About 25000 Belgian military personnel are set to receive new uniforms by the end of 2022 with a different camouflage, and for the first time – a model for women. Since the 1990s, the troop has been wearing the same green and brown with the “Woodland” camouflage pattern. From November though, the unit will be seen donning a new look.
Each element of the service uniform is expected to undergo a change: wool-based underclothing, rainwear, bullet-proof vest, and in the long run also a helmet and a backpack.
“When designing the new uniform, extra consideration was given to morphology. There is now a very wide range of sizes, for both men and women,” Defence Minister Ludivine Dedeonder told VRT. “It is important that women feel good in the uniform.”
The new pattern is an American patent and cannot be copied without permission. The new designs also come with an adapted fit for women that offers more comfort & protection to the women soldiers who comprise 10% of the Belgian military.
“Finally, there are now sizes with shorter sleeves and wider hips. Really tailored to a woman’s body. It used to be a bit of a hassle,” said Zoë, one of the women on the test team. “And it actually looks quite nice. It radiates professionalism.”
The new uniforms are made of lightweight protective fabrics and several high-tech features. For instance, one uniform has a badge that lights up through an infrared viewer. This way Belgian soldiers can easily distinguish themselves at night without being visible to others. The flashing badge is detachable and can be replaced by a regular badge if needed.
Keeping sustainability at the core of this operation, the uniform companies have avoided using chemical finishes and membranes wherever possible. Provisions are also being made to collect the uniforms currently in use for recycling in an ecological way to give it a new life.
The new operational clothing consists of different layers with a new Multicam® camouflage pattern where all pieces are complementary and integrated. This will ensure optimum and adapted protection for both men and women soldiers.
The contract for the new uniform is bagged by a consortium of two Belgian companies, Sioen & Seyntex, and an American company, Crye Precision, which holds the patent for the camouflage color. The consortium will be in charge of all Belgian soldier’s wardrobes for the next 15 years and the total budget is €410 million.
