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Bush hat for the DPNU Disruptive Pattern Navy Uniform
Bush hat for the DPNU Disruptive Pattern Navy Uniform

Bush hat for the DPNU Disruptive Pattern Navy Uniform

Maker
Date2007
Object number00046552
NameHat
MediumCotton, polyester
DimensionsOverall: 70 x 350 x 495 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Royal Australian Navy
DescriptionIn December 2008 the Royal Australian Navy adopted a new operational fire-retardant uniform. It comprises coat and trousers in a disruptive littoral pattern and is referred as the DPNU - disruptive pattern Navy uniform. Accessories include a wide-brimmed bush hat also in disruptive pattern plus high density, hard-wearing safety boots, woollen socks and a grey t-shirt to wear under the coat.HistoryUp until 2008 the Royal Australian Navy wore a one-piece combat overall, action working dress or boarding party uniform for operational duties. A new rig was introduced called the DPNU - Disruptive Pattern Navy Uniform - which offered a single, enhanced and practical contemporary uniform to both male and female personnel at sea. At the same time safety boots were also introduced that were more functional and comfortable and replaced a variety of other Navy footwear. The rig comprises a coat and trousers plus a bush hat in disruptive pattern - in this case a littoral pattern in grey, green and black that is unique to Navy. The pattern itself is based on the DPCU - disruptive pattern combat uniform, also known as AUSCAM - which was introduced to the Australian Army in the 1980s. Colloquially the pattern is sometimes referred to as Jelly Bean camo, Rabbit Ears camo, and camo jym jammies. Reflective tape has been added to both upper arms of the Navy version of the coat. The uniform is fire-retardant and offers more comfort in warmer climates. Personnel are permitted to wear the new rig outside Navy bases when not expected to be in traditional dress of the day (such as in an office environment or on ceremonial occasions). The new rig is to be worn during operations, training activities at sea and ashore, working near or with machinery and in warehouses. Officers and sailors serving in RAN patrol boats in northern Australian waters were the first to be issued with the DPNU.