Officer, Parade Dress, 32 Battalion - Angola, 1980's
Whilst the unit specific camouflage was used on external ops, the standard SADF nutria browns were standard base and parade wear.
Our figure wears a set of standard nutrias but with 32 Battalion additions. The most prominent of these is the unique 32 Battalion camouflage beret. Intially made from 1st Pattern SAP camo the beret became an iconic element of the battalion. As supplies of the 1st pattern material became hard to find, 2nd pattern camouflage was utilised. Finally, the berets were made in the battalion's unique Summer Pattern camo. The famous buffalo head capbadge was worn initally without the arm of service infantry "balkie" (worn here).
The stable belt features a black base with 2 white lines. The buffalo head badge is worn on the belt plate on a black background.
Also worn is a black crevat with a printed buffalo head in white. The crevat is fastened and adjusted via a velcro strap at the rear.
Insignia worn consists of name tapes, battalion and command flashes, rank badges, patachute qualificaiton and the unofficial Recce Wing qualification badge (worn in the left breast).
Standard SADF boots are worn but with whitened gaiters.