#Australian multicam camouflage uniform update
#Australian multicam camouflage uniform series

They note, in relation to durability issues with FR fabrics: “It seems, the Australians specified an older blend of TenCate’s Defender-M fabric.

#Australian multicam camouflage uniform update

Update : Soldier Systems Daily has added a little more to the picture, citing our article here. Finally, it is interesting to note that there are no plans – at this stage, at least – to issue AMP uniforms to troops serving outside of Afghanistan. No word yet on the durability of any proposed fabrics, though I trust this will be taken into account due to the recent issues with Crye uniforms. Thirdly, I’m surprised that the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has been “tasked to determine if there is an operational need” for flame-resistant fabrics – I would have thought this had been covered already.

No word on what the breakdown there is, or on the testing methodology, but the results will certainly be interesting. Secondly, testing is apparently already underway in a “range of representative environments”. I anticipate that, like the British did, we will modify the design so that it is more reminiscent of our existing (DPCU/DPDU) camouflage patterns. Firstly, we can confirm that the AMP pattern will follow the British Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) in featuring Crye’s familiar colour palette, with a slightly modified design. There are a few interesting points to take away from this.

Defence will examine its suitability in a range of other operational environments and this information will be used by Defence to determine its future requirements. Response: The pattern has been procured to meet an operational requirement for Afghanistan as a result of user feedback from the Special Operations Task Group and more recently Mentoring Task Force 3. Will AMP pattern uniforms be issued to troops serving outside of Afghanistan? Concurrently Army Headquarters has tasked the Defence Science and Technology Organisation to analyse the use of flame retardant materials in combat uniforms to determine if there is an operational need for these types of fabrics. Defence has received responses from Australian industry as part of the Invitation to Register Interest that was recently released and this information is being used to inform the decision on the final uniform configuration. Response: The fabric for these uniforms will be manufactured in Australia. Will the new Operational Combat Uniform be manufactured from flame-resistant fabric and, if so, have you addressed concerns with the durability of this material?

Response: Testing in a range of representative environments is already underway. Will AMP be tested prior to manufacture of new uniforms, or is considered similar enough to MultiCam that further testing won’t be necessary? During the testing of the Australian Multicam Pattern Defence will confirm both the pattern and the palette meet the requirements for Afghanistan as well as examining what changes, if any, would improve its performance across the range of environments where Australian troops are operating. Response: The prototype pattern has retained the Crye Multicam palette as it is these colours that have proven to be effective in Afghanistan. Will the new AMP pattern follow the British MTP example and feature Crye’s MultiCam palette with a modified design, or are the colours being adjusted in any way?

#Australian multicam camouflage uniform series

The following is a series of official responses from an ADF spokesperson to some of my questions: This new pattern is being developed by Crype Precision for the ADF – you can read more about this in an earlier Security Scholar article, here. Over the last few weeks I have been in correspondence with various officials from Defence, discussing the specifics and the impact of the upcoming Australian MultiCam Pattern (AMP).