At the official launch of the new RAAF uniform, modelled by WGCDR Jo Ebsary, CPL Kylie Jackson, SGT Craig Smith, WOFF Disciplinary Nat Khan, FLTLT Scott Barter and WOFF of the Air Force John Boydell, are Managing Director of Macquarie Textiles, Mr John Lewis, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mr Bruce Scott, and Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Errol McCormack.

This simple statement, made by Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mr Bruce Scott, at the official launch of the new RAAF uniform in Canberra last month, certainly rings true.

The new-look traditional Air Force Blue material, manufactured by Albury-based Macquarie Textiles, was once a common sight from the 1920s through to the 1960s. It was replaced in 1972 by the now-familiar blue/grey uniform to reflect the colour and fashion sense of the era.

RAAF personnel wore their blue/grey uniform with pride during the 70s, 80s and 90s. However, there has been growing discontent among them as cases of mistaken identity by members of the public became more and more evident with the widespread use of similar blue/grey uniforms by other Federal and State Government bodies.

'A return to the Air Force Blue from the past will once again clearly identify the men and women as proud members of the Royal Australian Air Force of the 21st Century,' Mr Scott said.

'The Air Force Blue looks terrific and wherever you go, as members of the RAAF, you can wear it with tremendous pride.'

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Errol McCormack, who wears his 'old, new' uniform with obvious pride, explained the uniform range was simplified and designed to 'mix and match'. And unlike the blue/grey fabric, the Air Force maintains control over its use.

As early as the 80s, attempts were made to change the uniform. Yet in the past two years, with an incremental approach, it has been done. 'I am proud to say we have finally succeeded in getting there,' Air Marshal McCormack said.

All heads nodded in approval at the men and women modelling the new uniform.

The Macquarie Textiles Air Force Blue comes in two cloth styles - lightweight and heavyweight, using quality Australian 21 micron wool.

Air Force Blue lightweight is a 50 per cent wool 50 per cent polyester blend material suitable for wear in Australia's warmer climates, while the heavyweight cloth, comprising 70 per cent wool and 30 per cent polyester, is more suited to the winter season in Australia's southern regions.

'As a former woolgrower myself, I am very pleased to see that quality wool from rural and regional Australia is a significant component in the manufacture of Air Force Blue,' Mr Scott added.

He said Air Force Blue uniforms had been subjected to extensive wearer trials over the past two years by a team of Air Force personnel. 'Feedback indicates that Air Force Blue certainly cuts the right stuff.'

Defence Joint Logistic Command has entered into a two-year $387,000 contract with Macquarie Textiles for the initial production of 20,000 metres of Air Force Blue, and with more than 13,000 permanent Air Force personnel requiring the range of new uniforms a potential exists for production runs in to the future.

Air Force Reserves should be fully kitted out in the new Air Force Blue uniform by Autumn 2003. The superseded blue/grey uniforms will be provided to the 9000-strong Air Training Corps to provide them with new clothing requirement for the foreseeable future - so there will be few surplus items to dispose of.