By 1960, three types of uniforms were worn by Canadian soldiers in the field. Bush Dress was worn during the summer, Battledress was worn in the winter, and black coveralls were worn by many units on exercises as a substitute for Bush or to save Battledress from undue wear. Both Bush and Battledress were also worn as a garrison or everyday uniform. What the Canadian military needed was an all seasonal uniform specifically developed for field wear.

This new pattern of field uniform was trialed in the early 1960s and was adopted for service in 1963. The "Uniform, Combat General Service" consisted of a Combat Cap, Coat, Shirt-Coat, two patterns of Trousers, and Combat Boots. Made of a nylon-cotton twist fabric, Combat was intended to be a low maintenence wash and wear uniform, drycleaning and ironing of this uniform was specifically prohibited in Dress Regulations. 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 very successful 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. No starched collars, ironed creases or spit shined boots, these were forbidden by Dress Regulations. Also gone was the coloured and highly visible rank and unit insignia as worn on Battledress. Authorised insignia was minimal and limited to rank, name tape, CANADA shoulder titles and unit shoulder titles. A miniature red and white Canadian flag was worn on the left shoulder on operations or postings outside Canada. Rank and unit insignia was reduced in size and was a subdued dull green colour.
For years it was forbidden to wear Combat in public transportation or in public places such as restaurants or pubs. Although Combat was not initially issued to the Reserves, they were allowed to wear it subject to local or Regimental Dress Instructions. Army surplus stores did a thriving business selling used Combat and 1964 Pattern Web Equipment to Reserve soldiers. It was not until 1972 that Combat was issued to the Reserves.
A Mark II Combat shirt was introduced into service about 1970. This shirt is covered in detail in the Security Branch section of this website.
In extreme cold weather, a parka and wind pants were worn.

A well used and faded example of the initial 1963 production combat shirt. Each slanted breast pocket is intended to carry a magazine for the FN C1 rifle, 2 more magazines are carried in nylon loops in the right 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. Although the combat uniform was successful, the concept of carrying rifle magazines in the shirt pockets was flawed.
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 breast pocket.

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Combat Shirt

Second Production Run
C 1966 - 1972

Typical Combat shirt adopted circa 1966, dated 1968. 2 nylon loops for rifle magazines were added to the left waist pocket, but otherwise this shirt is identical to the previous pattern.

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.

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Combat Coat

The Combat Coat was similar in general design to the Combat Shirt, but was made of heavier material. It had a detachable liner and in the initial production, was fitted with a detachable hood. The outside of the collar was lined with corduroy.

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 Label

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.