There lots of money being pumped into updating the clothing used by CANSOFCOM. First, we mentioned the new Distinctive Environmental Uniform unveiled during CANSEC. It is a dress uniform based on the Pinks and Greens worn by members of the World War Two-era Devil’s Brigade, a combined commando unit made up of American and Canadian troops.
Then, back in August we reported on the Advanced Special Operations Forces Combat Uniform. In September, Public Works and Government Services Canada released a tender for a two-piece FR Flight Suit in MultiCam for SOF aircrews. But their latest requirement may be the most interesting. Issued on October 2nd, the tender seeks manufacturers for Special Operations Forces Distinctive Service Uniform (SDSU). Essentially, they want MultiCam variants of the standard Canadian combat clothing called the Enhanced Combat Uniform, which normally features the CADPAT print. If the name means anything, these will likely be worn as garrison uniforms while the Advanced SOF Combat Uniforms will be used in combat as well as during combat focused training. The SDSU will help tie the command to the Canadian Forces, yet offer them their distinctive use of the MultiCam pattern. These will likely supplant the Peerless Garment manufactured uniforms, currently worn in garrison by members of the command and also be worn at service schools.
The tender seeks bids for SDSUs manufactured in both the 50/50 NYCO used in American uniforms as well as a 100% Nylon fabric. There is also a placeholder in the solicitation for a DND supplied fabric. Below are drawings of the ECU uniform cut.
All of this is in the heals of a procurement of new cold weather clothing, issued last year.
CANSOFCOM is considered the fourth Canadian Armed Forces environment; essentially, a service unto itself. Despite cuts to the Canadian Department of National Defense, the command looks to add over 600 new personnel in the near future, along with an increase of $1.5 billion to their budget over the coming years.
To summarise, once this all done, CANSOFCOM will have their own versions of Dress Uniform (DEU), Garrison Uniform (DSU), Combat Uniform (ACU) Flight Suit and Environmental Ensemble.
I’d like to think we are almost to the point of automated production of textiles. Think 3d printing for clothes. At which point we can just put the fabric in (insert camo pattern) and then input your measurements as well as pocket placement / features and build mission specific clothing, tailored to the user.
Pockets that work for some are terrible for others and “Uniforms” just turn into a one size fits all that is decent to mediocre, compared to something custom to the end-user.
*Sorry if this seems off topic. But looking at those uniform sketches it makes me think of people reinventing the wheel, rather than tailoring (no pun intended) that wheel to individuals.*
We aren’t there yet
Do you work on Gen. Milley’s staff? Sounds like he’s been sharing some of his private blend with you. No disrespect intended. 😉
Joking aside – what you describe is so far only possible in a lab or a high-end fashion boutique; and with a price point to match. The vast bulk of fabric production and clothing cut-and-sew is still done the “old fashioned” way because there is a massive installed base of that machinery and methodology; so it’s very cost-effective.
To achieve a fabled “10X” leap ahead would require either a total shift in the way that the market wants to have things done, or a massive investment that would force such a shift in market demand.
For the life of me, I’ll never understand why the hell they keep putting the openings on the upper chest pockets on the inside, where you can’t access the damn things without taking off your body armor or chest harness. Put the access on the outside, and you can reach stuff without having to take off your likely hastily-donned armor and gear… The slant on a lot of pockets is off, too.
That’s just a personal note, and maybe others haven’t seen the issue the same way I have.
Kirk, this is primarily intended as a garrison environment uniform. Point taken about inward flapped chest pockets for use with body armour and chest rigs though.
I wasn’t talking about the dress uniform, but the combat uniform line drawings. Unless that’s only meant for garrison while they use something fire-resistant in the field…?
Yes, the line drawings you see here are for the garrison wear uniforms.
Garrison / training uniforms for CANSOFCOM, but its the standard combat / field uniform for the rest of the Canadian Armed Forces – so his point is valid.
There is another combat uniform top in the inventory for under armour wear, so the one in the drawing should (emphasis on should) be used where armour won’t be worn.
All they want is No Melt/No Drip for the Advanced SOF Combat Uniform.
They call the new style of uniform FATPAT as it was more focused towards garrison duties. However, a new message was released that there is a good chance that Canada maybe buying a new version of Multicam “a la MTP, AUSCAM”.
I’m fairly certain that won’t happen. Visual distinctiveness is important for CANSOF.
Hmmmm
So the Canadians like the US Army’s “pinks & greens” also…
There is always money for dress uniforms
Where’s the jump smocks!! Tactical battle smocks?
Smocks are coming to CANSOF.
Too British for current management. They’ve been in a phase of copying the Americans since the 70’s or 80’s.
Looks sharp.
Given that CADPAT has repeatedly been objectively rated one of the best camouflage patterns in the world, why does the Canadian SOF feel the need to use commercial multicam?
This is the question that should be asked. To my knowledge there was no transitional CADPAT variant developed, but given that the Arid and Temperate variants are very high performing I would love to see a transitional pattern developed and tested. It would presumably perform well, although perhaps not as well as Multicam.
The real reasons are probably visual distinctiveness from the rest of the CAF and aligning with allied SOF camouflage. That and getting high performing uniforms cost effectively for a relatively small force discourages you from using unique fabric patterns. Oh, and printing CADPAT on FR material was a bit of a headache I recall.
Toques, buffalo plaid and snow shoes. Now that is Canadian!
Add some denim and you have a Canadian tuxedo…
It will be interesting to see if the Canadian Army leadership comes to their senses and adopts multicam or a digital transitional Cadpat pattern with a universal coloured/pattern loadbearing vest? The current temperate (woodland) and Arid (desert) patterns have performed well but creates a kit nightmare for soldiers as one needs to have green (woodland) and tan (desert) kit, depending on the area of operation. Having a single transitional/universal pattern combat uniform and related equipment will free a lot of basement and locker space for soldiers.
And an assload of money