Hello,
I grabbed that jacket a while ago in a surplus. Didn't really know what it was other than "damn I didn't even know these existed" and didn't want it to end up being ruined as a paint suit
While there is little info on them,
this website (link) does provide some basics:
Quote:
With the increasing deployment of Canadians in desert or arid environments, trials of lightweight field uniforms were begun in the 1980s. Several patterns of desert tan combat uniforms were produced and issued in relativly small numbers in the late 1980s through the early 1990s. In addition, a small quantity of British Desert DPM jackets and trousers were purchased and issued to Canadians in the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observer Mission (UNIKOM)between 1991 and 1993.
Four patterns of desert combat uniforms were produced, Types A, B, C and D. Each type consisted of a shirt and trousers, all conforming in pattern to the standard OG 107 Mk II Combat uniform. These uniforms differed only in colour and material. Issued for trials in Canada and Somalia, user responses were generally negative. It was generally felt that the uniforms were too heavy and hot for daytime wear in arid regions. What began as a good idea was shelved for operational use, but trials and prototypes for new desert uniforms continued through the 1990s culminating with the introduction of the Arid Regions CADPAT uniform in 2003.
All insignia worn on these uniforms were the standard patterns as worn on the green combat uniform. NCO rank insignia was usually worn on the green combat brassard on both arms.
In addition to the shirts and trousers, a tan combat jacket with removable liner was produced. As well, suede desert boots were acquired from American sources. These were immediately popular and became a standard issue item for future operations.
|
I had been told they have also been used early on in Afghanistan, in a very limited fashion, before arid CADPAT was issued. I have however not been able to verify this information.
Does anyone have any additional information or, even better, pictures of them during trials? Despite heavy Google'ing... still haven't found anything.
Cheers