New Zealand DPM
Encyclopedia
The New Zealand disruptive pattern material, also known as the New Zealand DPM, is the official camouflage
uniform
used by the New Zealand Armed Forces. It is very similar to the British Disruptive Pattern Material
. Historically, New Zealand's armed forces used British DPMs, with the first issues of 1968 Pattern being made in 1980. These were replaced with the first of the New Zealand pattern DPM in 1984–1985, and there have been several iterations since. In the mid-1990s a quantity of British windproof smocks were purchased as the indigenously-developed DPM camouflage woollen "Swanndri
" lost favour due to its weight, bulk and impractical cut. After a series of cheaply-made shirt and trouser iterations, a new pattern was issued in 1997; it resembled in DPM colour and cut the British jungle DPM shirt and trousers used until the late 1990s which were lighter in colour than the current British "Combat 95" pattern. They are high quality and feature double knees, elbows and seat. A lightweight 100% cotton DPM smock is issued, which has covered buttons and an integral hood.
of the New Zealand Army
and New Zealand Defence Force
for most forms of training and on operations
. The shirt and trousers are New Zealand DPM in order to camouflage the wearer. New Zealanders serving on a United Nations missions
wear the blue United Nations
berets and badge as well as a black and white Kiwi
badge and New Zealand flag badge on their left arms to identify them as New Zealanders. Medals, medal ribbons or coloured badges are not worn with this uniform as its main purpose is camouflage. When worn in the field, the sleeves are rolled down, and camouflage face paint is worn. Rank badges for all ranks are still worn on the shoulders.
In late 2008, New Zealand Army commenced issue of a new combat uniform. It is still New Zealand DPM camouflage, but now made in rip-stop material and in a new cut which is somewhat similar to the latest style of Australian DPCU,in that the patch pockets on the shirt are replaced by internal, vertical zip closure pockets. A camouflaged rank slide is worn on the front tab. The 1997 pattern, the DPM smock and the new 2008 combat uniform are also issued in desert DPM material for use in Afghanistan, the Sinai and Lebanon. The desert DPM material closely resembles the British 2-colour desert pattern.
Military camouflage
Military camouflage is one of many means of deceiving an enemy. In practice, it is the application of colour and materials to battledress and military equipment to conceal them from visual observation. The French slang word camouflage came into common English usage during World War I when the...
uniform
Military uniform
Military uniforms comprises standardised dress worn by members of the armed forces and paramilitaries of various nations. Military dress and military styles have gone through great changes over the centuries from colourful and elaborate to extremely utilitarian...
used by the New Zealand Armed Forces. It is very similar to the British Disruptive Pattern Material
Disruptive Pattern Material
Disruptive Pattern Material is the commonly used name of a camouflage pattern used by British forces as well many other armies worldwide, particularly in former British colonies....
. Historically, New Zealand's armed forces used British DPMs, with the first issues of 1968 Pattern being made in 1980. These were replaced with the first of the New Zealand pattern DPM in 1984–1985, and there have been several iterations since. In the mid-1990s a quantity of British windproof smocks were purchased as the indigenously-developed DPM camouflage woollen "Swanndri
Swanndri
Swanndri is a trade name for a range of popular New Zealand outdoor clothing.The item was widely worn by farmers, but in recent years its popularity has spread and it has become something of a fashion item. The Swanndri company also now produces a range of more urban-focussed garments.The classic...
" lost favour due to its weight, bulk and impractical cut. After a series of cheaply-made shirt and trouser iterations, a new pattern was issued in 1997; it resembled in DPM colour and cut the British jungle DPM shirt and trousers used until the late 1990s which were lighter in colour than the current British "Combat 95" pattern. They are high quality and feature double knees, elbows and seat. A lightweight 100% cotton DPM smock is issued, which has covered buttons and an integral hood.
Use
This dress is worn by all ranksMilitary rank
Military rank is a system of hierarchical relationships in armed forces or civil institutions organized along military lines. Usually, uniforms denote the bearer's rank by particular insignia affixed to the uniforms...
of the New Zealand Army
New Zealand Army
The New Zealand Army , is the land component of the New Zealand Defence Force and comprises around 4,500 Regular Force personnel, 2,000 Territorial Force personnel and 500 civilians. Formerly the New Zealand Military Forces, the current name was adopted around 1946...
and New Zealand Defence Force
New Zealand Defence Force
The New Zealand Defence Force consists of three services: the Royal New Zealand Navy; the New Zealand Army; and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The Commander-in-Chief of the NZDF is His Excellency Rt. Hon...
for most forms of training and on operations
Military operation
Military operation is the coordinated military actions of a state in response to a developing situation. These actions are designed as a military plan to resolve the situation in the state's favor. Operations may be of combat or non-combat types, and are referred to by a code name for the purpose...
. The shirt and trousers are New Zealand DPM in order to camouflage the wearer. New Zealanders serving on a United Nations missions
Peacekeeping
Peacekeeping is an activity that aims to create the conditions for lasting peace. It is distinguished from both peacebuilding and peacemaking....
wear the blue United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
berets and badge as well as a black and white Kiwi
Kiwi
Kiwi are flightless birds endemic to New Zealand, in the genus Apteryx and family Apterygidae.At around the size of a domestic chicken, kiwi are by far the smallest living ratites and lay the largest egg in relation to their body size of any species of bird in the world...
badge and New Zealand flag badge on their left arms to identify them as New Zealanders. Medals, medal ribbons or coloured badges are not worn with this uniform as its main purpose is camouflage. When worn in the field, the sleeves are rolled down, and camouflage face paint is worn. Rank badges for all ranks are still worn on the shoulders.
In late 2008, New Zealand Army commenced issue of a new combat uniform. It is still New Zealand DPM camouflage, but now made in rip-stop material and in a new cut which is somewhat similar to the latest style of Australian DPCU,in that the patch pockets on the shirt are replaced by internal, vertical zip closure pockets. A camouflaged rank slide is worn on the front tab. The 1997 pattern, the DPM smock and the new 2008 combat uniform are also issued in desert DPM material for use in Afghanistan, the Sinai and Lebanon. The desert DPM material closely resembles the British 2-colour desert pattern.
See also
- Smock Windproof DPMSmock Windproof DPMThe Smock, Windproof, DPM was issued alongside the standard DPM Combat Jackets by the British Army. The Special Air Service Regiment was the first unit to adopt its own design of DPM Windproof Smock which it wore in preference to the 68 Pattern and later combat jackets...
- Canadian Para SmockCanadian Para SmockThe Canadian Parachutist Smock was issued to the Canadian Airborne Regiment from 1975 until the regiment was disbanded in 1995 and to all units of 1 SSF Brigade including the 1st Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment based in London, Ontario. Made of 'Reverse DPM' camouflage, it is very similar...
- DPM Parachute Smock
- Disruptive Pattern CamouflageDisruptive Pattern CamouflageDPCU or Disruptive Pattern Camouflage or Combat Uniform is a five-colour military camouflage pattern used by the Australian military. It was developed and trialled during the late 1970s and early 1980s...
- Disruptive Pattern MaterialDisruptive Pattern MaterialDisruptive Pattern Material is the commonly used name of a camouflage pattern used by British forces as well many other armies worldwide, particularly in former British colonies....
