Estimated reading time 2 minutes, 28 seconds.
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, PC, QC, MP for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence, and Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), unveiled the new RCAF uniform on Sept. 21 at the Battle of Britain ceremony in Ottawa.
The new uniform’s inspiration is drawn from pre-unification rank insignia while maintaining the modern elements and terminology familiar to serving members today. The insignia for most ranks will be recognizable as the symbols that air force personnel have worn for nearly half a century.
In recognition of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the RCAF this year, rank insignia and national shoulder titles for both officers and non-commissioned members will return to a distinctive pearl-grey stitching, the original colour worn by RCAF non-commissioned members until 1968. Dress tunic buttons will not change in design but their colour will switch from gold to silver. General officers headdress piping (embroidery) will also change from gold-coloured to pearl-grey.
Quick Facts:
• As part of the government’s ongoing restoration of the Canadian Armed Forces’ distinctive service cultures and proud history, the RCAF will now wear a new uniform, enhancing the identity of Canada’s youngest military branch.
• The new RCAF rank title of “Aviator” will replace the use of “Private,” “Airman” and “Airwoman”. It will apply to newly enlisted non-commissioned members of the RCAF.
• The “Aviator” rank insignia will be represented by a single stitched propeller on the uniforms of RCAF personnel.
• The propeller insignia will be awarded to RCAF personnel upon graduation from occupational specialty training with 30-months of qualifying service.
• The RCAF will maintain its current rank terminology for officers.
• Starting April 1, 2015, RCAF personnel will begin to exhibit their new colours as their uniforms are tailored to incorporate the new accoutrements.
• All RCAF members will be dressed in their new colours by the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September 2015.
The new uniform’s inspiration is drawn from pre-unification rank insignia while maintaining the modern elements and terminology familiar to serving members today. The insignia for most ranks will be recognizable as the symbols that air force personnel have worn for nearly half a century.
In recognition of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the RCAF this year, rank insignia and national shoulder titles for both officers and non-commissioned members will return to a distinctive pearl-grey stitching, the original colour worn by RCAF non-commissioned members until 1968. Dress tunic buttons will not change in design but their colour will switch from gold to silver. General officers headdress piping (embroidery) will also change from gold-coloured to pearl-grey.
Quick Facts:
• As part of the government’s ongoing restoration of the Canadian Armed Forces’ distinctive service cultures and proud history, the RCAF will now wear a new uniform, enhancing the identity of Canada’s youngest military branch.
• The new RCAF rank title of “Aviator” will replace the use of “Private,” “Airman” and “Airwoman”. It will apply to newly enlisted non-commissioned members of the RCAF.
• The “Aviator” rank insignia will be represented by a single stitched propeller on the uniforms of RCAF personnel.
• The propeller insignia will be awarded to RCAF personnel upon graduation from occupational specialty training with 30-months of qualifying service.
• The RCAF will maintain its current rank terminology for officers.
• Starting April 1, 2015, RCAF personnel will begin to exhibit their new colours as their uniforms are tailored to incorporate the new accoutrements.
• All RCAF members will be dressed in their new colours by the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September 2015.
