Army olive green is a subdued shade of green that has been an iconic part of army and military uniforms for decades. The specific shade used by the US Army is known as Olive Green 107 and has a defined hex code used for digital and print reproductions of the color. Understanding army olive green’s hex code and its history as part of military tradition provides insight into this distinctive hue.
Defining Army Olive Green
Army olive green refers specifically to the green color that has been officially adopted and standardized by the US Army for use in their uniforms and equipment. The shade was developed to provide effective camouflage and concealment in a range of environments.
Olive green colors first came into use by militaries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as camouflage became an increasingly important tactical consideration on the battlefield. Dull, desaturated shades like olive green proved effective at blending into landscapes dominated by greens and browns.
The US Army began using olive drab cotton uniforms in 1902, though the exact shade varied considerably between manufacturers. It wasn’t until 1981 that a standardized olive green shade was formally adopted.
Olive Green 107
The specific olive green color used today by the US Army is known as Olive Green 107, or OG-107. It was one of several shades evaluated by the US Army Soldier Systems Center before being approved for use in 1981.
OG-107 replaced the loosely defined olive drab and became the approved shade for both uniforms and equipment. It was chosen for its ability to effectively render camouflage patterns and harmonize with terrain colors like forest greens, tan, and light brown.
The adoption of OG-107 helped standardize both production and procurement across the Army. With a defined color specification, manufacturers could reliably reproduce the same shade of green for use on everything from combat uniforms to helmets, backpacks, and other gear.
The Hex Code for OG-107
OG-107 is precisely defined using the HEX color code system. HEX codes consist of six digits using the numbers 0 through 9 and the letters A through F. This allows for the specification of over 16 million distinct colors through different combinations of red, green, and blue values.
The hex code for Army olive green OG-107 is:
#6C763D
Breaking this code down:
- 6C is the red value (108 on a base-10 scale of 0-255)
- 76 is the green value (118 on a scale of 0-255)
- 3D is the blue value (61 on a scale of 0-255)
This combination of moderately low RBG values gives OG-107 its muted olive green hue. The dominance of green tones over red and blue contributes to its ability to blend into leafy backgrounds.
Displaying Army Olive Green
The HEX code for OG-107 makes it straightforward to accurately display the standard Army olive green color in digital or print formats. Software applications, websites, illustrations, and other materials can all integrate the specific hue by applying the #6C763D hex code.
For print formats like signage, fabrics, and paints, the Pantone Matching System (PMS) code can also be used to precisely specifiy the Army olive green tone. The PMS code for OG-107 is PMS 595C.
Whether working in digital or print media, these codes allow OG-107 to be reproduced accurately and consistently.
Uses of Army Olive Green
Army olive green continues to see widespread use as the official uniform color for both Army camouflage patterns as well as dress uniforms. Some of the most common uses include:
- ACU camouflage – The Army Combat Uniform utilizes OG-107 as the base color for this digital camo pattern
- OCP camouflage – The newer Operational Camouflage Pattern also relies on OG-107 for its coloration
- Service uniforms – The Army Service Uniform incorporates OG-107 for ties, hats, and other uniform components
- Dress blues – Some shades of the Army dress blues also integrate OG-107 tones
- Equipment – Backpacks, helmets, water bottles and other army gear use OG-107 for consistency
The consistent use of the OG-107 shade allows for unified integration across uniforms and equipment used in the field, in dress capacities, and in support roles.
| Item | Use of OG-107 |
|---|---|
| ACU Camouflage | Base color for digital camo pattern |
| OCP Camouflage | Base color for newer digital camo |
| Service Uniform | Used for ties, hats, accents |
| Dress Blues | Some shades incorporate OG-107 tones |
| Equipment | Used on bags, helmets, gear |
OG-107 vs Other Greens
While Army olive green has become synonymous with military uniforms, it differs significantly from other shades of green used by the armed forces.
For example, the standard green shade used by the US Marine Corps is a darker, cooler-toned green known as Evergreen. RAF Green is used by the British Royal Air Force in a more muted green-gray tone.
OG-107 stands apart from these variations both visually and symbolically. It is uniquely tied to the US Army through decades of consistent use and precise color specification standards.
Conclusion
Army olive green has become an iconic military color with deep ties to tradition and service. The specific shade used today evolved from early olive drab uniforms into the standardized OG-107 tone chosen for effectiveness and consistency.
With an exact hex code and PMS specification, OG-107 can be reproduced precisely across uniforms, equipment, and accessories. This allows the distinctive green hue to serve as an identifying symbol of the US Army.
From combat camouflage to dress blues, army olive green is a color that honors legacy and enables continued service into the future.
