Aug 4th 2024

Chocolate Chip Camouflage: A Modern Tribute to a Classic Era

Chocolate Chip Camouflage: A Modern Tribute to a Classic Era

VCAS™ Sling Limited-Edition

Always Better® | Augsust 5th, 2024

At Blue Force Gear, our commitment to those who serve runs deep. It's the bedrock of everything we do, from the gear we design to the materials we choose. That's why we're proud to unveil our latest tribute to American service: the limited-edition Vickers Sling in the iconic Chocolate Chip camouflage pattern. 

A Brief History 

Early desert patterns were often just lighter versions of temperate or jungle patterns, rather than specifically designed for desert use. As teams became more dialed in and missions got more advanced, the need for distinct desert camouflage patterns arose. The "chocolate chip" camouflage pattern, officially known as the “Six-Color Desert pattern” or “Desert Battle Dress Uniform (DBDU) pattern,” was developed by the United States military in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was designed specifically for desert environments.  

Its distinctive design is a base pattern of light tan overlaid with broad swathes of pale green and wide two-tone bands of brown. It has clusters of black and white spots scattered across the tan base to mimic the appearance of pebbles and their shadows. These black-and-white spots resembled chocolate chips on a cookie and therefore it became known colloquially as Chocolate Chip camouflage. 

The pattern was officially adopted in 1981 and its first major use was Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990 – 1991 in Iraq and Kuwait. However, when they developed the pattern, they used the southwest American desert which looks strikingly different than the middle east. When they arrived in theatre wearing the full uniform, they realized that it was darker than they had anticipated.  

It stayed in use by the United States Armed Forces from the early 1980s to the mid 1990s, most notably during the Persian Gulf War. Even though the Chocolate Chip camouflage pattern was eventually replaced by the Three-Color Desert pattern in the 1990s, it remains a nostalgic and iconic symbol of a significant era in military history.  

VCAS™ Sling Limited-Edition 

We've taken our renowned Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS) – a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and improvement – and given it a touch of heritage. The limited-edition Chocolate Chip version is more than just a sling; it's a bridge between the past and the present, a tribute to the brave men and women who wore this pattern during pivotal and successful moments in American history.

Crafted with the same uncompromising quality and attention to detail that defines Blue Force Gear, this sling is built to perform under the toughest conditions. It's a tribute to those who came before, and a tool for those who serve today. The Chocolate Chip pattern was impactful on several BFG employee Veterans, and we are thrilled to bring the Vickers Sling to life in this iconic camo. This was also an excuse (not that we need one) to have a good time doing some promos and content creation. 

In every stitch and every fiber, the Chocolate Chip Vickers Sling embodies our commitment to those who serve. It's a reminder that at Blue Force Gear, we're not just making gear – we're honoring a legacy. Anachronisms aside, it’s fun for us to do these limited runs in different camo patterns – we hope you enjoy the nostalgia as much as we do. As a limited-edition item, you need to act fast! Just like the “Green Tiger Stripe” pattern that we released a few months back, once we are sold out… there are no more! 

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Buy Now from Primary Arms: No Waiting Necessary!

The limited run of Chocolate Chip Camo slings was a collaborative effort with Primary Arms. If you're eager to get your hands on the limited-edition Chocolate Chip Vickers Sling, you don't have to wait! A select quantity of these exclusive slings is NOW AVAILABLE at one of our trusted online dealers, Primary Arms. Renowned for their excellent customer service and wide selection of high-quality gear, Primary Arms is the perfect place to purchase your sling.  

They have slings with sewn in push buttons available as well as the version without hardware so you can select your attachments. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own a piece of history—visit Primary Arms today. 




About Blue Force Gear® 

About Blue Force Gear: Blue Force Gear, headquartered in Pooler, Georgia, has been a trusted name in professional-grade gear and accessories for two decades. Their commitment to excellence, innovative designs, and use of premium materials have made them a favorite among military, law enforcement, and recreational shooters worldwide.

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