After nearly a year, Iraqi troops will finally have uniforms they can feel proud of.

U.S. officials said the Defense Department has overcome procurement hurdles and issued its first orders for uniforms for Iraqi troops. They said the orders came after months of delay, which prompted severe complaints from Iraqi and U.S. military commanders that Iraqi security forces appear disheveled because of the ragged uniforms they were given.

The Iraqi military and security forces will be provided with six-color desert camouflage uniforms that will be supplied over the next few months.

The uniforms were purchased through two U.S. firms under contract with the Coalition Provisional Authority.

The Pentagon awarded a $4.19 million order to Brigade Quartermasters, based in Kennesaw, Ga., as part of a $9.6 million contract for six-color desert camouflage uniform items. Officials said the contract was expected to be completed by February 2005.

Another award was relayed to Safety and Security International, based in Brentwood, Tenn. The company was given a $2.7 million order as part of a $9.7 million contract for six-color desert camouflage uniform.

A Pentagon statement said the contract will also be completed by February 2005. It said 124 bids were received.

Two other companies ø the San Francisco-based Highcom Security and Uniforms Manufacturing of Scottsdale, Ariz. ø were awarded orders of uniforms as well by the CPA. Their delivery schedule was similar to other companies.