NEWS RELEASE - 21 Sept 2014 Minister Nicholson announces new uniform for the Royal Canadian Air Force The Honourable Rob Nicholson, PC, QC, MP for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence and Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), unveiled the new RCAF uniform today at the Battle of Britain ceremony in Ottawa. Main aspects of the new uniform, are drawn from pre-unification rank insignia while the design also maintains the modern elements and terminology familiar to serving members and militaries around the world. The insignia for most ranks will be recognizable as the symbols that air force personnel have worn for nearly half a century. In recognition of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the RCAF, rank insignia and national shoulder titles for both officers and non-commissioned members will return to a distinctive pearl-grey stitching, the original colour worn by RCAF non-commissioned members until 1968. Dress tunic buttons will not change in design but their colour will switch from gold to silver. General officers headdress piping (embroidery) will also change from gold-coloured to pearl-grey. Quick Facts • As part of the Government’s ongoing restoration of the Canadian Armed Forces’ distinctive service cultures, the RCAF has been granted a new uniform, enhancing the identity of Canada’s youngest military branch. • The RCAF will maintain its current rank terminology for officers, while non-commissioned members will see one rank change that will be immediately applied to qualifying members of the rank. • The one change will see is the new RCAF rank title of “Aviator” replace the use of “Private,” “Airman” and “Airwoman”.It will apply to newly enlisted non-commissioned members of the RCAF. • The “Aviator” rank insignia will be represented by a single stitched propeller on the uniforms of RCAF personnel. • The propeller insignia will be awarded to RCAF personnel upon graduation from occupational specialty training with 30-months of qualifying service. • Starting April 1, 2015, RCAF personnel will begin to exhibit their new colours as their uniforms are tailored to incorporate the new accoutrements. • All RCAF members will be dressed in their new colours by the anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September, 2015. Quotes “Our Government is committed to strengthening the bonds between present day Canadian Armed Forces service members and their predecessors. I salute all members of the air force for restoring elements of their proud service traditions.” The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence. “This new uniform, with the restoration of the traditional colour insignia, coincides with the 90th anniversary of the RCAF. It is noteworthy that these colours were worn by courageous Canadian airmen and women at pivotal moments in our nation’s history and we are proud to re-establish this link to our history and heritage.” Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force. ” - 30 - Contacts Johanna Quinney Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence Office of the Minister of the Department of National Defence (613) 996-3100 Lieutenant-Colonel David Devenney Royal Canadian Air Force Public Affairs (613) 994-3422 Media Relations Department of National Defence Phone: (613) 996-2353 Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 16:09:14 +0000
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