Belgian Jigsaw Ripstop Variants

Here are the four types of Jigsaw in ripstop that I am aware of.  Any others?

Temperate Model, Early (1997)
First standard uniform for all branches of the Belgian forces.  Initially it did not have a BELGIUM tape but did have a flag.  Also, the OD subdued badges did not exist so soldiers wore the full color types normally used on dress and olive green uniforms.


Temperate Model, Late (2003)
The uniform is identical to the Early type, but came with BELGIUM tape over left breast and no flag on the shoulder.  Soldiers were instructed to remove their flags from existing uniforms and put on the new BELGIUM tape.


Tropical Model (2004?)
Same basic design as the Temperate model, but made in a different cloth. Probably because of the cloth the colors are a little darker/richer than the Temperate.


No-white Model (2012)
This uniform was deliberately made without any white in it. It was supposed to become standard issue, but did that happen?  It's simlar to the Tropical Model in terms of the feel of the cloth. The colors are similar to the Tropical type.


Steve

Hello - about the "no-white model", we can see on the plastic packaging that there are two variants: standard and tropical. The photos come from the site “Vinted”

When this uniform was first introduced in 2012 it was in limited quantities. I know the winter shell (smock/coat) was issued with it, but I have only recently seen it in the solid cotton cloth. I think it became standard issue a number of years ago, but I have not seen much for sale. Maybe Belgium is now destroying uniforms instead of surpplusing them?

Steve

Hello, you seem to have slightly mixed up the models.

So first there is normal jigsaw, with white, in standard cloth(90's onward).
Then there is the tropical uniform, with lighter cloth and no white, made for "tropical conditions" in reality this was mostly missions to train other armies in africa. (started arround 2010?)

After 2015 (maybe 2014) all newly produced jigsaw had no white. Standard uniforms in normal cloth, helmet covers, combat jackets, molle pouches . . . all made in this new standard jigsaw.
Both versions were used together until this year.

Notes, combat shirts were made in both, so were helmet covers. With molle vests the there are more differences.

If i was unclear, or you need pictures of proof i will gladly help you out!

Ps. Our surplus just stays arround a really long time, you still see cadets/interns wearing 80's kit.
Surplus is still being sold at public auction:
https://www.mil.be/nl/extra-info-en-diensten/verkoop-van-materieel-en-domeinen/

Hello
I searched through many photos to find the oldest one that shows the "no white" model.

I have here in 2012

user6075ef730fa82 wrote:Hello, you seem to have slightly mixed up the models.

So first there is normal jigsaw, with white, in standard cloth(90's onward).
Then there is the tropical uniform, with lighter cloth and no white, made for "tropical conditions" in reality this was mostly missions to train other armies in africa. (started arround 2010?)

After 2015 (maybe 2014) all newly produced jigsaw had no white. Standard uniforms in normal cloth, helmet covers, combat jackets, molle pouches . . . all made in this new standard jigsaw.
Both versions were used together until this year.

Notes, combat shirts were made in both, so were helmet covers. With molle vests the there are more differences.

If i was unclear, or you need pictures of proof i will gladly help you out!

Ps. Our surplus just stays arround a really long time, you still see cadets/interns wearing 80's kit.
Surplus is still being sold at public auction:
https://www.mil.be/nl/extra-info-en-diensten/verkoop-van-materieel-en-domeinen/

Thanks for the info. I don't see this as being in conflict with any of the above discussion. What is in error?

I don't know when the no-white "Tropical" uniform started production, but you are correct that the first items started showing up in 2010. I checked another folder of pictures and found a 2010 picture that shows the no-white field coat in use. The earliest picture I have of the "Tropical" uniform in use is 2012. That is the date of my example as well.

Steve

Hello

the "no white" model worn on a smock , at the belgian "fête nationale" , the 21 july 2010




https://www.flickr.com/photos/saigneurdeguerre/with/4818993577

in this gallery among the many photos of military personnel, I saw only one wearing this type of camouflage

Salutations

My parka from my collection.

4th jigsaw pattern - tropical version.

Nice set! I believe it's pretty hard to find, at least in unissued condition. Earlier this year a German seller had a couple pretty beat up trousers for sale. The UBACS appears to be especially difficult to get, so good grab there.

From my understanding this was very briefly fielded and that was it. I've got some pictures of it being used by cadets. I'm thinking they were purchased and accepted by the army and then they decided to not field them, so they got used up in various domestic roles (cadets, parades, etc.).

Steve

Thanks Steve. I am a seasoned collector with Belgian jigsaw camo probably my favourite pattern. The only items eluding me atm are trousers in 4th jigsaw pattern (temperate) and a Schuberth helmet cover in same pattern (size 3)many of my fellow collectors joke on about how ridiculous the pattern is, but it is effective especially when in new condition. There are colour variants too due to manufacturing processes and I count myself lucky that I grabbed mine when I did. I know the ABL used jigsaw camo tents, do you know if they use(d) camo waterproof bashas (tarps) also???

This is the type of helmet cover I need in size 3

This is a comparison between 3rd jigsaw pattern with the white flicks and the 4th jigsaw pattern with yellow flicks.

This is an Arktis smock from my collection.

Bedazzled wrote:Thanks Steve. I am a seasoned collector with Belgian jigsaw camo probably my favourite pattern. The only items eluding me atm are trousers in 4th jigsaw pattern (temperate) and a Schuberth helmet cover in same pattern (size 3)many of my fellow collectors joke on about how ridiculous the pattern is, but it is effective especially when in new condition. There are colour variants too due to manufacturing processes and I count myself lucky that I grabbed mine when I did. I know the ABL used jigsaw camo tents, do you know if they use(d) camo waterproof bashas (tarps) also???

I also have a very big soft spot in my heart for Jigsaw! Every time I receive a piece my wife asks "don't you already have that?"

I do not know of any bashas, but they did make a sleeping bag cover IIRC. All my Jigsaw equipment stuff is buried or I'd take a look and see.

Steve

Yes, ive seen the goretex bivvy bags in jigsaw camo and have been tempted.a few times.

Bedazzled wrote:Thanks Steve. I am a seasoned collector with Belgian jigsaw camo probably my favourite pattern. The only items eluding me atm are trousers in 4th jigsaw pattern (temperate) and a Schuberth helmet cover in same pattern (size 3)many of my fellow collectors joke on about how ridiculous the pattern is, but it is effective especially when in new condition. There are colour variants too due to manufacturing processes and I count myself lucky that I grabbed mine when I did. I know the ABL used jigsaw camo tents, do you know if they use(d) camo waterproof bashas (tarps) also???

Hi I have posted my Bivy Bag (Carinthia) and Tarp (Seyntex) here: https://iacmc.forumotion.com/t11935p75-some-recent-modern-belgian-finds#99271

I have never seen the tarps before today, tents yes, but tarps no. What is the new kit the troops are being issued in multicam? Tents or tarps???