The CRPF headquarters has issued a directive to all the formations across the country to take pride in wearing the paramilitary’s Khaki/combat pattern uniform. The move comes after CRPF chief Kuldiep Singh took

exception to a number of officers and men wearing the CoBRA pattern fatigue while deployed in Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite repeated reminders for following the uniform rules, even senior officials have been flouting the norms in the Valley.

“During the visit to operational units in Jammu and Kashmir, the DG, CRPF observed that in spite of the instructions, some officers/men are still wearing CoBRA pattern of combat uniform. It is once again reiterated that we need to take pride in wearing CRPF pattern uniform,” an official said, quoting the circular sent recently across the formations.

The official further said, “The competent authority has desired that all officers/men including QATs/CTTs to wear only prescribed pattern khaki/combat uniforms as applicable in the area.”

While QAT refers to Quick Action Teams, the CTT implies Counter-Terrorism Team.

Earlier, similar instructions were issued on April 16 and April 19 this year underscoring the need to adhere to the uniform rules.

In the circular issued on April 16, the DG’s office had said, “Competent authority has observed that officers are exhibiting complacency towards their uniform. Uniform is a matter of pride and officers must have an exemplary turn-out at all times. Commandants and senior officers should not hesitate to point out deficiencies. Henceforth, please ensure that officers and the men they command are smartly turned out.” It called for a strict compliance of the order.

Likewise, in a separate letter on April 19, the Force reiterated the importance of wearing proper uniform.

Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is a specialized anti-Naxal force within the overall command of the CRPF. 

The CRPF was raised in 1939 but despite being in existence for over 80 years, the paramilitary does not have a patented pattern for uniform. Besides the CoBRA, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) also has a distinctive pattern of fatigue. The RAF uniform pattern has been copied by the West Bengal police and the disruptive pattern of the CoBRA uniform has been adopted by several state police forces in absence of any patents for these uniforms.

Despite being the biggest paramilitary with lead roles in various operational theatres, the provisioning directorate has not been able to properly address the continuity and cohesion factor that is instilled through a consistent pattern of uniform.

A senior official said that during the entire winter season every year, the CRPF has to rely on the Jammu and Kashmir Police pattern of jacket in the absence of any authorised pattern of winter jackets (angola dark shade) of its own.

During various official meetings, even the senior officers have been found asking the delegates to wear the JKP pattern of winter jacket to maintain uniformity.

“It is unfortunate that even the Police forces are having better and established dress codes and the lead paramilitary force like CRPF lacks any coherent uniform which is

so important for inculcating discipline in the ranks and imparting an unique identity,” the official added.

During the last 17 years, the CRPF uniform has been changed thrice and the fatigue in vogue currently was introduced during the then paramilitary chief K Vijay Kumar in 2012.

This combat pattern uniform has bright white patches which could give a distinctive advantage to the ultras during operations in various theatres as they may not be so effective in camouflaging, officials said.

“Frequent changes in the uniform pattern disrupts continuity in outlook and leads to lack of cohesive continuum with regard to the image of the force,” this official added.