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A member of the RAAF (at left) wearing the General Purpose Uniform
General Purpose Uniform
(GPU) is the working uniform of the
Royal Australian Air Force
.
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Existing Air Force DPCU production has been replaced by production of GPU.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.
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