Uniforms of the Australian Army
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The uniforms of the Australian Army have changed significantly over the past century, although the accoutrements worn over this period have remained relatively similar. The forces of the Australian colonies and the early forces of the Commonwealth post-Federation in 1901 closely followed the uniforms of the British Army. Since then it has continued to be influenced by British but also US styles, as well as including some distinctly Australian designs, reflecting local conditions and trends.


Overview

Many of the Australian Army's customs and traditions have been inherited from the British Army, due to the nation's history as a former British colony and the Army's origins in the forces raised by the each of the Australian colonies. While soldiers originally only wore a single uniform for all occasions—including ceremonial parades, work parties or in the field—later they were issued with two types of uniform, one for day-to-day working and fighting in, known as " service" or " battle-dress", and another for parades and ceremony, or "
full-dress Full dress uniform, also known as a ceremonial dress uniform or parade dress uniform, is the most formal wear, formal type of uniforms used by military, police, firefighter, fire and other public uniformed services for official parade (military) ...
" uniform. Military uniforms have undergone gradual, yet almost constant, change since the 19th century, moving away from bright colours to more drab camouflage designs. This has occurred mostly for tactical reasons, in response to developments in weapons and operational methods, as well as reflecting changes in the area in which military forces have been required to operate, and the prevailing environment, terrain and vegetation. Other influences have included specific national characteristics, military tradition and alliances, as well as civilian fashion trends. Australian Army uniforms have mostly tended to be functional with only limited accoutrements, even to the point of being described as "bland", a trend which has been ascribed in part to a traditional mistrust of authority in Australian society. Yet despite changes, even in the early 21st century the uniforms and accoutrements worn remain similar to those adopted or modified from those of the British Army.


History


Colonial forces

Prior to
Federation A federation (also known as a federal state) is a political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing provinces, states, or other regions under a central federal government ( federalism). In a federation, the self-govern ...
each of the Australian colonies had maintained their own military forces made up pre-dominantly of volunteers or militia, and the uniforms they adopted generally followed colour and design of the part-time British territorial forces, being mostly green and grey as opposed to the red of the British regular forces, although this was worn by some units. Ranks also followed the British pattern. A number of " Scottish" corps were raised in the colonies, many of which wore highland dress, while there were also several "Irish' units which wore green, and several local "English" regiments which continued to wear red. Members of the
New South Wales Contingent The New South Wales Contingent served in Sudan with British forces as part of the Suakin Expedition in 1885. Consisting of an infantry battalion, an artillery battery, and a small field ambulance detachment, it departed from Sydney on 3 March ...
sent to Sudan in 1885 initially wore red for infantry and blue for artillery, along with white sun helmet and equipment; however, on arrival their uniforms were replaced by khaki. Meanwhile, in the 1890s the uniforms worn in the Australian colonies began to reflect local trends, becoming more suited to the conditions. These were mostly a drab khaki with coloured regimental facings, worn with a wide-brimmed hat, while regimental badges often included uniquely Australian flora or fauna or other national symbols. The wide-brimmed
slouch hat A slouch hat is a wide-brimmed felt or cloth hat most commonly worn as part of a military uniform, often, although not always, with a chinstrap. It has been worn by military personnel from many different nations including Australia, Ireland, the ...
was first worn during this time. Initially worn by the Victorian Mounted Rifles in 1885, it was adopted by the New South Wales Reserve Rifle Companies soon after and by some infantry regiments which wore it "for shooting purposes". Considered sensible and practical for local conditions its popularity grew and its use became widespread. While Victorian and Tasmanian units initially wore the brim turned up on the right after Federation all units adopted the practice of doing so on the left. Forces of the Australian colonies deployed to South Africa during the Second Anglo-Boer War wore khaki uniforms—issued due to the increased range and accuracy of small arms—instead of their more colourful regimental dress. Image:South Australian Volunteer Forces in 1860.jpg, South Australian Volunteer Forces in 1860. Image:Hobart Town Volunteer Artillery members 1869.jpg, Members of the Hobart Town Volunteer Artillery in August 1869 Image:Volunteer Parade Gurwood Street 1880s RW2893.2.jpg, Parade of militia units in Wagga Wagga, c. 1880 Image:Departure of NSW Contingent Sydeny 1885 (ART19713).jpg, Departure of the NSW Contingent, 1885. Image:Frank Dadd - Company of the Victorian Mounted Rifles on manoeuvres in Victoria in 1889.jpg, A company of the Victorian Mounted Rifles on manoeuvres in 1889. Image:A04508 New South Wales Mounted Rifles 1900.jpg, A trooper of the New South Wales Mounted Rifles, c. 1900. Image:AWM P00220 South Australian Mounted Rifles 1900.jpg, South Australian Mounted Rifles training near Adelaide prior to deploying to South Africa, c. 1900.


Post-Federation

On 1 March 1901 the Australian Army was formed following the transfer of colonial forces. Universal service dress was introduced in 1902 and was worn at all times, including in the field, except for formal occasions requiring full dress. This uniform included a peaked cap, tunic, and trousers, with officers wearing a
Sam Browne belt The Sam Browne is a leather belt with a supporting strap that passes over the right shoulder, worn by military and police officers. It is named after Sir Samuel J. Browne (1824–1901), the British Indian Army general who invented it. Origins ...
. Officers of the mounted arm wore
breeches Breeches ( ) are an article of clothing covering the body from the waist down, with separate coverings for each leg, usually stopping just below the knee, though in some cases reaching to the ankles. Formerly a standard item of Western men's c ...
and boots, while the rest worn
puttees A puttee (also spelled ''puttie'', adapted from the Hindi '' paṭṭī'', meaning "bandage") is a covering for the lower part of the leg from the ankle to the knee, alternatively known as: legwraps, leg bindings, winingas, or Wickelbänder. The ...
. The different arms and corps were distinguished by the colour of the braid trimming on the shoulder straps. A wide-brimmed slouch hat was worn with one side turned up by troops overseas. The rising sun badge was first worn at this time by battalions of the
Australian Commonwealth Horse The Australian Commonwealth Horse (ACH) was a mounted infantry unit of the Australian Army formed for service during the Second Boer War in South Africa in 1902 and was the first expeditionary military unit established by the newly formed Common ...
on active service in South Africa, while some Queensland units wore emu plumes in their hats. During this period it remained common to follow the British system, with the uniform subsequently adopted by the Commonwealth consisting of a General Service Dress which, in order to achieve financial savings, could be converted into Full Dress for ceremonial occasions simply by the addition of a number of lace accoutrements, including aiguillettes, as well as breast-lines and girdles. The uniform consisted of a khaki serge jacket, with slouch hat and breeches. Cloth collar patches were worn, as well as coloured piping on the jacket, with rosettes or plumes on the hat, and regimental badges. The introduction of universal service in 1912 resulted in the adoption of a number of changes due to the need to economise following the rapid expansion of the Army. The uniform provide for at this time was relatively simple, consisting of a hat, heavy woollen khaki shirt, cord breeches and boots. To distinguish between units and corps a coloured cloth hat band with a metal numeral was worn. Officers kept their jackets, and later approval was given to wear open collars with shirt and tie. Image:Australians and New Zealanders at Klerksdorp 24 March 1901 by Charles Hammond.jpg, Australians and New Zealanders at Klerksdorp on 24 March 1901. Image:ACH South Africa 1902.jpg, Troops of 1st Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse in the Transvaal, 1902. Image:Chauvel 33969r.jpg, Lieutenant Colonel
Harry Chauvel General Sir Henry George Chauvel, (16 April 1865 – 4 March 1945) was a senior officer of the Australian Imperial Force who fought at Gallipoli and during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign in the Middle Eastern theatre of the First World W ...
wearing a Sam Brown belt, rising sun badges on his collars, and a slouch hat, turned up on the left side, 1902. Image:StateLibQld 2 166847 Army band known as the Headquarters Band, attached to the 9th Regiment, 1909.jpg, Headquarters Band, attached to the 9th Regiment, in 1909. Image:Tasmania c.1913 members of Pre WWI militia.jpg, Members of the militia, probably from either the 16th or 41st Batteries, Australian Field Artillery, in Tasmania, c. 1913. Image:52nd Australian Infantry Battalion (Victorian Scottish Regiment) 1914.jpg, Members of the 52nd Australian Infantry Battalion ( Victorian Scottish Regiment) in Melbourne, c. 1914.


Great War and interbellum

The pre-war Australian Army uniform formed the basis of that worn by the
First Australian Imperial Force The First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF) was the main expeditionary force of the Australian Army during the First World War. It was formed as the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) following Britain's declaration of war on Germany on 15 Au ...
(1st AIF), which adopted the broad-brimmed slouch hat and rising sun badge. Peak caps were initially also worn by the infantry, while light horsemen often wore a distinctive emu plume in their slouch hats. A standard khaki puggaree was worn by all arms. From 1916 the British steel Brodie helmet was issued for use by infantry on the Western Front. A loose-fitting four-pocket service dress jacket was worn, along with baggy knee breeches,
puttee A puttee (also spelled ''puttie'', adapted from the Hindi '' paṭṭī'', meaning "bandage") is a covering for the lower part of the leg from the ankle to the knee, alternatively known as: legwraps, leg bindings, winingas, or Wickelbänder. The ...
s, and tan ankle-boots. A heavy woollen greatcoat was worn during cold weather. The uniform was a drab "pea soup" or khaki colour, while all buttons and badges were oxidised to prevent shine. All personnel wore a shoulder title bearing the word "Australia". Rank insignia followed the British Army pattern and were worn on the upper arms (or shoulders for officers). Identical hat and collar badges were worn by all units, which were initially only distinguished by small metal numerals and letters on the shoulder straps (or collars for officers). However, in 1915 a system of
Unit Colour Patch Unit colour patches (or simply known as colour patches) are a method of identification used by the Australian Army, used to indicate which unit a soldier belongs to. It is believed that the Australian system of colour patches is based upon the ...
es was adopted, worn on the upper arm of a soldier's jacket. Uniforms worn by the
Australian Flying Corps The Australian Flying Corps (AFC) was the branch of the Australian Army responsible for operating aircraft during World War I, and the forerunner of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The AFC was established in 1912, though it was not until ...
(AFC) were similar to those of the rest of the AIF, although some officers wore a double-breasted "maternity jacket". AFC "wings" were worn on the left breast, while an AFC colour patch and standard rising sun badges were also worn. The AIF-pattern uniform was mostly maintained by the Australian Army in the years following the war. However, in the 1930s a range of new uniforms, believed to be more "attractive", were issued to the Militia in an attempt to increase recruitment. Mostly these were blue or khaki, and included "distinctive" coloured collars and piping which indicated corps. Meanwhile, it was decided to retain unit-colour patches, whilst regimental and corps badges were also adopted at this time. The uniforms of the various local "Scottish" units were considered to be particularly colourful. File:Jack Gaghan AIF (restored and colorized).png, An Australian private before departure, 1915 (colorized) File:AN&MEF in Sydney before departure 1914 (AWM H11567).jpg, An Australian soldier of the AN&MEF and in Sydney, 1914, prior to departing for Rabaul. File:A02744 15 Bn marching through Melbourne 17 December 1914.jpg, Troops from 'A' Company, 15th Battalion march through Melbourne on 17 December 1914. File:Lone Pine trench 6 August 1915.jpg, Members of the 7th Battalion in a trench at Lone Pine, 6 August 1915. File:The charge of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade at the Nek 7 August 1915.jpg, ''The Charge of the
3rd Light Horse Brigade The 3rd Light Horse Brigade was a mounted infantry brigade of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), which served in the Middle Eastern theatre of World War I. The brigade was initially formed as a part-time militia formation in the early 1900s i ...
at the Nek, 7 August 1915'' by George Lambert. File:Members of the 74th (Boothby) Regiment in 1915.jpg, Men from the 74th (Boothby) Regiment during a training camp, c. 1915. File:AWM E00019 5th Div 1916.jpg, Members of the Australian 5th Division in France, December 1916. File:Light horse walers.jpg, Australian light horsemen on
Waler The Waler is an Australian breed of horse The horse (''Equus ferus caballus'') is a domesticated, one-toed, hoofed mammal. It belongs to the taxonomic family Equidae and is one of two extant subspecies of ''Equus ferus''. The horse has ...
s prior to their departure from Australia. File:Australin camel company2.jpg, Australian camel company, January 1918. File:Private Giles and Private Wallace of the 32nd Battalion just after leaving the front line in July 1918 cropped.jpg, Two soldiers from the
5th Division In military terms, 5th Division may refer to: Infantry divisions * 5th Division (Australia) *5th Division (People's Republic of China) * 5th Division (Colombia) *Finnish 5th Division (Continuation War) * 5th Light Cavalry Division (France) *5th Mo ...
in field uniform, France, July 1918. File:29 Bn (AWM E02790).jpg, A Platoon from the 29th Battalion in August 1918. File:Australian troops and tank (13963845645).jpg, Australian light horsemen and a tank. File:Aussies in Russia (AWM A04697).jpg, Australian soldiers from the NRRF in Russia, 1919. File:Sydney-university-regiment-duke-of-york-visit-1927.jpg, The
Sydney University Regiment Sydney University Regiment (SUR) is an officer-training regiment of the Australian Army Reserve. Its predecessor, the University Volunteer Rifle Corps, was raised in 1900 as a unit of the colonial New South Wales Defence Force. During the 20th ...
forms a guard of honour for the Duke of York in 1927 File:B Coy Australian 56th Bn.jpg, Soldiers of the CMF 56th Battalion in 1937, wearing World War I-era uniforms.


Second World War

Although there were a few minor changes, on the main the
Second Australian Imperial Force The Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF, or Second AIF) was the name given to the volunteer expeditionary force of the Australian Army in the Second World War. It was formed following the declaration of war on Nazi Germany, with an initia ...
(2nd AIF) raised for service following the outbreak of the Second World War was of a similar pattern to that worn by the 1st AIF. The woollen service dress of the previous war was re-issued, although trousers replaced breeches and cloth anklets were adopted instead of puttees. For summer or warm climates khaki drill-cotton clothing was issued. Units wore the shoulder patch of the corresponding unit of the 1st AIF, with a grey border to distinguish the unit from the Militia unit wearing the same patch. The shape of the grey indicated the division, which sometimes differed from that of the coloured part. Later, AIF personnel in Militia units were authorised to wear the grey border, resulting in some units wearing the same patches. The 9th Division replaced all its patches with a new type in the shape of a "T". As there were more units in the Second AIF than the First, many units wore patches of a new design. File:17th_Battalion_AIF_Unit_Colour_Patch.PNG, 17th Battalion 1921–1944 File:2-17th Battalion original colour patch.jpg, 2/17th Battalion 1940–1942 file:2 17th Battalion Australia Unit Colour Patch.PNG, 2/17th Battalion 1942–1946 Over-time the pre-war uniforms of the militia were replaced with khaki service dress and in 1942 regimental badges were universally replaced by the Rising Sun, with UCPs being the main distinction between troops of the Militia and AIF. Some minor changes to the appearance of the service dress jack occurred mid-war, while cloth anklets were also later by webbing gaiters. Meanwhile, during the course of the war uniform colour was changed to jungle green following the transfer of the bulk of Australian forces from the Middle East to the Pacific to fight against the Japanese in 1942. Troops hastily sent to New Guinea in the early stages of the campaign had to dye a lot of their existing khaki clothing green, although this tended to run in the heavy tropical rain. The British steel Brodie helmet continued to be used, including the Mark II model of 1940 and the Mark III model from 1944. Steel helmets were unpopular with the soldiers in the jungle climate. Some items of American equipment were adopted, such as long canvas gaiters. Eventually a range of equipment suitable for jungle conditions was specifically developed in order to meet the requirements of providing both suitable camouflage, as well protection against the mosquitos, fungal growth / mould, and mud prevalent in the tropical environment. This included studded boots, canvas gaiters, and cloth berets, in addition to other items of personal equipment. The establishment of a number of women's services by the Army during the war resulted in the development of a number of distinct uniforms, although these were mostly similar in colour and style to the uniform of the male services, including the wearing of trousers when in the field. Despite this the
Australian Army Nursing Service The Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) was an Australian Army Reserve unit which provided a pool of trained civilian nurses who had volunteered for military service during wartime. The AANS was formed in 1902 by amalgamating the nursing servic ...
opted to retain the grey serge that had been worn by nurses since before the previous war. Image:NGVR (P01283-006).jpg, The Salamaua platoon of the
New Guinea Volunteer Rifles The New Guinea Volunteer Rifles (NGVR) was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. It was initially raised as a unit of the Militia from white Australian and European expatriates in New Guinea upon the outbreak of the Second World War in 19 ...
on parade in April 1940. Image:5th Bn, Victorian Scottish Regiment Apr 1940.jpg, Members of the 5th Battalion, Victorian Scottish Regiment, a militia unit, on parade in April 1940 Image:AustraliansAtTobruk.jpg, Australian soldiers at Tobruk in 1941. Image:Awm 005392 2nd11th.jpg, Members of 'C' Company, 2/11th Battalion, having penetrated the Italian outer defences at Tobruk, January 1941 Image:Australian 9th Div at Gaza in 1942 (AWM 050124).jpg, Members of the 9th Division parade at Gaza Airport in late 1942. Image:Leaders of Australian Womens Services 1942.jpg, Leaders of the various Australian women's services in 1942. Image:2-5 commando company in New Guinea 1942.jpg, A section of 'C' Platoon, 2/5th Independent Company, marching along a jungle track, west of Bulwa in the Bulolo Valley. Image:Australian 39th Battalion after the Kokoda Track campaign 1942 (AWM 013289).jpg, Militia soldiers of the 39th Battalion following their relief at Kokoda in September 1942 Image:AWM 062320 2-16 Shaggy.jpg, Troops of the 2/16th Battalion, watch aircraft bombarding The Pimple prior to their attack on Japanese positions there, 27 December 1943. Image:23 Bn flag (AWM 108563).jpg, Members of 16 Platoon, D Company, 2/23rd Battalion in Tarakan, June 1945 Image:KIng George IV & Austn VC winners.jpg, George VI meets Australian
Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It was previously ...
winners in the United Kingdom, June 1946.


Cold War

In the years following the end of World War II the Australian Army began to adopt a woollen
British Battledress Battledress (BD), later named the No. 5 Uniform, was the combat uniform worn by British Commonwealth and Imperial forces through the Second World War. Battledress was introduced into the British Army just before the start of the war and worn u ...
blouse and trousers, with unit titles and formation patches made of cloth, and
beret A beret ( or ; ; eu, txapela, ) is a soft, round, flat-crowned cap, usually of woven, hand-knitted wool, crocheted cotton, wool felt, or acrylic fibre. Mass production of berets began in 19th century France and Spain, and the beret rema ...
s. Meanwhile, the use of unit colour patches was discontinued with the raising of the Australian Regular Army in 1947, with units and corps instead distinguished by badges, many of which were similar to those worn by their British counterparts. Being a period of transition, in the early part of the Korean War troops usually wore the old service dress, while later they wore the new battle-dress. Regardless, troops in Korea often adopted a mix of whatever British or American equipment was available out of necessity, with an example being cold-weather equipment. Following this time the uniform of the Australian Army underwent a number of changes, mostly with a trend to increasing "drabness" due to an emphasis on camouflage in combat dress, as well as a reduction in the range of different types of uniform. During operations in Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam in the 1950s to 1970s the Australian Army wore "Jungle Greens" as fieldwear. "JGs" were first worn by men of the
2nd Australian Imperial Force The Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF, or Second AIF) was the name given to the volunteer expeditionary force of the Australian Army in the Second World War. It was formed following the declaration of war on Nazi Germany, with an initial ...
who served in the Pacific during the Second World War. When part of the 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade during Malaya and Borneo, each of the Commonwealth nations including Australia were supplied with British jungle greens. A cloth bush hat (also known as a "giggle-hat") was also worn when in the field. The JGs worn in the Vietnam War were Australian-made and supplied. When New Zealand joined the
1st Australian Task Force The 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) was a brigade-sized formation which commanded Australian and New Zealand Army units deployed to South Vietnam between 1966 and 1972. 1 ATF was based in a rubber plantation at Nui Dat, north of Bà Rịa ...
in Vietnam, New Zealand soldiers were also supplied by the Australian quartermaster. In situations where there was a higher risk of head injuries, such as when operating inside a
Fire support base A fire support base (FSB, firebase or FB) is a temporary military encampment to provide artillery fire support to infantry operating in areas beyond the normal range of fire support from their own base camps. FSBs follow a number of plans, their ...
or travelling by APC the U.S M1 helmet was sometimes worn, often with flak jacket. Later, the shirt was updated with pockets added to the upper sleeves and the breast pockets became slanted, similar to the blouse pockets of the U.S. jungle fatigues worn in Vietnam. These new JGs were nicknamed the "pixie greens". In Vietnam elements of the
Special Air Service Regiment The Special Air Service Regiment, officially abbreviated SASR though commonly known as the SAS, is a special forces unit of the Australian Army. Formed in 1957, it was modelled on the British SAS sharing the motto, "Who Dares Wins". The re ...
(SASR) wore a variety of uniforms including the indigenous "tiger-stripe" (locally acquired), but more commonly the U.S ERDL Camouflage Tropical Combat Uniform. Personnel posted to South Vietnamese units, such as the Australian Army Training Team (AATTV), also often wore local uniforms. Up until the 1960s the style of uniform worn by the Australian Army for general duties wear when not in the field was essentially that of the British Army; however, from this time the "polyester" shirt and trousers was introduced. This was later followed by an Australian version of the British Army service dress which consisted of a coat and trousers. In the early 1970s dress for servicewomen changed to the Australian-style, while in the 1980s they adopted the polyester uniform worn by servicemen (with a skirt added). The distinct Australian slouch hat continued to be worn. Meanwhile, in the 1970s and 1980s the Australian Army continued to mostly use the same field clothing and equipment that they had in Vietnam. Mess dress worn by officers also followed the pattern of that worn by the British Army, and included separate styles for summer and winter. Image:3 RAR Korea (AWM P01813-449).jpg, Soldiers from the
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment The 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) is a mechanised infantry battalion of the Australian Army, based in Kapyong Lines, Townsville as part of the 3rd Brigade. 3 RAR traces its lineage to 1945 and has seen operational servi ...
(3 RAR) in Korea move forward in 1951. Image:Bazooka Korean War Australian soldier.jpg, 3 RAR soldier in Korea carrying a bazooka, 1951. Image:CMF training 1952.jpg, A CMF machine gun team during an exercise in Australia in 1952. Image:2RAR withdraw to DMZ Korea 1953 (AWM157687).jpg, Soldiers from the
2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment The 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR) is an amphibious light infantry battalion of the Australian Army part of the 1st Division Amphibious Task Group based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. 2 RAR was initially formed as the A ...
(2 RAR) in Korea, July 1953.
Image:Wells guard inspection Malaya.JPG, Troops from 2RAR in Malaya being inspected whilst on parade, c. 1956. Image:Australians OP Crimp Vietnam.jpg, Australian soldiers in Vietnam during Operation Crimp in January 1966. Image:Troops of Royal Australian Regiment After Arrival at Tan Son Nhut Airport.jpg, Australians arrive at Tan Son Nhut Airport in Saigon during the Vietnam War. Image:6 RAR National Servicemen 1966.jpg, National Servicemen from the
6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) is a mechanised infantry battalion of the Australian Army. It was originally raised in Brisbane, Queensland, on 6 June 1965 and has since then served in a number of overseas deployments and conf ...
before deploying to Vietnam in 1966. Image:RAR Vietnam.jpg, An Australian soldier in South Vietnam. Image:Tracker dogs, 1967.jpg, Two Australian soldiers wearing "giggle hats" in South Vietnam, 1967. Image:Capture communist flags in Long Hai hills, 1968.jpg, Soldiers from 3 RAR in the Long Hai hills,
Phuoc Tuy Province Phước ( vi, Phước) is a common gender-neutral name originating from Vietnam. It means "blessing" or "lucky". Notable people with this name include: Given name *Lưu Hữu Phước Lưu Hữu Phước (12 September 1921 in Cần Thơ, Coch ...
, 1968.


1980s to present

The Army's jungle green uniform was replaced in the late 1980s by the Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU) which was specifically designed by the
Defence Science and Technology Organisation The Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is part of the Australian Department of Defence dedicated to providing science and technology support to safeguard Australia and its national interests. The agency's name was changed from Defenc ...
and optimised for wear in the semi-arid bush of the Australian mainland. DPCU consists of five-tones with a greenish sand coloured background with randomly arranged spots of orange-brown, mid-brown, leaf-green and very dark green overlaid. At this time brown leather boots also replaced the wear of the black leather general purpose boot when in the field. Later, as a result of operations in the arid terrain of Iraq and Afghanistan in the 2000s a Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) was introduced in 2006. Further changes later resulted in the adoption of the
Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform The Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform (AMCU) is the combat uniform camouflage pattern for the Australian Defence Force, general issued from 2014 onwards. The AMCU is replacing the previously used Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU) ...
(AMCU), also known as "Multicam" (and similar to that worn by the US Army and British), from 2014. Using a hybrid pattern and colour palette it is intended to be able to be used in a wide range of terrain and will replace DPCU, DPDU, and other interim uniforms for operational and field use as the Army's only camouflage uniform. Current Australian Army orders of dress include ceremonial, general duties (polyesters), safari suit, DPCU, and mess dress (corps specific, worn by
officer An officer is a person who has a position of authority in a hierarchical organization. The term derives from Old French ''oficier'' "officer, official" (early 14c., Modern French ''officier''), from Medieval Latin ''officiarius'' "an officer," f ...
s and senior
NCOs A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is a military officer who has not pursued a commission. Non-commissioned officers usually earn their position of authority by promotion through the enlisted ranks. (Non-officers, which includes most or all enli ...
for formal dining occasions), in addition to specific dress for
armoured fighting vehicle An armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) is an armed combat vehicle protected by armour, generally combining operational mobility with offensive and defensive capabilities. AFVs can be wheeled or tracked. Examples of AFVs are tanks, armoured cars, ...
crewmen, working / protective dress, maternity dress, and aircrew. DPCU is generally worn as dress of the day in barracks, and when in the field or on operations (although this is presently being replaced by AMCU). The current ceremonial uniform is known as "Service Dress". Changes to this uniform in 2016 have seen a return to a more traditional brown khaki worn prior to and during both World Wars, from the light olive drab khaki that was adopted in the 1990s as other items of dress were phased out. Darker than the previous uniform, it more closely matches the colour of the slouch hat. Ceremonial dress has also included the "Patrol Blue" and "White Jacket" orders of dress, although these were mostly worn at the
Royal Military College, Duntroon lit: Learning promotes strength , established = , type = Military college , chancellor = , head_label = Commandant , head = Brigadier Ana Duncan , principal = , city = Campbell , state ...
. In 2010, the Army discontinued the wear of "Patrol Blues", with cadets at Duntroon exclusively wearing "White Jacket" order of dress for ceremonial occasions such as graduation parade; however, this was later restored in 2017 with the "White Jacket" order of dress coming under the "Patrol Blue" order of dress. From 2013 soldiers have been issued elastic-sided R. M. Williams boots to be worn with general duty and ceremonial dress. Although the uniforms worn by the Australian Army have changed significantly over the past century, the accoutrements worn over this period have remained relatively similar. In the British Army regiments have traditionally often worn their own distinctive uniforms. However, in contrast there is very little practical difference between the dress of each unit in the Australian Army, with the majority of personnel wearing the same basic uniform (although there are some minor exceptions, worn on general duties and ceremonial uniforms—but not DPCU when worn as dress of the day or in the field—for instance with some units wearing black badges of rank, unit badges and other accoutrements, instead of the usual gold and yellow or silver and white worn respectively by all corps, while a number of "Scottish" companies and pipes and drum bands wear distinctive
tartan Tartan ( gd, breacan ) is a patterned cloth consisting of criss-crossed, horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Sc ...
s and other items of traditional dress, including headdress, highland dress jacket, kilt, sporran, hose-top socks, and gaiters). Instead, the main uniform distinctions between corps and units include corps and regimental badges, berets, lanyards, and unit colour patches. Corps and regimental badges include both hat and collar badges (usually smaller versions of the hat badge). The majority of corps badges in the Australian Army are copied from the badges of the equivalent corps in the British Army. Berets colours include dark blue (worn by service corps and others not eligible to wear a special-to-corps or unit beret), black (armoured corps), rifle green (
Royal Australian Regiment The Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) is the parent administrative regiment for regular infantry battalions of the Australian Army and is the senior infantry regiment of the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. It was originally formed in 1948 as a t ...
), fawn (SASR), sherwood green (commandos), dull cherry (airborne), scarlet (military police), slate grey (nursing corps), light blue (aviation), UN blue (personnel on service with the
United Nations The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmoniz ...
) and terracotta (
Multinational Force and Observers The Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) is an international peacekeeping force overseeing the terms of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. The MFO generally operates in and around the Sinai peninsula, ensuring free navigation through ...
contingents). Lanyards vary in colour by corps and unit are mostly worn on the right shoulder, although units of the infantry corps wear them on the left, as do some members of the artillery, and the Australian Federation Guard. Different colours and designs are allocated to each corps and many units. Unit colour patches were re-introduced in 1987 for units that could trace their lineage back to units of either the 1st or 2nd AIF, while the current Series II colour patch was adopted in 1995, introducing a system of patches designed for all units and organisations of the Army. At this time the practice of wearing patches on the shoulder ceased, and they were worn on the right-hand side of the puggaree on the slouch hat instead. Other accoutrements worn include: the rising sun badge (cloth version worn on left shoulder of all uniforms including DPCU, and metal badge worn on upturned side of slouch hat when worn on ceremonial occasions), aiguillettes (senior officers), emu plumes and bandoliers (both worn by armoured units), the Sam Browne belt (worn by officers and warrant officers), mostly of brown leather although the armoured, aviation and nursing corps wear black leather), infantry scarlet sash,
gorget patches Gorget patches (collar tabs, collar patches) are an insignia in the form of paired patches of cloth or metal on the collar of a uniform (gorget), used in the military and civil service in some countries. Collar tabs sign the military rank (group o ...
(senior officers), pace sticks (regimental sergeant majors), canes / swagger sticks, lances (armoured units on parade), bayonets,
dirk A dirk is a long bladed thrusting dagger.Chisholm, Hugh (ed.), ''Dagger'', The Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th ed., Vol. VII, New York, NY: Cambridge University Press (1910), p. 729 Historically, it gained its name from the Highland Dirk (Scot ...
s ("Scottish" units), stiletto
dagger A dagger is a fighting knife with a very sharp point and usually two sharp edges, typically designed or capable of being used as a thrusting or stabbing weapon.State v. Martin, 633 S.W.2d 80 (Mo. 1982): This is the dictionary or popular-use de ...
s (commandos), swords (
Mameluke Mamluk ( ar, مملوك, mamlūk (singular), , ''mamālīk'' (plural), translated as "one who is owned", meaning "slave", also transliterated as ''Mameluke'', ''mamluq'', ''mamluke'', ''mameluk'', ''mameluke'', ''mamaluke'', or ''marmeluke'') i ...
for general officers, also cavalry
sabre A sabre ( French: sabʁ or saber in American English) is a type of backsword with a curved blade associated with the light cavalry of the early modern and Napoleonic periods. Originally associated with Central European cavalry such as th ...
s, artillery swords, and infantry swords respectively, while the claymore is carried by officers in "Scottish" units). Headdress consists of the slouch hat or beret for general duties, although bonnets are also worn by "Scottish" units and pipes and drum bands ( glengarry and balmoral for units, and feather for bands). The khaki
service cap Service may refer to: Activities * Administrative service, a required part of the workload of university faculty * Civil service, the body of employees of a government * Community service, volunteer service for the benefit of a community or a p ...
is no longer an optional headdress for warrant officers, commissioned officers and officer/staff cadets which could be worn with any general duty order of dress and working/protective dress until September 2010. However, the blue service cap is still worn mainly with the "Patrol Blue" order of dress by all ranks. Bush hats are worn in the field, while armoured corps and members of RFSUs often wear
kepi The kepi ( ) is a cap with a flat circular top and a peak, or visor. In English, the term is a loanword of french: képi, itself a re-spelled version of the gsw, Käppi, a diminutive form of , meaning "cap". In Europe, this headgear is most ...
hats. Image:1982 Demolition on Woronora Weir.jpg, Engineers wearing jungle greens conduct a demolition task in 1982. Image:John Coates DA-SC-90-07037.jpg, An Australian officer wearing the black beret of the
Royal Australian Armoured Corps The Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) is a corps of the Australian Army which provides the Australian Defence Force's armour capability. Armour combines firepower, mobility, protection and networked situational awareness to generate shock ...
in 1985. Image:Sir Phillip Bennett preparing to lay wreath, May 7, 1992.JPEG, Retired Australian General Sir Phillip Bennett wearing the service dress with the khaki service cap in 1992. Image:6 RVR ANZAC Day 2006.jpg, Members of the 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment wearing Scottish traditional dress marching on ANZAC day in 2006. Image:Australian soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment conducts a foot patrol during exercise Talisman Sabre 2007.jpg, Soldiers from 2 RAR wearing DPCU on patrol during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2007. Image:RMC-D graduation parade 24 June 2008.jpg, Cadets wearing Patrol Blues during graduation parade at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in June 2008. Image:Australian soldier in Afghanistan, August 2008.jpg, An Australian soldier wearing DPDU in Afghanistan, August 2008. Image:Australian SOTG sniper team June 2010.jpg, Australian special forces in Multicam during operations in Afghanistan, June 2010. Image:Barack Obama reviews Australias Federation Guard.jpg, President Barack Obama reviewing the Australian Federation Guard in November 2011 Image:Australian Army band at the No 28 Squadron RAAF freedom of the city parade August 2013.jpg, Australian Army Band on parade in Canberra wearing ceremonial service dress, August 2013. Image:Sandy MacGregor talks resiliency with 173rd paratroopers 140801-A-MM054-260.jpg, Officer in the winter mess dress of the
Royal Australian Engineers The Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) is the military engineering corps of the Australian Army (although the word corps does not appear in their name or on their badge). The RAE is ranked fourth in seniority of the corps of the Australian Army, b ...
in 2014. Image:An Australian soldier attached to Task Group Taji demonstrates how to tactically move to Iraqi soldiers.jpg, Soldier wearing AMCU combat uniform and equipment in Iraq, 2016 File:Soldiers from the 176th Air Dispatch Squadron talk while waiting for inbound aircraft at Londonderry Drop Zone in March 2017.jpg, Female and male soldiers wearing DPCU in 2017 File:Australian soldiers marching through Darwin on Anzac Day 2018.jpg, Soldiers on Anzac Day in Darwin, Northern Territory, 2018


See also

*
Australian Defence Force ranks The Australian Defence Force's (ADF) ranks of officers and enlisted personnel in each of its three service branches of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) inherited their rank structures ...
*
Australian Army officer rank insignia Australian Army officers receive a commission from His Excellency the Governor-General of Australia, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force. The commission is signed by both the Governor-General and the Minister of Defe ...
*
Australian Army enlisted rank insignia Like the British Army, the Australian Army does not use the term 'enlisted' to describe its non-commissioned ranks. Instead, personnel who are not commissioned officers are referred to as other ranks.Jobson 2009, p. 11. These are soldiers, non-com ...


Notes


References

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Further reading

* * * * * {{Australian Army Australian Army Australian military uniforms