Assistant Minister for Defence - The Hon Stuart Robert MP - Army launches next generation uniform

The Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert and Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, today launched the Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform (AMCU) at the Chief of Army’s Exercise in Brisbane.

After 13 years of continuous operations and observations of Army uniforms in harsh environments, as well as from a continuous cycle of developing and testing equipment in the field; Defence has developed the next generation of Army uniforms for use domestically and overseas.

Mr Robert said the AMCU, which will begin to be rolled out across the Army from October, is manufactured in Australia by Australian companies.

“Defence is pleased to partner with Australian companies to manufacture the AMCU. I am confident the manufacturing of the AMCU in Australia not only supports local business, but also maintains high standards and keeps pace with current technology,” Mr Robert said.

“At the moment there are two manufacturers for the AMCU – Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) and Pacific Brands Workwear Group (PBWG).”

Lieutenant General Morrison said the AMCU represents the next generation of field and combat uniforms for our soldiers.

“Improvements to the design of the uniform will enhance a soldier’s survivability and mobility and efficiently support a soldier’s workload while still being functional in a variety of terrains and operating environments,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“For the first time, Army will introduce two separate uniforms. Both the AMCU field and combat variations use a tested Australian Multi-Camouflage Pattern that will take our soldiers from the bush, to the desert and into the jungle.”

The current issued Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform and Australian Multicam Pattern Operational Combat Uniform will continue to be worn until all Army personnel have been issued with the AMCU.

Images of the AMCU will be available after 3:00pm today at the following link: http://images.defence.gov.au/AMCU-S20142770

Additional information about the AMCU is available at: www.army.gov.au/Our-work/Equipment-and-clothing/Soldier-Combat-Ensemble…

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's Office) (02) 6277 7730 or 0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999