Just one year ago we posted an article about Canada’s plan to transition to an “Improved Combat Uniform” based on their current issue item. The plan was to begin issue of this garment which integrates 17 improvements over the legacy garment starting in 2012.
Now, the Canadian DND has released a solicitation for what is termed an “Enhanced Combat Uniform.” It consists of Converged trousers and coats, combat, lightweight, CADPAT (Temperate Woodland and Arid Region). Converged means that it meets the requirements of both Army and Air Force.
The ECU Coat incorporates the following features –
a. stand up collar;
b. single breasted front closure with covered buttons;
c. loop fastener tape for rank badge on front fly cover;
d. loop fastener tape for name tape on right breast;
e. pockets with vertical slide fastener at the breast;
f. pockets with hook and loop flap at the hip area;
g. set-in two piece sleeves with hook and loop tab wrist closure;
h. semi-bellows pocket with vertical slide and loop for removable CADPAT patch on both
left and right upper sleeves;
i. double pencil pocket with hook and loop flap and web pull on both lower sleeves;
j. one-piece elbow reinforcement patches;
k. yoke;
l. action back; and
m. waist suppression at each back side.
These drawings will give you an idea of what the ECU Coat will look like.
The ECU Trouser incorporate the following features –
a. loose fitting;
b. two-way slide fastener fly front opening with button and loop assembly and tab closure on
waistband;
c. elasticated waistband on each back side;
d. front hip quarter-cut pockets with flap and hook and loop fastener;
e. semi-bellows patch pockets with covered buttoning flaps on side seams, thigh level;
f. front thigh to knee reinforcement panel with knee pad casing, hook and loop fasteners and
pull tab;
g. semi-bellows with double pencil pocket and flap with hook and loop fastener and pull tab;
h. back hip pockets with flap and hook and loop fasteners;
i. reinforced seat;
j. bottom leg hook and loop tab closure, with elasticated drawstring, cord lock and cord pull;
k. storm cuffs; and
l. six belt loops.
These drawings will give you an idea of what the ECU Trousers will look like
The ECU will continue to be issued in CADPAT-TW and AR and will not be offered in any other patterns. Additionally, the Hybrid Combat Shirt will be issued for deployed operations making the ECU Jacket the de facto top for domestic operations.
All photos DND
