Mishall RehmanThe Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) combats are getting a noticeable facelift this year with the launch of the Canadian Disruptive Pattern Multi-Terrain (CADPAT MT).
The new Modernized Combat Uniform was launched in February but has a slow rollout, being issued to high-readiness units first. It is expected that the CAF will be transitioned to the uniforms fully by the end of 24 months.
“CADPAT Temperate Woodland (TW) and CADPAT Arid Region (AR) are among the most effective camouflage patterns worn by any army in the world. But technological advances in warfighting, namely the digitization and proliferation of surveillance and sensors, mean having soldiers less detectable to the enemy is increasingly important. CADPAT (MT) provides outstanding performance across the widest range of environments in which Canadian soldiers are likely to operate,” stated a release from the Canadian Army.
Development of New Pattern
According to the Canadian Army, the new uniform was developed through “a data-driven process” to choose a pattern that “reduced the likelihood of detection from a greater range of technologies.”
Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) was the driving force behind developing specialized software that helped to determine the CADPAT MT.
According to the Army, the software takes information from pictures of a wide range of environments, pixelates them and then calculates the percentage of each colour and texture present in the environment. This process helped choose the best camouflage pattern.
“Technological advances in warfighting, namely the digitization and proliferation of surveillance and sensors, mean having soldiers less detectable to the enemy is increasingly important,” says a Canadian Army publication informing soldiers about the new changes.
Other changes expected
Soldiers who wear the CADPAT can expect other changes with the uniform. The changes are based on soldier feedback.
Changes include:
- more size ranges, from four-inch increments to two-inch increments
- Knee pads and lower leg pen pockets have been removed.
- Removal of forearm pen pockets.
The military says this new uniform will ensure a narrower cut and faster dryer time. Another overhaul of Canada’s military uniform is expected in the next few years.
Phasing out uniforms
The CAF plans to collect all older uniforms and return them to the supply depot. Military personnel have been “strictly prohibited” from donating or selling the discarded uniforms.
Information regarding other pieces of kit with the CADPAT MT pattern, such as the tac vest, helmet cover, webbing, or other load carriage, will be released soon.
Rank patches and Canadian flags (colour and subdued) will be issued by the clothing stores when new CADPAT (MT) Modernized Combat Uniforms are issued.
More information about the new uniform can be found here.
