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A Belgian paratrooper of the NATO Response Force (NRF), during Exercise Allied Response 2003. He wears the third variant of the so-called 'jigsaw puzzle' camouflage, which is specific to the Belgian army. [Image: NATO.]

Belgian 'jigsaw' camouflage, 3rd pattern
Kingdom of Belgium

After World War II, all branches of the Belgian armed forces were composed of a mixture of professional soldiers and officers, and conscripts who were fulfilling their compulsory national service.

These 'service' men received partly new, partly second-hand uniforms and equipment. Typically, the uniforms were a plain olive drab green — a cost-effective way to clothe a large number of soldiers, who served for only a short period of time.

There were, however, some exceptions to this general rule: special units, such as the para-commandos, received camouflaged jump smocks and — after 1963 — over-pants.

The first pattern of Belgian 'jigsaw' was introduced in 1958. However, it was available only as a jump smock, over-pants or, for a short time, a light-weight tropical uniform.

By the end of the 1980s, though, a decision had been taken to issue complete camouflage uniforms to certain units. Thus the Aircommandos of la Composante Air/de Luchtcomponent (Belgian air force) were issued uniforms patterned in Belgian Flecktarn, while the para-commandos received uniforms in 2nd pattern 'jigsaw' camouflage.

1993 was the final year of compulsory military service, in Belgium; the government had decided that it would be better to field a smaller but better trained defence force. The last 'unprofessional' soldiers left the Belgian armed forces by the end of 1994, at which time it was also decided that one camouflage pattern should be introduced for all personnel of all branches.

Initially, uniforms camouflaged in 2nd pattern 'jigsaw' were issued. In 1999, however, a new pattern was introduced into service; this camouflage pattern is known as the 3rd pattern 'jigsaw' camouflage.

Like the previous patterns, 3rd pattern 'jigsaw' camouflage is a five-colour pattern. In general, the dark green elements are lighter than those seen in 2nd pattern 'squashed', as are the brown elements — which are much closer to the burgundy red that was used in the 1st pattern camouflage. There is also noticeably less white in this 3rd pattern than in the earlier versions, and the elements have a 'squashed' appearance.

There is quite a bit of colour variation between different items, and some of it appears to be deliberate. For example, the light colour seen on a 'cold weather' smock — seen here — is almost yellow ochre, where the same colour on a 'hot weather' shirt is distinctly greenish.

Currently, 3rd pattern 'jigsaw' camouflage and 'desert jigsaw' camouflage are the 'official' Belgian camouflage patterns, although 2nd pattern 'jigsaw' and Belgian Flecktarn continue to be worn, until such time as the existing stocks become unserviceable.

kamouflage.net is grateful to Walter Vandeput, for his invaluable contribution to this article.

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