Recently ran into a member wearing the new uniform (obtained via trials i believe) and got a close look. I definitely like the look of it on first impressions. While i obviously can't say anything about the quality, it appears much more practical, modern and sharper looking than the current. No surprises, it's very similar in design to the american ACU. I'd be happy to wear this new uniform vice the current one....
....except....
It seems the direction is to wear two gigantic red and white canadian flags (literally the size of the IR reflective flags and IFF patches worn on sleeves overseas), one on each arm.
I swear to god, the guy looked like an astronaut about to go out on a space-walk to fix the canadarm.
That direction is going to have to change. Absurd is the only word to describe how two giant red and white flags on the arms look. One large subdued (green and black) flag on one arm is perfectly sufficient. One has to wonder who makes these decisions and what terms of reference they're using (perhaps it was the same guy who made the issued valise straps about a foot too short in order to save us time snailing the excess when withdrawing under contact?). Just because there's velcro space on your uniform doesn't automatically mean it has to be filled with something. In this day and age, given the prevalence of velcro on modern systems, you're going to have to get accustomed to the fact that there will be bare velcro on your kit/uniforms. That's not cause to fill it with something inappropriate just for the sake of filling it.
....way to come out with a new piece of kit that the troops would like to wear, then do something to make them embarrassed to wear it.
....and yes, i'm fully expecting the "what, you're not proud of your flag"? Yes. I am. I'm a Canadian soldier. But there's a limit. Nobody wants to look like a joke in their uniform.
The other people who saw it all seemed to agree that the flags were way over the top and looked silly. Hopefully if enough of us point this out, someone will listen.
