Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform
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DPCU or Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (also called Auscam, Austcam, Ozcam, DPU or DPCU) is a five-colour military camouflage pattern used by the Australian military. It was developed and trialled during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its name and initials DPC, DPU or DPCU should not be confused with "DPM" (Disruptive Pattern Material), a British pattern of camouflage.
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[edit] Overview
Colloquial names for DPCU include "Jelly Bean" cammo, "Rabbit Ears" cammo, "cammo jym jammies", "rabbit behind rocks" and the "now you can't see me suit".
The first uniforms using the disruptive pattern camouflage (called Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform – DPCU) were issued in 1983 for test purposes. In 1986 the final production version was introduced with a number of changes. It is influenced partly by early US Jungle Camouflage patterns, such as "Duck Hunter"/"Frog-Skin". DPCU was developed following aerial photographs of the Australian terrain to determine which colours and patterns would be most suitable for camouflage uniforms.
The five colour pattern consists of a greenish sand coloured background with randomly arranged spots of light brown, red-brown, dark green and medium green overlaid. The standard DPCU works in areas from arid bushland through to tropical jungle all over Australia.
[edit] Desert - DPDU
Officially named DPDU (Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform).
A new DPCU variant designed for desert conditions using different colours and was first tested in 1998 at the Woomera Missile Test Site in South Australia.
2001 1st Issue of DPDU. Mk1 was printed in 3 colors (Brown and Grey on a Tan Background) with 1/3 of the normal Auscam print missing, rushed into issue for Australian special forces (Special Air Service Regiment) deployed to Afghanistan as part of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
2002 2nd Issue DPDU. Full Auscam print was used with a full 5 colours. The colours were: Brown, Lime Green, Grey, Very Light Blue (almost Grey) on a Tan Background. This was again issued to SASR in Afghanistan after the Mk1 version was found to be too light in colour for the terrain.
2003 3rd Issue DPDU. This is also in the full Auscam print with 5 colours. These colours are: Brown, Grey, Very Light Blue, Purple on a Yellow Background. The cut was changed in the shirt with the bottom pockets being omitted and placed on the sleeves. This the current type issued to all ADF personnel serving overseas in arid/desert regions such as Iraq.
2006 Current issue DPDU. This version appeared around mid 2006. The colours remain the same with the previous DPDU. Changes to the uniform include repositioning of shoulder straps to the chest, the changes of the chest pockets and cargo pockets from the button-fastened flap of the pocket to zips and minor changes to the sleeve pockets. This version will replace the 2003 issue uniform.
The desert camouflage uniforms have been called "clown suits" by US military personnel operating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. However the DPDU is much more effective then the current US Army uniform in an urban environment.[citation needed]
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Officially named DPNU (Disruptive Pattern Naval Uniform).
A naval version, consisting of various shades of grey with green, has been approved for adoption by the Royal Australian Navy replacing the issued Grey overalls. Its primary concern is not to provide camouflage, but to provide a more utilitarian 2-piece work dress. It will replace several sets of other clothing, including the issue Grey fire resistant overalls. RAN personnel serving ashore (such as clearance divers) will continue to be issued DPCU kit in addition to their DPNU uniforms.[1]
[edit] Opposing Force - DPCU
During the late 1990s a modified Auscam colour scheme was trialled to be used for OPFOR units during force vs force training exercises. This pattern was in the same style as the standard DPCU but featured redder browns and brighter greens and appeared, in colour at least, to resemble a "Russian" style pattern. Colours used were: dark brown, mid brown, light brown, blood red all on a tan background. It was used sparingly during several exercises but not issued widely due to the cost associated with fielding a separate uniform with only minor colour changes solely for use as an OPFOR uniform. OPFOR DPCU was found to be very effective in the red sands of some Australian deserts
[edit] Garments
Garments issues in DPCU have included, shirt/jackets, Jump smocks (for Paratroops), trousers and a waxed cotton (Japarra) rain jacket, almost always referred to as a Japarra. Head dress has included bush hats, wide brimmed bush hats ("boonie" hats) and a peaked cap with a fold up neck flap referred to as a kepi cap (worn only by members of units which operate armoured vehicles and by Regional Force Surveillance Units).
[edit] Equipments
Equipments that have been issued in DPCU are Rucksacks, pouches (such as Steyr pouches, Minimi pouches, canteen pouches, map cases, field dressing pouches, butt/bum packs, medical kits, etc), load carrying equipment, field body armour, and combat helmet covers.
