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.
The new uniform’s inspiration, is drawn from pre-unification rank insignia while maintaining the modern elements and terminology familiar to serving members today. 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 this year, 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.
“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.
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
Office of the Minister 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
