Fiji

Republic of Fiji

The Republic of Fiji Islands has a small military force of around 3500 personnel (Republic of Fiji Military Forces, or RFMF). They are nevertheless frequently participants in peacekeeping efforts, having a permanent position as part of the MFO (Military Force & Observers) in the Sinai, and have served in Lebanon, Iraq and East Timor with the United Nations. The standard combat uniform of the RFMF remains plain olive green to this day. However, use of camouflage items by individual soldiers has been tolerated, and issue at unit level authorized, since the mid- or late-1980s.

Camouflage of Fiji

• Some units of the RFMF have been issued US m81 woodland camouflage pattern uniforms in the 1980s and 1990s. At least two distinct variations of the woodland design have been documented, although it is possible others exist. Extant samples of the uniforms suggest they were made in Australia, the Philippines, or Thailand.

• A variation of the m81 woodland pattern with a blue colorway has been worn by the Fiji Police Service, although its use seems to be extremely limited. This design features black, dark blue-grey, and medium blue-grey woodland shapes on a pale blue background. It is worth noting that camouflage uniforms have never been standard issue for the Fiji Police, and these were probably restricted to specialized personnel, possibly even for a very limited period of time.

Other Camouflage Patterns in Use by RFMF

• Photographic evidence suggests sporadic use of surplus Australian Disruptive Camouflage Pattern (DCP) or "Auscam" uniform and equipment by individual soldiers since the 1990s. Items in this pattern include belt kits and load-bearing vests, rain gear, and the odd piece of uniform.

• Surplus DPM uniform items and field equipment from New Zealand have also been observed in use with individual soldiers of the RFMF, including bush hats, belt kits, rain gear, and very rarely even full uniforms.