A project team has been established to investigate and determine the feasibility for an Air Force General Purpose Uniform (GPU). The team is considering patterns and colour variations which would easily distinguish Air Force personnel from Army personnel, while retaining the same garment template and fabric properties as the current Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU).
Four dyed pattern swatches have been developed and presented to the Chief of Air Force.
The next stage of the project is to manufacture fully sewn uniforms in final colour designs in order to assess the feasibility of committing to more detailed development. The new GPU will use the existing DPCU garment template and fabric properties. As a result, costs to Air Force will be minimal and will be funded through savings from recent reforms to the management of uniforms and personal equipment.
The GPU will be phased in over a number of years after the current stock of DPCUs has been exhausted. Should the option be considered viable, it will replace DPCUs for the majority of Air Force members, and provide a unique identity for Air Force personnel.
Source / Author: RAAF