SADF/SWATF Uniform
INTRODUCTION
When you put on the uniform of the SADF, you will be privileged to represent one of the proudest armies at that time and should thus wear it properly and with pride so as not to disrespect those who fought and gave their lives wearing this uniform.
These notes tell you something about the uniform and how to wear it. You will see that the uniform evolved slightly during the Borderwar period we represent and have tried to capture the two main periods of uniform that were used in the period our club covers, from 1971 to 1989.
NUTRIA FIELD DRESS, 1971 to 1989
The uniform was designed as a layered uniform, where clothing could be added or removed depending on the temperature at the time. It consisted of a balaclava cap, a net scarf, a PT vest, a T-shirt, a jersey, a field dress shirt, a field dress jacket, field dress trousers, cushion sole socks and brown combat boots. Headgear is either a bush hat or helmet. The trousers are worn with a P70 web belt.
There are two distinct periods of uniform and gear worn that are applicable to our reenactments, namely 1971 to 1983 and 1983 to 1989. The field dress was commonly referred to as browns.
THE PERIOD 1971 to 1983
The initial nutria field dress issued from 1971 to around 1975 differed in a number of small details and is easily recognized by the triangular shaped pocket flaps of the shirt and trousers. However the later field dress was also worn in this period and the two are interchangeable. A jersey or bush jacket will be useful for winter games. SADF brown boots are to be worn.
HEAD-DRESS
The head-dress that was worn was either the bush hat (boshoed) or P63 steel helmet (staaldak) for our purposes many of our games will be out in the field so it is recommended that the bush hat is worn.
P70 WEBBING
For our purposes a full set of P70 is recommended, consisting of the integrated belt, kidney pouches, yoke and ammo pouches to suit your chosen weapon. The latter R4/R5 assault rifle uses a longer ammo pouch. At least two P70 water bottles are recommended and with their accompanying pouches.
The large pack and groundsheet holder are not a prerequisite but may be useful for carrying extra kit on some missions. A SADF raincoat or SADF poncho will be useful if it rains.
WEAPONS
The primary battle rifle used during this period was the FN FAL/R1. For this to be accurately represented a custom build based upon a King Arms FN FAL is required. Such builds are described on the nutria forum. This is to be fitted with the narrow SADF type sling.
Also one of the airsoft G3A3 rifle models are acceptable and are manufactured by Tokyo Mariu, JG, ClassicArmy and LCT.
1980 saw the introduction of the R4 and R5 series of assault rifles. For this to be accurately represented a custom build based upon an airsoft Galil (ARM for R4, SAR for R5) is required. Suitable Galil donor rifles for this are manufactured by King Arms, ICS and Cybergun. Such builds are described on the nutria forum. These are to be fitted with the wider SADF type sling.
THE PERIOD 1983 to 1989
During this period both the era browns were worn but the later type with square pockets, etc, was the most predominate. SADF brown boots are to be worn.
HEAD-DRESS
The head-dress that was worn was either the bush hat (boshoed) or P83 Kevlar helmet. For our purposes many of our games will be out in the field so it is recommended that the bush hat is worn.
P83 WEBBING
For our purposes a full set of P83 webbing is recommended, consisting of the battle jacket and chest webbing. At least two P70 water bottles are recommended or the later type two liter water bottles.
The P83 back pack is not a prerequisite but may be useful for carrying extra kit on some missions. A SADF raincoat or SADF poncho will be useful if it rains.
WEAPONS
The primary battle rifle used during this period was the R4 and R5 series of assault rifles and are to be fitted with the wider SADF type sling.