Uniform styles

There have been a number of changes in the design of the DPDU uniforms since their introduction. The first contract for Coats and Trousers was Contract number 767521 placed 18 Oct 2001. www.contracts.gov.au/OutputContract.asp?ContractID=767521 and the second was Contract number 772372 placed 23 Oct 2001 www.contracts.gov.au/OutputContract.asp?ContractID=772372

These Version 1 DPDU Coats and trousers were exactly the same as the equivalent DPCU uniform (concealed button chest opening, shirt style collar, two slant opening chest pockets and 2 epaulets), with two changes. The first, a pair of pockets was added to the bottom front of the Coat. These pockets were only 15cm high. They were not very useful and some soldiers removed these pockets and added them to the upper sleeve so that they were accessible when worn with Body Armour. The second change was a piece of 25 mm Velcro Pile above the right hand chest pocket for a name tape.

Version 2 DPDU Coats and Trousers were in exactly the same cut as Version 1 DPDU.

Picture from Department of Defence
LT COL R. Tink SASR with unmodified Version 2 DPDU and Brassard.

Picture from Department of Defence.

SASR CAPT with modified Version 2 DPDU. Note non standard ANF flag.

Version 3 DPDU Coat

With the introduction of Version 3 DPDU Coats and Trousers in early 2003 there was a change in the cut of the Coat. The bottom pockets were removed and placed on the sleeves just like the modification that some soldiers were making themselves. These sleeve pockets were 20cm high. Above the sleeve pocket a 7.5 cm long piece of 50mm Velcro Pile was added for ANF and IFF insignia etc.

In 2006 the cut of the Version 3 DPDU was changed. It was made the same as the LAND 125 DPCU Coat and Trousers. The Coat still had the Concealed button front, Shirt style collar and Upper sleeve pockets. The Velcro that had previously been above the sleeve pocket flap was now sewn on the pocket flap itself. Above it on the left hand side was put an oval piece of Pile for an Army or Air Force "Biscuit" insignia. The chest pockets were now a simple patch pocket with vertical zippered openings. The epaulets were removed from the shoulders and a single epaulet was added to the front for a Rank Slide.

The trousers likewise were given simple patch cargo pockets opened by horizontal zippers. The belt loops were made fixed, no longer with button opening. the waist adjustment was changed from button to Velcro.