The DCS (Dynamic Combat System) in A-TACS AU camo from UK-based Warrior Assault Systems is a lightweight armor carrier, with removable sides that can not only hold hard armor plates but also Nexus soft armor in the both the front and back as well as in the adjustable side pouches.
The DCS is fully adjustable for height and width and comes with 3D Spacer mesh lining for cooling and comfort. Additionally, the DCS is designed to be worn with their Warrior Frag Belt as shown.
We received this account of Roggenwolf’s experience in vying for the New Zealand camouflage program.
In April 2011, Roggenwolf was advised that New Zealand Defence Force [NZDF] was looking to update its DPM Combat Uniform. Part of the plan was to implement a new camouflage pattern that could work across multiple operating environments, and I was asked if I would be interested in submitting a proposal. Naturally, I was.
The final submission was received by Yakka Apparel Solutions (NZ) on 19 May. Within a week, I was told that one my camouflage designs — RyewolfR2 — would continue to the next stage. Six metres of fabric were printed, and trial garments were cut and sewn.
Recognition testing was conducted around Waiouru, in a variety of terrains: jungle, forest, open country tussock, sandy and urban. The disruptive effect of RyewolfR2 was good enough that it passed another down-select. My submission had gone from being one among 12 contenders to being one among five.
However, the colourway was not ideal. Based on feedback and photos from Waiouru, I decided that Roggenwolf’s original “Timberwolf” colourway might be a better choice. A few variations were proposed; prints and fabric were sent; garments were made; and by the end of November 2011, RyewolfR2 was running neck-and-neck with only one other design: HyperStealth’s Multi-Terrain Camouflage [MTC].
Regular visitors to Soldier Systems Daily will already know that MTC ultimately won the race. They will also know that the final selection was based on aesthetic appeal; additional testing revealed only slight differences in camouflage effect.
So I don’t feel defeated. Instead, I feel validated. Since 2006, Roggenwolf has developed camouflage solutions utilising proprietary paradigms and techniques — and now I know that my ideas work.
As a result, I’m currently looking at producing Roggenwolf Warg5U on a commercial basis.
Warg has been chosen for a number of reasons. First, it’s more widely known than RyewolfR2. Second, it’s a little easier on the eye than RyewolfR2. Most important, though, is the fact that it was specifically designed to utilise the colourway that NZDF has determined works in jungle, woodland and urban settings.
Cabela’s is carrying clothing in the Kryptek Highlander pattern. Seen here is the Kryptek Vidar Scout Vest. Kryptek Highlander is their transitional pattern in their family of camouflage patterns selected as a finalist for the US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort. These patterns are currently in Operational Testing with the US Army.
We mentioned that the British military was looking to move to Brown boots for wear with their Multi Terrain Pattern uniforms last December but now it’s official. The new boots come in 5 models for different environments with two styles of each model. Lots of options there. Additionally, there are now both men and women’s sizing. And finally, Black boots will be retained for use with RAF and RAN Blues as well as ceremonial dress. What follows is the MoD’s press release.
The Ministry of Defence has signed a multi-million-pound contract for new boots for the Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
Armed Forces personnel will receive a new range of brown combat boots to replace the black and desert combat footwear they currently wear.
As part of a contract worth £80 million, troops will have the choice of wearing five different boots, depending on where they are based and what job they are doing. The five types available are:
Desert Combat: worn by dismounted troops conducting high levels of activity in desert environments exceeding 40 °C
Desert Patrol: worn by mounted troops, typically drivers or armoured troops conducting lower levels of activity in desert environments exceeding 40 °C
Temperate combat: worn by dismounted troops for high levels of activity in temperate climates
Patrol: worn by mounted troops, typically drivers or armoured troops conducting lower levels of activity in temperate climates
Cold Wet Weather: worn by dismounted troops for high levels of activity in temperatures down to –20 °C.
Each of the five boot types comes in two different styles, so personnel can wear whichever one is more comfortable for them.
Different foot shapes of men and women
The improved brown boots, which have been developed to match the Multi Terrain Pattern uniform worn by all service personnel, will be made in two different width fittings, taking into account for the first time the different foot shapes of men and women.
The new boots have been chosen after months of trials involving 2000 troops serving across the world in Kenya, Cyprus, Canada and the UK. The brown boots will be rolled out to personnel in all three services later this year.
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Peter Luff said:
“This contract will provide our troops with the high-quality footwear they need whilst on operations and back in the UK. Our Armed Forces will have more choice than ever before to make sure they are as comfortable as possible, whatever their role.”
Warrant Officer Class One Julie Lodge from the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Clothing team said:
“The boots we have now do the job well, but having footwear that is specially designed for female troops means we get an even better result, and marks a real development in the kit available to us. The new boots are very comfortable and fit so well I feel like I could run a marathon in them.
“We have had excellent feedback on the new boots from both male and female soldiers and we are buying a variety of styles to cover the full range of conditions we might encounter on operations, which means all our troops will have new boots for all seasons.”
The right boot for the right job
WO1 Regimental Sergeant Major Ian Wright of the Parachute Regiment took part in the trials and said:
“The choice offered to us with this new range of boots is fantastic as it means troops can find the right boot for the right job.
“It is important that we continue to feel comfortable in the boots that we wear and reassured that they are going to provide the right protection – and these new brown boots offer that.
“They performed well on the trials and I am sure our soldiers will be delighted with them.”
Black boots will continue to be worn with most non-camouflage uniforms and by units on parade in full dress uniform, such as Guards regiments on ceremonial duties in central London
The New Zealand Army has announced that they are looking at a new camouflage pattern and new uniform system. This pattern was developed by Canada’s Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corporation.
The NZDF is looking at revamping its combat clothing to provide better protection for its troops.
Capability Branch, Log Command (Land) and The Workwear Group have been working on a project to introduce an Improved Combat Clothing System (ICCS) to the NZDF. The project is addressing the areas of layering, material, material treatment, garment cut and camouflage pattern.
A significant milestone has been reached through the selection of the Multi Terrain Camouflage Uniform (MCU) that will aid the protection through concealment of our personnel.
Why are the current DPM patterns being replaced?
The current in- service Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) pattern and Desert DPM (DDPM) patterns have provided good service for many years. These patterns are being replaced because:
The current patterns work well in limited environments only. In the case of DPM it works well in lush green tropical and subtropical environments, however it is sub optimal in arid environments and urban terrain. Our operational experience in environments such as Afghanistan has proven that the colour spectrum of the operating environment can change rapidly and personnel can quickly find themselves dressed in camouflage unsuited to the environment.
The current DPM pattern used by the NZDF is also used by many other nations around the world. A new pattern uniform provides for a unique New Zealand identity that allows New Zealand service personnel to be clearly identified as New Zealanders.
Neither the current DPM nor DDPM uniforms are particularly effective in urban environments.
Technology advances in camouflage pattern design and manufacture now make it possible to produce single camouflage patterns that are effective across a wider range of operating environments.
Pattern Selection
During the pattern selection process numerous camouflage designs were submitted for NZDF review. From this review 12 separate camouflage patterns were selected and testing was conducted throughout 2011. Much of this testing occurred in Waiouru as in this one location can be found forest, open country tussock, sandy and urban terrain. This testing saw the 12 patterns narrowed down to five, which were then manufactured into basic garments for further testing by Capability Branch and Combat School Staff in Waiouru.
From this testing the best performing two camouflage patterns were selected for final testing. Both patterns were then tested in sandy terrain at Kaipara Air Weapons Range, in forested close country north of Auckland and in urban terrain at Whenuapai Airbase. Both patterns proved effective in these environments.
Finally, a selection of NZ Army personnel was independently requested to rate aesthetically which pattern they preferred. This proved to be the factor that separated the two designs with an overwhelming 80 percent preferring the finally selected pattern. This pattern was further confirmed by Chief of Army and the Sergeant Major of the Army conducting a road show of a mocked up uniform to selected Army units.
Fabric selection
Throughout Exercise Alam Halfa personnel from 1 RNZIR, 2/1 RNZIR, QAMR and 16 Field Regiment trialled a number of different fabric types and garment cuts to assess fit, functionality, durability and safety. This trial aimed to aid the assessment and selection of the fabric that best meets NZ Army requirements for the new MCU. It is envisioned that a training version and a flame retardant version of the MCU will be made provided.
What happens next?
Logistics Command (L) is currently developing a plan to enable the introduction into service of MCU to replace DPM. This plan will include the requirement to waste outfully utilise the current stocks of DPM. It is intended that the MCU will be used across the NZDF. The date when it will be phased into service has yet to be finalised however it is likely to be around mid 2013. Army News will provide further information as it becomes available.
Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corporation’s print on demand Deceptex program has hit the 350 pattern threshold by adding the new Love, Nan, Oboe and Peter series.
Look for sales to begin in August.
Shipping August 20th is the Project Honor Camouflage Stencil Kit. The pattern was developed for the upcoming Electronic Arts title Medal of Honor Warfighter.
The kit includes –
4 4.5oz Aerosol Cans
1 LBX logo stencil
1 LBX digital logo stencil
6 Digital stencils
lbxtactical.com/products/project-honor-camo-spray-kit
Extreme Outfitters just received a shipment of Numa Optics Realtree Camo Sunglasses in the Point, Chuck, and Chisel style. They exceed ANSI Z87.1 ratings, and come with the Mandarose lenses which are great for transitioning light conditions. As an introduction they are offering 20% OFF with code “CAMO” until August 1st 2012.
