Within the second generation of Crye uniform there were two main sub-types which were given specific names rather than just ‘Gen 2’ – The Army Custom and Navy Custom. Later generations were simply numbered and there were other variants within Gen 2 that did not receive an official nomenclature, but the AC was by far the most numerous in production (to include commercial sales), with the NC also produced in fairly significant numbers, including contracts for US Naval Special Warfare.
Again breaking down each style, there were combat cut and field cut versions of both AC and NC. Combat cut has always gotten the most attention and was probably worn far more often in actual operational use at the time. Especially as during the 2000s, as it was such a radical departure from all the standard issue uniforms that had been essentially the only option for many decades. The proliferation of plate carriers and frequency of arid climate, middle east deployments simply drove popularity of the combat shirt in particular, and the matching pants tended to follow along. However, the fields were always more than viable for all sorts of military applications, they were just regarded by many as ‘the barrack wear option’ during most of the Herrick/GWOT era.
Overall I really like the cut of the Gen 2 field pants, especially the NCs. They still have more than enough pockets and can accept a knee pad, plus the baggy cut makes up for the lack of the stretch panels seen in the combat trousers. Though I only use the word lack quite loosely, as stretch panels really aren’t a strict necessity in a military uniform if designed properly.
The one major difference between AC and NC field trousers is on the front of the thigh area. Where AC fields have a fully formed pocket in line with the combats, the NCs only have a small open topped type of pocket for a folding knife or similar item. A similar feature is found on the common G3 combat trousers, but on the G3s this slot is a pass-through to the main thigh pockets rather than actually having a base.
Personally I would have eliminated the ankle pockets and kept both this handy knife pocket and the front thigh ‘dip pocket’, but I am sure there was a reason behind the design of this specific cut. Unfortunately it is probably only the procurement officers who chose this uniform who will know exactly what that reason is, so the specifics will likely remain a mystery.
While the PVC type label is omitted from the outside of the garment, the classic Gen 2 green fabric tag is essentially the exact same, aside from the obvious difference in nomenclature.
As a big AOR2 fan who has also gained a real appreciation of a simpler type of uniform over time, I do enjoy having these trousers in my collection I would have to say. Even though to most people they look fairly unremarkable when worn.
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