Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform, Series 1, Australia

The first series DPDU (Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform) was based on the already well known Australian DPCU (Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform) aka 'Auscam' camouflage pattern, but with only three colours instead of the initial five, and taking up only one third of the DPCU pattern space. The base was in a khaki/ sand colour with an overlay of a light green/ grey and chocolate brown. This pattern was short lived and was issued on initial deployment of SASR and support elements to Afghanistan. Approximate issue dates were late 2001 to early/ mid 2002. Examples of this camouflage are now extremely rare. This is pattern should not to be confused with the misinformed rumours of the first series DPDU being based on a “neutralised pink” background 'so ugly' it was refused by the SASR itself. There is no such thing as ‘neutalised pink’!! as purported on a well known web sight about camouflage uniforms. I believe this misnomer to have originated from the use of so called 'red Auscam' which was used by SASR elements playing Opposition Forces (OPFORs) during exercises in Australia’s semi-arid Northern regions. But more about red Auscam later.