General Purpose Uniform

General Purpose Uniform (GPU) is the working uniform of the Royal Australian Air Force.

A member of the RAAF (at left) wearing the General Purpose Uniform

GPU is notable and controversial for its inclusion of relatively bright, high-visibility shades of blue. As such it cannot serve as tactical battledress, even though the pattern resembles the original Multicam camouflage from Crye Precision. Hence, RAAF commanders have been criticised and queried regarding GPU's lack of functional versatility, across musterings, and a key rationale for the new uniform – the claim that its introduction will be cost neutral.[1]

The blue and grey uniform was officially launched in 2014 by Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown to give air force personnel a unique and easily identifiable appearance.

The GPU is to replace the Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU), also worn by the Australian Army, for general base duties and in non-warlike environments such as humanitarian tasks and Defence assistance to the civil community.

Existing Air Force DPCU production has been replaced by production of GPU. All Air Force personnel can be issued with a mix of camouflage uniforms and GPU uniforms depending on their role within the RAAF.

The GPU is a Crye Precision Australian Multicam pattern utilising blue and grey colours selected to reflect Air Force colours. The colours can be found in the Royal Australian Air Force's Service Dress uniform, the RAAF Ensign, and from airframes and airfields. The uniform whilst consisting of a disruptive pattern, is not intended to be used as camouflage in warlike operations or environments.[2][3]

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to General Purpose Uniform.
  1. "What's The Latest On RAAF Camo?". soldiersystems.net. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
  2. "Q&A - Air Force General Purpose Uniform". Royal Australian Air Force. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
  3. "RAAF personnel to receive new-look uniforms". Retrieved 4 March 2014.
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