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A new look for members of the RCAF

The new uniform, complete with small changes including the move from
gold to pearl-grey buttons and details, was launched at the annual
Battle of Britain ceremony at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

One rank will be changing, despite initial reports the RCAF would
return to British-style ranks. Privates will now be known as Aviators, a
gender-neutral term that will be identified by a single stich
propeller. One RCAF official told CTV News that changing all the ranks
would be too complicated and confusing.

Hundreds of current and former airmen and airwoman were on hand for the
ceremony, in addition to dignitaries including Defence Minister Rob
Nicholson, and Lieutenant General Yvan Bloudin.

In a statement, Minister Nicholson said the updated uniform will
strengthen the bond between current forces members and their
predecessors.

LGen Godin offered similar sentiments, saying he is proud to wear a
uniform that more closely resembles what RCAF members wore when the
force was created 90 years ago.

"It's our link to the Royal Canadian Air Force of the Past," he told CTV Ottawa.

"We are proud to be wearing the uniform of our forefathers, the ones who taught us what we are doing."

Veterans who attended the ceremony said they are happy to see the air force returning to their roots.

"I joined the RCAF and I put that uniform on and wore it for years. It's nice to see it back," said one veteran.

"I think they are very nice. It's about time," said a WWII veteran.

RCAF personnel will begin wearing the new uniform on April 1, 2015. All
personnel will be in the new uniforms in time for the 75th anniversary
of the Battle of Britain.