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Uniform
by Dragonforce Wed 01 Aug 2018, 7:51 pm
CHRISTIE BLATCHFORD - Published: August 1, 2018
Defence chief wants to toss Canadian-made uniforms for U.S. version — at a cost of $500M
Defence chief wants to toss Canadian-made uniforms for U.S. version — at a cost of $500M
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Re: Uniform
by Falcon Thu 02 Aug 2018, 7:26 pm
Vance’s plan to buy U.S.-made uniforms for Canadian military raises issues
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN - August 2, 2018
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN - August 2, 2018
My Postmedia colleague Christie Blatchford reports the Canadian military is looking for a new camouflage uniform for its 95,000 regular and reserve force members – potentially at a cost of as much as $500 million to taxpayers.
Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jon Vance favours one originally developed for the U.S. military, according to documents obtained by Blatchford.
In a seven-page briefing note on Vance’s recent visit to Halifax, the general’s senior staff officers last month wrote, “The CDS stated his desire to replace” current uniforms with the new “MultiCam” pattern now being used by the force’s Special Operations Command.
As Blatchford wrote, except for special forces, most Canadian soldiers now wear “CADPAT,” short for “Canadian Disruptive Pattern,” a Canadian-developed digital camouflage print that comes in several varieties, depending on the environment (desert, temperate, Arctic, etc.) and for which the Canadian government has a copyright and trademark. The uniforms are manufactured by a number of Canadian companies.
MultiCam is a patented brand made by Crye Precision of New York and is in use by the U.S. military.
Blatchford’s article noted:
According to the July 11 briefing note signed by Vance’s senior staff officer, Lt.-Col. Geoffrey Mundy, and special adviser Col. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet and obtained by the National Post, Vance told personnel in Nova Scotia that the arid pattern CADPAT he saw on soldiers arriving in Mali (as part of Canada’s contribution to the United Nations stabilization force there) was so worn it will “likely have to be disposed of.”
Vance, the note said, wants to see the whole Canadian Forces adopt the special forces’ “MultiCam.”
The plan for the uniforms, the note said, is that while the desert CADPAT – civilians would know it as the uniform Canadian soldiers wore during the 10-year mission to Afghanistan – would be tossed, temperate-climate CADPAT would be kept and issued to new soldiers during basic training. “They would transition to Multi-Cam” once they become operational.
Vance, the note said, wants to see the whole Canadian Forces adopt the special forces’ “MultiCam.”
The plan for the uniforms, the note said, is that while the desert CADPAT – civilians would know it as the uniform Canadian soldiers wore during the 10-year mission to Afghanistan – would be tossed, temperate-climate CADPAT would be kept and issued to new soldiers during basic training. “They would transition to Multi-Cam” once they become operational.
Department of National Defence spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande confirmed that the Canadian Forces is looking at options for new uniforms. CADPAT and other patterns, including MultiCam, are among the options being considered, she added.
But the work is still in its early days and costs and timelines have not yet been worked out, according to Lamirande.
Still, those individuals Blatchford was talking to inside the Canadian military told her that the project has been given a deadline of a year to deliver the new clothing and that the cost estimate is as much as $500 million.
“Critics say there is no rationale for the change, other than perhaps fashion,” she wrote. “They point out that while CADPAT was extensively researched and field-tested, there has been no study of a new, single-purpose pattern and that militaries have long sought, in vain, for a pattern that will work equally well in green or temperate environments and desert conditions.”
A switch to MultiCam is not totally unexpected. On Oct. 18, 2017 Defence Watch reporting on Canadian special forces switching to MultiCam noted, “A senior Canadian Forces officer said he expects the regular Canadian Forces to also eventually adopt multicam over time.”
The link for that article is here:
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/will-the-canadian-forces-switch-to-multicam
But Vance’s uniform plan could face a number of questions:
Will any Canadian government award a U.S. firm $500 million in work at a time when the Trump administration is punishing Canadian industry with tariffs and is promising more economic hurt for Canadians? Canadian textile manufacturers and producers of uniforms can be expected to push back on Vance’s choice.
Has Vance’s stated desire for a particular product – even as the project is in its early stages – tainted the future procurement process? Or would Canada simply award a sole-source contract to Crye Precision?
Are there any studies showing that MultiCam is the right product for Canadian needs?
Vance’s tenure as Chief of the Defence Staff is expected to draw to a close within a year. Is the preference for MultiCam shared by the Canadian Forces leadership or just the desires of one individual?
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Re: Uniform
by Dalton Sat 04 Aug 2018, 7:01 pm
Made in Canada best option for our armed forces gear
Peter MacKay
Published: August 4, 2018
Peter MacKay
Published: August 4, 2018
Switching uniforms from the current Canadian-designed CADPAT to a U.S. Multi could cost taxpayers $500 million, according to a document prepared for current Chief of Defence Staff General Jon Vance.
The American pattern used by the majority of their forces has already outfitted our special forces for years. It matters greatly how our forces feel about how they dress for battle. Yet, how we arrive at the decision is also important.
It may indeed be time to examine modernizing the combat uniform after almost 20 years of use, post Afghanistan.
The distinct desert uniform was a respected one as was the Canadian flag flash on the shoulder of our defenders and promoters of democracy. During 12 years of compassionate work and ferocious combat in that theatre of operations, the Canadians in their tan desert units were broadly admired and viewed among the best of NATO allies.
Enormous sacrifice and hard lessons learned saw a loss of 158 CAF lives and thousands more forever altered by their service-oriented injuries. Closing out that era might lead some to believe upgrading the uniform worn by our finest is needed.
Lots of shapes and sizes and more women in combat roles calls for that consideration. Comfort and protection surely remain the primary consideration.
The uniform of our armed forces has indeed changed over the years. The Pierre Trudeau government in an extremely unpopular move amalgamated the armed forces, removed the distinct uniforms of army, navy and air force and issued a generic bland garbage bag green style despised by those forced to wear it.
The distinct branch uniforms were restored by the Brian Mulroney Tories as were several other historic insignia and ranks under PM Stephen Harper. What has not changed over time was the pride and purpose of those who wear it and the confidence it instilled in our citizens and those who they liberated during expeditionary missions throughout the last 100 plus years.
One issue I recall hearing about frequently during my tenure as minister of national defence was the issue of combat boots. There were some 17 different styles made available, yet some soldiers still preferred to purchase their own.
Within reason, soldiers over the years have personalized and altered their kits. Adaptations and alterations for maximum comfort and fit were made for combat zones where optimal performance and safety outweigh all else.
In the current context what jumps out is the possibility of our government adopting an American design and even outsourcing the production. I believe the textile industry in Canada would be outraged as it is more than capable of continuing to design and manufacturing uniforms for the Canadian Armed Forces. A call for tenders and open competition could occur quickly for this prized contract.
Given the current state of NAFTA negotiations and the heightened rhetoric coming from both sides, it would be strange to buy American.
Like the courageous members who wear it, those who make them should also be Canadian, providing good jobs here at home.
Yet, there is also a question as to the timing and prioritization of fashion over practical needs. It occurs to me that increased capability, compensation, housing, readiness and infrastructure all rank much higher.
I seldom, if ever, heard armed forces members clamouring for better uniforms during my time as minister of defence. A lot can be done to improve the working conditions of our CAF with half a billion dollars.
The remarkably proud history of our forces and all they have accomplished in Canada’s name demands they be properly outfitted. The CAF uniform, short of our flag itself, which adorns that uniform, is a distinct and distinguishing symbol of our country. Soldiers in true Canadian character tend to be understated but patriotic to the core. What they wear on their backs should be a reflection of what we are as a nation. Independent, true quality and in keeping with current needs including fashion (though I doubt soldiers spend much time thinking about this when serving abroad).
Gen Vance is one of our finest military leaders of this generation. An honourable, sensible officer. Having spent significant time with him, I know he puts the interests and needs of those in the CAF first.
Military procurement is difficult, detailed and critically important. Principle, not optics, must rule the day in a decision such as this.
Let’s insure we make a sensible one that provides maximum benefit to our soldiers and those citizens they serve when we purchase their uniforms.
Peter MacKay is a partner at Baker McKenzie and a former MP and Minister of National Defence.
twitter.com/PeterMacKay
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Re: Uniform
by Alpha Thu 09 Aug 2018, 9:36 pm
Plan to outfit Canadian troops with U.S. uniforms a waste of $500M: top camouflage designer
David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen
August 9, 2018
David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen
August 9, 2018
As much as I would love a contract with the Canadian military, I don’t believe they need to change,' said Guy Cramer, president of HyperStealth Biotechnology
The plan by the country’s top soldier to outfit troops with new U.S.-style camouflage uniforms is a waste of tax dollars as the current Canadian-developed pattern is still among the best available, says one of the world’s top designers of military camouflage.
In addition, the current Canadian camouflage pattern is owned by the federal government so there is no need to pay royalties for its use and the material is strictly controlled, preventing other forces from using it, said Guy Cramer, president of HyperStealth Biotechnology Corp., a firm that has provided camouflage patterns to 40 different nations.
The U.S.-style pattern is widely available in surplus stores and is in use by more than 20 countries, including by Russian special forces, Cramer said. At one point during the Syrian war, both Russian and American special forces were wearing almost the same type of uniform on the battlefield.
The National Post reported last week that Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jon Vance is pushing for a plan to spend an estimated $500 million on new uniforms with a U.S. military camouflage pattern known as “MultiCam.”
“As much as I would love a contract with the Canadian military, I don’t believe they need to change,” said Cramer, who did not play a role in the development of the existing Canadian pattern. “Half a billion dollars can be used in many other areas other than trying to improve on something that doesn’t need improvement right now.”
Except for special forces, most Canadian soldiers now wear “CADPAT,” short for “Canadian Disruptive Pattern,” a Canadian-developed digital camouflage print that comes in several varieties and for which the Canadian government has a copyright and trademark. The uniforms are manufactured by a number of Canadian companies.
In a seven-page briefing note on Vance’s recent visit to Halifax, the general’s senior staff officers last month wrote, “The CDS stated his desire to replace” current uniforms with the new “MultiCam” pattern now being used by the U.S. military and Canada’s special forces.
MultiCam is a patented brand made by Crye Precision of New York and is in use by the U.S. military. Militaries pay royalties to the firm to use the pattern.
But Cramer noted NATO testing has shown CADPAT to be still a highly effective camouflage, even though the pattern was developed almost 20 years ago.
Pat Finn, the Defence Department’s procurement chief, said it is still too early to determine how the military will proceed on the issue of uniforms. Various options are being examined, he added.
It is possible the military will purchase small quantities of new uniforms and test them sometime this fall, Finn said. “We’re looking at different patterns (and) configurations,” he added.
Half a billion dollars can be used in many other areas other than trying to improve on something that doesn’t need improvement
Canadian Army commander Lt.-Gen. Jean Marc Lanthier said the process is to examine whether the army has the right equipment for evolving environments. He noted that Vance asked him to look at various options but the chief did like MultiCam. “What he likes is the colour pattern, the mix of colours, the predominance of brown,” Lanthier explained.
According to the July 11 briefing note signed by Vance’s senior staff officer, Lt.-Col. Geoffrey Mundy, and special adviser Col. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet and obtained by the National Post, Vance told personnel in Nova Scotia that the arid pattern CADPAT he saw on soldiers arriving in Mali was so worn it will “likely have to be disposed of.”
Vance, the note said, wants to see the whole Canadian Forces adopt the special forces’ “MultiCam.”
But Cramer said just because uniforms are worn doesn’t mean a country has to switch to a new camouflage pattern. Instead, it creates new uniforms using the same effective patterns it has developed, he added.
“The problem is, when you get someone at the top who sees something, that to them might look effective, that doesn’t mean it is effective,” Cramer said. “It’s going to be hard to change that perception. Once the people at the top get their minds set on something, everything becomes very difficult at that point to modify.”
Finn also acknowledged the lack of security controls over MultiCam and the fact that numerous militaries, including the Russians, now wear the same or similar uniforms. “We would have to consider those factors, absolutely,” he added.
— With files from Christie Blatchford
• Email: dpugliese@postmedia.com | Twitter: davidpugliese
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Re: Uniform
by Firestrike Thu 05 Sep 2019, 8:02 am
Petawawa soldiers to test new camouflage for Canadian Forces
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN September 5, 2019
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN September 5, 2019
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Re: Uniform
by Glideon Mon 30 Sep 2019, 9:00 pm
Petawawa soldiers test new camouflage uniform pattern
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN September 30, 2019
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN September 30, 2019
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Re: Uniform
by Apollo Thu 28 Jan 2021, 8:04 am
Military eyes adaptive camouflage, self-repairing clothing for future troops
David Burke · CBC News · Posted: Jan 28, 2021
David Burke · CBC News · Posted: Jan 28, 2021
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Re: Uniform
by Silversun Wed 31 Mar 2021, 12:52 pm
Canadian military selects new camouflage pattern - industry asked to make the new material
David Pugliese • Ottawa Citizen
Publishing date: Mar 31, 2021
Publishing date: Mar 31, 2021
The Canadian Forces is taking another step in acquiring new camouflage uniforms.
It has selected a pattern for its new camouflage and the federal government has now gone to cloth manufacturers to start the process of producing the material needed for uniforms.
The new pattern is called the Mult-Terrain or MT and a sample of design was provided to industry.
Industry has until May 12 to submit their bids to provide the new material which will then be used for Canadian Forces uniforms.
The first order would be for 390,000 metres of the new camouflage cloth, followed by an order of 560,000 metres of cloth a year later. Additional orders would tally up to 1.1 million metres of the camouflage cloth, industry has been informed.
The new design will replace the current Canadian Disruptive Pattern, or CADPAT, which has been in use since the early 2000s. The CADPAT uniforms are used by Army, Navy and Air Force personnel. Canadian special forces personnel use the U.S. MultiCam pattern and will continue to wear that camouflage.
In September 2019 some 600 troops at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa tested a similar camouflage pattern in the field. That prototype pattern, developed by Canadian defence scientists, was predominately brown, with some green and black.
The new design was further altered based on those tests.
The ordering of the cloth for the first uniforms is the next stage in the process.
The Canadian Forces has not provided details on the timelines when the new uniforms will be available. It has not provided any details on what the project will cost.
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Re: Uniform
by Rekert Wed 07 Apr 2021, 9:33 pm
Canadian military to improve uniforms as new camouflage pattern selected
David Pugliese • Ottawa Citizen
Publishing date: Apr 07, 2021
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Re: Uniform
by Tazzer Sat 12 Jun 2021, 12:15 pm
Canadian Army|| Army Reserves|| New Multi-Terrain Combat Uniform update
Jun 9, 2021
Jun 9, 2021
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