated washing is required. In this study, we investigated the color management, durability and discoloration of new combat uniform fabric with a digital pattern for camouflage performance to provide preliminary color management data. We examined color differences between standard fabric and mass-produced combat uniform fabrics, color differences between each military supply contract firm and color changes in combat uniforms after 60 washing cycles. The slight color differences between standard fabric and mass-produced combat uniform fabrics were tolerable under quality criteria of Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense. However, the differences between the military supply contract firms were recognizable to the naked eye and increased with repeated washing. Continuous research on color fastness under repeated washing and color management is required to standardize reliability from each military supply contract firm for the daytime performance of a combat uniform's camouflage.
