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Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) worn by CMDR Peter Collins AM, RFD, QC
Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) worn by CMDR Peter Collins AM, RFD, QC

Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU) worn by CMDR Peter Collins AM, RFD, QC

Date2007
Object numberV00045528
NameCamouflage uniform
MediumCotton, polyester
DimensionsOverall (Shirt is buttoned, width is waist): 760 x 570 x 35 mm
Clothing size: 95
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Peter Collins AM, RFD, QC
DescriptionCMDR Peter Collins AM, RFD, QC has held many positions in politics as well as leadership within the Australian Defence Force. He was deployed to Iraq from 24 July to 18 October 2007 as Team Leader of the Australian Contribution to Law and Order Task Force working to assist with the restoration and enhancement of the Iraqi legal services. This Disruptive Pattern Desert (camouflage) uniform dates from this service. HistoryThis uniform is designed as the camouflage uniform used by the Australian military. The lighter brown/sand shade is designed for desert use, the darker green/brown for areas of arid bushland through to tropical jungle, and in 2008 a blue/grey shade was introduced for naval use (Disruptive Pattern Naval Uniform). CMDR Collins served in the Army Reserve between 1964 and 1969 in which he finished as a Commando officer. He has served in the Navy Reserve since 1975 including 13 years as a naval intelligence officer. He was promoted to Commander in 1994 and was awarded the Reserve Forces Decoration. Collins' naval service was interrupted by becoming Honorary Colonel, 1st Commando Regiment from 1995 to 2000 after which he resumed naval service in 2001 as a member of the Sydney Legal Panel of the RAN Reserve. Peter Collins served twice as Acting Fleet Legal Officer in Fleet Headquarters in Sydney in 2003 and 2004. He conducted administrative Inquiries in 2005-2006 where he was legal liaison for the Sea King helicopter Board Inquiry 2005-2006. Appointed Director of the Naval Reserve Support NSW in 2007, he was deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations from 24 July to 18 October 2007 as Team Leader of the Australian Contribution to Law and Order Task Force which was established by General David Petraeus in 2007 within the Rule of Law Complex at Rusafa, Baghdad. This complex was embedded in the Law and Order Task Force which was operated and administered by US military in conjunction with the US Justice Department. The basic mission was to assist with the restoration and enhancement of Iraqi legal services. Peter Collins has received numerous honours for his contribution in different aspects of his life, including Member of the Order of Australia (AM) 2004, Centenary Medal 2003 and also awarded the Reserve Force Decoration (RFD) 1994. Peter Collins is currently a member of Workers Compensation Commission and Director (non-executive) of Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation which he has held since 2001.SignificanceThis uniform is representative of Australian Desert Camouflage Uniforms used by Australian military personnel during operations in Iraq in 2007. It demonstrates army issued camouflage clothing for land and jungle surroundings.