National Clothesline

The Army’s new combat uniforms are saving soldiers money but they’re costing drycleaners. For some, the loss is enough to make them considering closing down all or part of their businesses.

The new wrinkle-resistant uniforms were first deployed last year and the entire U.S. Army will be using them by the end of next year. Even though they cost more initially, the uniforms are saving soldiers money on cleaning and pressing while the Velcro nameplates, patches and badges eliminate the cost of having these items sewn on.

For its part, the Army has issued what amounts to a “Do not dryclean” care instruction: “Soldiers will not starch the Army Combat Uniform under any circumstances. The use of starch, sizing, and any process that involves drycleaning or steam press will adversely affect the treatments and durability of the uniform and is not authorized.”

As soldiers make the switch, cleaners feel the pinch. The Savannah Morning News reported on the woes of several area cleaners last month. Sonny Warang, who operates near Fort Stewart, recounted that business got a boost last winter when hundreds of the post’s soldiers returned from Iraq needing their uniforms cleaned and new patches sewn on. Then in March, the new uniforms arrived and a chunk of Warang’s business departed.

“I was working until 11 at night. The day the new uniforms came out, I could go home at 11 in the morning,” Warang told the paper. “It was that drastic.” As the switch continues among the Third Infantry Division, business continues to suffer.

Warang said he’s closing his pick-up shop near Fort Stewart to concentrate on his main location.

Another cleaner plans to close completely. “Business is all the way down,” said Maslun Steidley of Sun Express Dry Cleaning. “We clean maybe four or five (uniforms) a week. But we’re not making any money.” She plans to close her shop next year.

On the other hand, Renee Jones, who owns The Sew Shop, has started making and selling the Velcro patches for the new uniform and said her civilian customers should keep her in business.

“We’re still making it,” she told the Morning News. “I’m keeping my head up and coming up with ideas for other services we can offer.”

The new uniforms weren’t designed to put cleaners out of business; rather they replace a 25-year-old design and reflect the modern operational environment. For example the old uniform was designed before the Army routinely wore ballistic body armor. The new uniform is designed to be worn under body armor, and the camouflage pattern works on all types of terrain, especially in urban environments.