Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform
Recruits at training establishments during the late 2010s and early 2020s were issued both uniforms during the holdover period before AMCU was officially adopted.
As of 2023, the Australian Army Cadets have officially adopted AMCU also, and retaining existing stocks of DPCU field environments.
DPCU was developed following aerial photographs of the Australian terrain to determine which colours and patterns would be most suitable for camouflage uniforms.
Since the finalisation of the colour scheme, the Army uniform was modified to the standard NATO format, with a single rank slide in the centre of the shirt, zip pockets on the shirt and pants instead of the button-flap original, and larger sleeve pockets to fit unit patches on.
In addition to this Australian Army Cadets (AAC) still use older variants of the DPCU uniform as of 2022,[2] but have started the slow shift over to AMCU.
The first version, from 2001, was printed in 3 colours (brown and grey on a tan background) with 1/3 of the normal pattern missing and rushed into issue for the Australian Special Air Service Regiment deployed to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
A second version from a year later used 5 colours: brown, lime green, grey, and a very light blue on a tan background.
A new DPDU variant known as 'Mid Point", later called DPMU was to be progressively introduced into selected service in Afghanistan (2010).
It will replace several sets of other clothing, including the grey fire resistant overalls and the blue Action Working Dress (AWD).
[10] It was not adopted, however a new variant (called DPAFU – Disruptive Pattern Air Force Uniform) commenced user trials in late 2013 within the RAAF.
In 2014 the RAAF announced the General Purpose Uniform will be issued to all members as the new working dress for non warlike environments.
Other more niche issued garments include reversible DPCU/Desert Camouflage Uniform jackets for use by SF early in the Iraq war, extreme cold weather uniforms in DPCU (for use in Afghanistan's mountains in winter), Ghillie suit/Yowie suit jackets and field hats made with shredded DPCU material, specialist sniper trousers, as well as specialist sniper boots with DPCU material covering the body of the boot, and the NBC ensemble including jacket, trousers, and boot covers.
The modular belt webbing/load carriage harness system is produced in DPCU, both the '88' version and the '94' revision, and includes steyr, minimi, water bottle, bumbag, grenade, wound dressing, and back pouches in DPCU, as well as a belt and harness in khaki.
Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops helmet covers were produced in DPCU, DPNU and early DPDU (1st and 2nd series).
Some more niche equipment produced in DPCU includes Browning high power shoulder holsters, pre-land 125 tactical vests, trial chest rigs, SAS patrol chest rigs and vests, SF armour carriers and pouches (early 2000s).
