14 Wing issues first surge of the new look, fit, function MCUs
“When are we getting our stuff?
A common question of personnel at 14 Wing Greenwood’s clothing stores since the February 2024 announcement of the new Modernized Combat Uniform (MCU) operational dress uniform was answered May 30.
The first of 6,000 pieces of kit in the new Canadian Disruptive Pattern Multi -Terrain, or CADPAT (MT) camouflage pattern was distributed by the wing’s Replenishment Flight, an operation months in the planning.
“We’ve received 45 per cent of our order,” says Master Sailor Maude Cote, IC Clothing Stores, and leading the logistics for the counts, order, delivery, sorting and distribution of the new MCUs; not to mention the return, sorting, re-distribution and destruction of returned CADPAT. (Plus, the record-keeping that accompanies every Canadian Armed Forces’ supplied kit throughout their career…!)
“We’ve planned for three sets for each member; flight crew will get one set, because they have their flight suits.”
Replenishment Flight planned for 1,558 military members’ kit swap, including Regular and Reserve force members, people working remotely who use 14 Wing’s Clothing Stores and a number of personnel with wing connections who work at other locations in the region. 14 Wing received its kit following a national-level distribution priority list; the wing commander set local priorities once a reasonable amount of kit was available for consistent disbursement, minimizing the timeframe which could see two styles of uniform, across 14 Wing.
Captain Linda Goslin, Replenishment Flight’s supply officer, says the Clothing Stores team “has been going above and beyond to make sure this is a success.
“They are detail-oriented – thinking of waiting rooms, change rooms, how they’re accepting stuff back, someone’s missing their Tilley hat…; all the weird snags that are going to happen.”
The May 30 roll-out was a test of all Clothing Stores’ planning: 10 peer flight and 14 Mission Support Squadron members who understand the language of logistics were the first to receive their new kit. Goslin says their feedback on sizing, questions specific to stock-taking and tracking, and even just the transaction time from when then arrive at the counter to when they walk out with a full kit replacement will help as the rest of the wing’s members are called in.
“It’s a busy time, and it will be through the summer.”
All the CADPAT coming back in is being checked for wear and tear: too far gone, and it’ll be shredded. Kit with life left in it will be sent to basic training units for new enlistees to wear out. 14 Wing will work through issuing all the new uniform supply it has, and await the remainder of its order to complete the transition in coming months.
The Modernized Combat Uniform (MCU) will see the new Canadian Disruptive Pattern Multi -Terrain, or CADPAT (MT), camouflage pattern used in production of updated combat uniforms. The new CADPAT (MT) pattern is a key step advancing the fit, form and function of operational clothing and equipment.
Why the transition to a new CADPAT pattern?
CADPAT Temperate Woodland (TW) and CADPAT Arid Region (AR) are among the most effective camouflage patterns worn by any army in the world. Technological advances in warfighting, namely the digitization and proliferation of surveillance and sensors, mean having soldiers less detectable to the enemy is increasingly important.
Why is CAPDPAT MT better than the TW (green) and AR (tan) CADPAT variants?
The new CADPAT (MT) pattern reduces the likelihood of detection from a greater range of technologies, and in the widest range possible of operational environments.Defence Research and Development Canada developed software, took information from digital photographs of a wide range of operating environments, pixilated them, and then calculated the percentage of each colour and texture present to form the new MT.
Will there be other structural changes to the MCU?
Yes: more size ranges, from four-inch increments to two-inch increments (effectively doubling the range available); the removal of knee pads and both forearm and lower-leg pen pockets, which will result in a narrower cut and faster drying time.
When will all CAF members be dressed in CADPAT (MT)?
From initial issue in February 2024, it will take approximately 24 months to compete the transition. By contrast, the full transition from the Canadian Average Green (or Olive Drab) combat uniform to the Green CADPAT (TW) uniforms took more than seven years.
May I continue to use my TW or AR kit and other clothing while wearing my MT uniform?
Yes. Until the other layers of clothing (rain jackets and parkas) are designed, prototyped, tested and manufactured; soldiers shall continue to wear currently-issued TW or AR items mixed with their MT shirts, pants and hats.
Can the MT pattern be used for other items?
No. MT is formally protected under copyright, trademark and industrial design regimes, prohibiting all third-party use of MT except by suppliers contracted by DND to supply the CAF. No organization, including a unit or unit kit shop, may independently develop, produce and sell any product incorporating MT.
From the resource hub (https://www.canada.ca/en/army/news-publications/2024/02/cadpat-mt-uniforms.html)
