EvanL
05-01-2004, 02:52 PM
By STEPHEN THORNE
Canadian Press
UPDATED AT 2:49 PM EDT Saturday, May. 1, 2004
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KABUL -- And what's the intrepid Canadian soldier wearing this spring fashion season?
No, it's not green, but desert tan spotted with shades of brown camouflage, with matching hat, gloves and Afghan-style scarf. And, for those venturing into the wind and dust of the shifting seasons, goggles.
Indeed, it's all the rage.
All 2,300 Canadian soldiers deployed on NATO's peace-support mission in Afghanistan's bustling capital adopted the motif yesterday, shedding the relish-green uniforms that distinguished them from other nations' brown-clad forces.
The relish green will still be their preferred evening ensemble, but Colonel Alain Tremblay, commander of Canada's army in Afghanistan and chief fashion consultant, says the desert shades are both safer and more comfortable day wear.
His troops, part of the 34-country International Security Assistance Force, are conducting more foot patrols these days, and Col. Tremblay says the tan is more appropriate to the mud-walled alleys and dusty streets they walk.
The lighter shade is also cooler -- as in "less warm," although some may contend it's snazzier, too -- than the dark green, which caused a stir when members of the fighting Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry arrived in Kandahar wearing it two years ago.
Criticized for their seemingly incongruous choice, the Canadians were actually in step with most Afghan forces at the time.
As the green faded, it actually proved effective camouflage in some of Afghanistan's mountain regions, such as Tora Bora, where U.S. helicopter pilots reported it worked far better than the American tan.
Members of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group continued with the green when they arrived last summer, saying it distinguished them from other troops, particularly the Americans, who are widely disliked in Afghanistan.
But Col. Tremblay says, regardless of the colour of their uniform, the Canadians have now carved their niche among Afghans and, security-wise, the situation has changed drastically since last fall.
"The way the theatre has evolved, potential belligerents are not making that distinction any more. They are looking at Westerns as a group," he said.
Now, commanders will be given choices of uniforms, depending on their missions and the area and time of day in which they will be operating.
"It's a matter of adapting to the environment," the colonel said. "Fluid, from a dress perspective."
Besides, the change in uniform appears to have done wonders for morale.
There were smiles on the faces and noticeable springs in the steps of many Canadian troops yesterday, a jauntiness that broke with the monotonous green strides of days of yore.
The scarves afforded the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment Battle Group a bit of dash as well as practicality, as the hot Afghan summer looms.
"I think getting something new always lifts people's spirits," Captain Richard Langlois said. "It will be noticed by other forces and the local population. People are bound to asked questions."
The Canadians comprise about 33 per cent of ISAF and patrol by far the largest sector of Kabul, including city streets, village alleyways, mountain passes and desert expanses.
Col. Tremblay has no fears Afghans won't recognize their protectors. "They know our flag and the camouflage pattern is still unique to us," he said. "But, in the end, it is not the colour of your uniform or its pattern that counts; it's the one who's wearing it that makes the difference."
Canadian Press
UPDATED AT 2:49 PM EDT Saturday, May. 1, 2004
Advertisement
KABUL -- And what's the intrepid Canadian soldier wearing this spring fashion season?
No, it's not green, but desert tan spotted with shades of brown camouflage, with matching hat, gloves and Afghan-style scarf. And, for those venturing into the wind and dust of the shifting seasons, goggles.
Indeed, it's all the rage.
All 2,300 Canadian soldiers deployed on NATO's peace-support mission in Afghanistan's bustling capital adopted the motif yesterday, shedding the relish-green uniforms that distinguished them from other nations' brown-clad forces.
The relish green will still be their preferred evening ensemble, but Colonel Alain Tremblay, commander of Canada's army in Afghanistan and chief fashion consultant, says the desert shades are both safer and more comfortable day wear.
His troops, part of the 34-country International Security Assistance Force, are conducting more foot patrols these days, and Col. Tremblay says the tan is more appropriate to the mud-walled alleys and dusty streets they walk.
The lighter shade is also cooler -- as in "less warm," although some may contend it's snazzier, too -- than the dark green, which caused a stir when members of the fighting Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry arrived in Kandahar wearing it two years ago.
Criticized for their seemingly incongruous choice, the Canadians were actually in step with most Afghan forces at the time.
As the green faded, it actually proved effective camouflage in some of Afghanistan's mountain regions, such as Tora Bora, where U.S. helicopter pilots reported it worked far better than the American tan.
Members of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group continued with the green when they arrived last summer, saying it distinguished them from other troops, particularly the Americans, who are widely disliked in Afghanistan.
But Col. Tremblay says, regardless of the colour of their uniform, the Canadians have now carved their niche among Afghans and, security-wise, the situation has changed drastically since last fall.
"The way the theatre has evolved, potential belligerents are not making that distinction any more. They are looking at Westerns as a group," he said.
Now, commanders will be given choices of uniforms, depending on their missions and the area and time of day in which they will be operating.
"It's a matter of adapting to the environment," the colonel said. "Fluid, from a dress perspective."
Besides, the change in uniform appears to have done wonders for morale.
There were smiles on the faces and noticeable springs in the steps of many Canadian troops yesterday, a jauntiness that broke with the monotonous green strides of days of yore.
The scarves afforded the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment Battle Group a bit of dash as well as practicality, as the hot Afghan summer looms.
"I think getting something new always lifts people's spirits," Captain Richard Langlois said. "It will be noticed by other forces and the local population. People are bound to asked questions."
The Canadians comprise about 33 per cent of ISAF and patrol by far the largest sector of Kabul, including city streets, village alleyways, mountain passes and desert expanses.
Col. Tremblay has no fears Afghans won't recognize their protectors. "They know our flag and the camouflage pattern is still unique to us," he said. "But, in the end, it is not the colour of your uniform or its pattern that counts; it's the one who's wearing it that makes the difference."