SAAF Unveils New Uniform
Date: 29 January 2010
By Dean Wingrin
The SAAF unveiled its new summer uniform at the annual Air Force Day Parade on 29 January 2010.
Celebrating its 90th birthday, this is the second time since 1994 that the SAAF has introduced a new uniform. Whereas the previous change consisted of a minor alteration to the pattern of the shirt, the current change is a complete revamp in terms of style, material and form.
The uniforms were worn by all members on Parade, as well as by the majority of other airforce members viewing the Parade held at the Swartkop airfield near Centurion.
Retaining the tradition blue colour of the airforce, the shirts are of ‘tunic' style, hanging over the pants and free-flowing. While members of the service mentioned that the new uniform was comfortable and cooler in hot weather, other observers were heard that the new uniform reminded them of the old SA Police uniform of the 1970's. The writers own view is that while the new uniform may very well be cooler, the old uniform was far smarter.