A new pattern of field uniform was introduced for user trials in the early 1960's and was adopted for service in 1963. The "Uniform, Combat GS" consisted of a hat, coat, shirt-coat, trousers and boots. Made of a nylon-cotton fabric, Combat was intended to be a low maintenence wash and wear uniform, drycleaning and ironing of this uniform was specifically prohibited in dress instructions. Originally OG 107, a dark green colour, early issues of combat turned a greenish grey after extended washing or exposure to the sun. Developed in conjuction with the 1964 Pattern web equipment and the adoption of the M1 Helmet, Combat was a very successful uniform and by the late 1960s had replaced most Regular Army operational uniforms. It was also worn by the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy in limited numbers before Unification. Post Unification it was standard for all three services.

When it was introduced, Combat was a radical innovation for the Canadian military. Insignia was minimal and was a subdued dull green colour. For years it was forbidden to be worn in public transportation or in public places such as restaurants or pubs. In extreme cold weather, a parka and wind pants were worn.

Typical Combat shirt, late 1960's. Each slanted breast pocket is intended to carry a magazine for the FN C1 rifle, 2 more magazines are carried in nylon loops in each waist pocket. A loop on the outside of the left breast pocket is intended for a personal radiation dosemeter, usually a pen is carried there. Authorized insignia was minimal, consisting of rank insignia, national and unit titles and nametag. Early name tags were stencilled in black ink on white cloth tape and worn above the right or left breast pocket. Later pattern nametags were embroidered in black thread on green webbing tape, the location was standardised above the left breat pocket.

View of the back of the shirt.

Shoulder and sleeve detail showing the post unification pattern Sergeant's rank insignia.

Closeup view of the left breast pocket showing the rifle magazine and the location of the personal dosemeter.

---

A well used and faded example of a 1963 production combat shirt.

---

---

Combat Coat

Back view showing the buttons on the shoulders for attachment of the hood.

Closeup view of the National title and Captain's rank insignia worn on slip-ons.

Typical Lablel

Sergeant's combat shirt, UNFICYP, Cyprus, circa 1964.Worn with a special Provost pattern web equipment, bush uniform armlet and new pattern MP brassard.

Another view of the Sergeant's shirt showing the Provost Corps title, United Nations patch and rank insignia on the bush armlet. Note the method of carrying the canteen.

The combat cap was often worn with the edges folder up and the top flattened out in a "Robin Hood" style. A special subdued pattern of cloth cap badge was worn with this cap.

The winter parka issued with combat was adopted in the late 1940s. There were a number of patterns of parka, some with fur trimmed hoods, detachable hoods, or integral hoods.
This Lieutenant's parka has the hood removed and shows the method of wearing rank insignia. The PROVOST brassard is worn on the left cuff. Standard 1951 Pattern Web waistbelt and pistol holster are worn.