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Switching uniforms from the current Canadian-designed CADPAT to a U.S. Multi could cost taxpayers $500 million, according to a document prepared for current Chief of Defence Staff General Jon Vance.

The American pattern used by the majority of their forces has already outfitted our special forces for years. It matters greatly how our forces feel about how they dress for battle. Yet, how we arrive at the decision is also important.

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It may indeed be time to examine modernizing the combat uniform after almost 20 years of use, post Afghanistan.

The distinct desert uniform was a respected one as was the Canadian flag flash on the shoulder of our defenders and promoters of democracy. During 12 years of compassionate work and ferocious combat in that theatre of operations, the Canadians in their tan desert units were broadly admired and viewed among the best of NATO allies.

Enormous sacrifice and hard lessons learned saw a loss of 158 CAF lives and thousands more forever altered by their service-oriented injuries. Closing out that era might lead some to believe upgrading the uniform worn by our finest is needed.