December 12,
2008: The Australian Navy is issuing a new work uniform (AUSCAM, for Australian
camouflage) to sailors. It looks like the camouflage type pattern combat
uniforms soldiers wear, except that the camo pattern is mostly grey, black and
green splotches. From a camouflage point of view, it won't hide anyone. But
that's not the point. The navy developed the new uniform so that sailors would
have a distinctive, and more comfortable, work uniform. It makes a statement,
along the lines of, "we're sailors from Oz, and we're cool." Testing has
shown that the uniform is more comfortable, and cooler to wear in tropical
climates (where Australian sailors frequently operate.) The uniform it replaces
was basically a set of grey overalls. Not very distinctive at all.
The white
uniform, often worn by sailors working in offices, will still be used.
