Hunt on for right shade of olive to beat the heat

The heat and dust is finally catching up with the Army’s top brass. Quietly included in the combined commander’s conference last S...

The heat and dust is finally catching up with the Army’s top brass. Quietly included in the combined commander’s conference last Saturday was a presentation on new Army uniforms. As Army commanders deliberated and debated the proposed change, various designs and patterns were rolled out to dress up the soldiers. Several samples of uniforms were included in the presentation.

It all began a few months ago when Army General N.C. Vij discussed a possible change in the shade and pattern of the olive green. Worried that ‘‘too many shades of olive green were floating around Army headquarters and its field formations’’, Vij ordered a makeover. Senior officers were asked to identify the correct shade of olive green, the right pattern for the camouflage fatigues and the cloth to suit the heat and dust of India.

The chief wants the new cloth to be more ‘‘environment-friendly’’. It should ‘‘breathe and allow comfort to the soldier in peace time and battle’’. His efforts culminated in the presentation on Saturday. Army commanders will discuss the issue and make a decision on the final change. South Block sources say, the Army top brass was also unhappy with the multitude of camouflage patterns that have flooded the market. While most wear the regulation Indian pattern, many fashion-conscious souls seek out patterns borrowed from NATO. American patterns reflecting various terrain from deserts to jungles are also popular with soldiers, especially those serving in border trade areas.

Disciplining the troops may be an issue, but a detailed presentation by the Army Quarter Master General’s branch also looks at the comfort that the new cloth will offer. The Army is taking a keen look at the Navy’s recent adoption of a new blue uniform, akin to the blue shirts they wear at sea, made of cloth that matches the Army’s requirements.

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