Setting the scene in
blue and green
Working dress will take on a whole new look as DPCUs are phased in for this purpose during the next two years. Here is the latest update on the changeover.

 

DPCU will become the standard working dress in 2008. The new style DPCU shirt will have velcro so the RAAF Ensign patch can be worn on the left sleeve and an approved squadron badge can be worn on the right sleeve.

Photo by LACW Sonja Canty

* A new tarmac dress combination consisting of dark blue shorts, khaki t-shirt or approved squadron t-shirt, green socks, safety footwear and dark blue utility cap or approved squadron cap can be worn in replacement of the existing tarmac dress ensemble. The existing form of tarmac dress may be worn until December 31, 2007, but cannot be mixed with the new tarmac khaki combination. Approved squadron t-shirts may be worn beneath flying suits, DPCU shirts or as an outer garment with tarmac dress in non-operational areas, and approved squadron caps can now be worn with DPCUs, all subject to the relevant commander’s approval.

Tarmac dress

• In non-operational areas, tarmac dress may be worn on flightlines, in hangars and in similar areas by personnel of the rank of AC to FSGT undertaking strenuous duties, subject to the agreement of unit management and the observance of local and Air Force dress rules.
  
• In operational areas, the relevant commander may approve the wearing of tarmac dress, providing military and OHS requirements are met and local customs and sensitivities are taken into account.
  
  The guidelines regarding the suitability of squadron caps and t-shirts in operational areas are also to be followed.
  
• The existing form of tarmac dress, as set out in the Dress Manual, may be worn until December 31 2007, which is the cut off date for the wearing of CWDs.
  
• The new combination of tarmac dress, which may be worn with immediate effect, will be as follows:
  

• Dark blue shorts (as currently worn);
  
• Khaki t-shirt, as worn with the DPCU ensemble, or an approved squadron t-shirt;
  
• Green socks, as worn with DPCUs;
  
• Safety footwear; and
  
• Dark blue utility cap or an approved squadron cap.
  

• No mixing of the old and new combinations is permitted.
  
• Because rank is not worn on the khaki t-shirt, those wearing the new form of tarmac dress will be required to have the rank patch, currently worn on the sleeve of the blue t-shirt, sewn on the bottom, left hand hem of their shorts.
  

Coveralls

• The current dark blue coveralls will be retained as part of Air Force working dress and existing entitlements and dress regulations relating to this garment will continue to apply.
  

Ironing of DPCUs

• The Dress Manual currently states that ‘DPCU garments, when worn on base or to and from duty, may be lightly pressed to remove wrinkles. No creases are to be ironed into the garments and under no circumstances are DPCU garments to be starched’.
  
  These directions reflect the manufacturer’s advice on how to get the best possible wear from this material and will therefore remain in force.
  Badges on DPCU shirts
  
• The new style DPCU shirt will come with an 80mm by 50mm velcro patch attached to the upper part of each sleeve. With this garment, CAF has approved the wearing of the RAAF Ensign on the left sleeve patch (or Australian National Flag on overseas deployments) and an approved squadron badge on the right sleeve patch. However, the squadron badges must be of a shape and size to fit neatly over the rectangular velcro patch.
  
• No other badges may be worn on any part of the DPCU shirt, other than those currently authorised in the Dress Manual.
  
• These regulations do not apply to the old pattern DPCU shirt which does not have the velcro patches attached.
  

DPCU headwear

• The headwear currently authorised for wear with DPCU is the Hat Fur Felt, the Bush Hat, and the Beret (ground defence officers and airfield defence guards only). Additionally, CAF has now authorised the wearing of approved squadron caps or standard utility caps with DPCU in non-operational environments and in operational areas, subject to the relevant commander’s approval.
  
  This approval may be given subject to military requirements being met and in the case of squadron caps, where the colour and design is in harmony and compatible with the appearance of the DPCU uniform. Where this is not the case, and the colour is clearly in stark contrast to the rest of the uniform, prior approval is to be sought from Directorate of Coordination-Air Force (DCOORD-AF).
  

Squadron t-shirts

• In non-operational environments, approved squadron t-shirts may be worn beneath flying suits and DPCU shirts and as an outer garment with tarmac dress.
  
  These t- shirts may also be worn as an outer garment with DPCU and flying suit trousers, in the immediate workplace, by personnel undertaking strenuous duties.
  
• In operational areas, the wearing of t-shirts may be approved by the relevant commander subject to local military requirements being met and where the colour and design of the garment is in harmony and compatible with the appearance of the DPCU uniform.
  
  Where this is not the case, and the colour is clearly in stark contrast to the rest of the uniform, prior approval is to be sought from DCOORD-AF.
  

Approval process for squadron caps, logos and t-shirts

• Before any squadron cap, t-shirt or badge may be procured or worn, the item must have been formally approved by DCOORD-AF. Requests are to be sent to AFHQ, attention DD-CRM, R1-6-C017, Russell Offices, Canberra.
  
  Applications may be forwarded in hard copy form or by email and should include images of the proposed item, together with a brief explanation as to the reasons governing the choice of design, colour etc.
  
  Units are advised that a revised version of DI(AF) ADMIN 10-18 - ‘Badges and Mottoes’ will shortly be released providing detailed guidance as to the application process.

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Air Force ranks

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