The Hat, Utility, Camouflage, Waterproof was first issued in the mid-1960s, alongside a waterproof smock made in the same camouflage pattern. Designed for use in humid jungle environments, the hat was issued in more limited numbers than the smock.
Secateurs—a hand tool more commonly found in the garden shed and often wielded by old ladies trimming rose bushes—are not something most people associate with soldiers. Yet, these heavy-duty shears, designed for cutting and pruning bushes and small trees, found their way into the kit of Australian and New Zealand troops operating in dense jungle environments.
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In early 1942, Australia recognized the need to redesign the 1937 Pattern web equipment based on combat experience in the Pacific against Japanese forces. The standard Basic Pouches were found to be too small to carry sufficient amounts of ammunition and munitions for the challenging conditions of jungle warfare.
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The Hat, Combat, DPM Desert was first introduced in the late 1980s, featuring a four-color Desert DPM (DDPM) pattern and a design similar to the Hat, Combat, Tropical. However, it saw limited use by UK forces at the time.
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In 1970, Malaysia adopted a brushstroke camouflage pattern for its military uniforms and equipment. This decision led to the exclusive production of field packs in this distinct design. Naturally, commercial manufacturers followed suit, producing webbing and accessories in the same pattern to meet market demands.
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With New Zealand severing ties with the United States and Australia over its decision to become nuclear-free in the mid-1980s, it faced challenges in sourcing individual equipment to replace stock that was needed but no longer accessible through usual channels.
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Introduced in 1974, the pouch used the Large Ammunition Pouch as its design base and could hold two 30-round magazines. Instead of belt clips, it used belt loops with press studs, while steel D rings on the back allowed for attaching other items. These pouches saw limited use due to the short service life of the L4A4.
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The Hat, Jungle, Combat was introduced in the early 1970s as part of the No.9 Tropical Combat Uniform, which replaced the earlier 1950-Pattern Tropical Uniform. It was worn in hot, humid, and arid regions around the world.
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Introduced in the early 1980s by the Singapore Armed Forces, the Field Pack, Nylon, served for combat and training, resembling the Malaysian field pack. Remaining in service until the early 2000s, it featured a waterproofed lid, webbing straps, spacious side pouches.
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The Field Pack, Combat, Nylon was introduced into Malaysian service in the late 1960s, based on the Australian Army-issued Field Pack, Combat, Canvas design. This version featured added bedroll straps, an adjustable chest strap with a quick-release, a nylon collar on the main compartment, and an adjustable waistband.
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