The patrol cap, formerly called the battle dress uniform (BDU) cap, is a visor style with a circular crown and retractable earlaps, which is the same basic design as the M-1951 cotton field cap. It was intended for wear with the temperate battle dress uniform.

The temperate battle dress uniform (BDU) was introduced as the Army's field and garrison uniform on 1 October 1981. The temperate BDU has a woodland camouflage pattern, infrared reflection, and reinforced elbows, knees, and seat in a 50-50 cotton-nylon fabric. The temperate BDU is part of the Army's battle dress system (BDS), which includes four camouflage subsystems allowing the Army to operate in temperate, desert, tropical, and arctic environments.

Commercial item description A-A-55312 covers the requirements for a visor style cap that is intended for wear in a temperate zone environment by military personnel.

Military specification MIL-C-1911 initially covered a cap made from olive drab shade 7 cotton poplin with flannel lined earlap.

Military specification MIL-C-44048 covers camouflage pattern, single breasted combat coats.

Military specification MIL-T-44047 covers camouflage pattern combat trousers.

Purchase Description GL/PD 11-01 covers the requirements for a Desert Sand-colored, waterproof, temperate weather combat boot for Infantry, Flight and Combat Vehicle Crewman use.

This purchase description covers the requirements for the U.S. Marine Corps Rugged All Terrain (RAT) Boot Temperate Weather.