Green Dominant Tigerstripes Camo Uniform of Philippine Army SF

Green-dominant Tigerstripes camouflage uniform of the Philippine Army 1st Special Forces Regiment – Airborne (SFR-A). An elite unit established in the 1960 by Fidel “Eddie” V. Ramos, its 1st Commanding officer who later became the 12^th President of the Philippines from 1992 – 1998. Similar to the United States “Green Berets”, among their many specializations, this Special Forces trains local citizens as militiamen in their area of operations and mobilizes them to defend themselves.

This SFR-A tigerstripes uniform is in lightweight 100% cotton material and fully badged. On its left arm sleeve are subdued “Special Force”, “Ranger” and “Airborne” tabs and below them is the SFR-A cloth badge. On the right arm sleeve (unseen) is also a subdued Philippine Army Special Operations Command (PA SOCOM) Badge.  PA SOCOM is a single command responsible for maintaining various Special Forces units operating under the Army’s wing.

On this TS uniform upper right chest pockets is their primary SFR Qualification Pocket Badge (subdued) and on the left pocket, Scout Ranger Qualification Pocket Badge (subdued). It means that the operator also is a qualified Scout Ranger. Hence, indeed earned the right to wear a “Ranger” tab. Of course, an NCO Master Sergeant and an Infantry Occupational Specialty collar insignias in addition to the normal Philippine Army Branch Cloth Tab and Name Cloth. Just right above the name cloth is a qualified Philippine Basic Parachutist Jump Badge.  These parachute wings are awarded to those personnel who have successfully completed the rigorous parachutist qualification course as taught by the Philippine Special Forces Parachute Jump Instructors.

Philippine Army Special Operations Command Badge

Philippine Army 1st Special Forces Regiment-Airborne (SFR-A) Badge

This SFR-A tigerstripes camouflage uniform is also known as SOCOM Tiger and also, once adopted by Philippine Navy Special Warfare Group (SWAG) before they chose its  distinct Tigerstripes which was supplied by Sewingdale, Inc.. SWAG being the old name of the now Naval Special Warfare Group (NAVSOG). Therefore, I was not surprised at all on what I found along the brim of this SFR-A TS uniform, a continuous print markings that says: “PN SWAG Uniform”. Obviously, the supplier had it marked so, to indicate the correct Tigerstripes color and pattern that was also appropriate for the PN Naval Special Warfare requirement at that time or at least, supply fabric rolls to also cater to PN NSWG.

In reference to the same SFR-A Tigerstripes variety of the Philippine Naval Special Warfare Group. See photos below:

Philippine Navy SEAL Tigerstripes Uniform Brim Markings

Philippine SEAL donning this exact Tigerstripes Battle Dress Attire (BDA) of the Philippine Army SFR-A.

RP SEAL in Green Dominant Tigerstripes Camo Uniform

US SEAL member in Joint/Combined MFF exercise in Philippines.

This photo was taken during the 1^st day of the Military Free Fall (MFF) exercise in Air Force City, formerly Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Philippines mainly with the Philippine National Police Special Action Force. A US NAVY SEAL donning their new Naval Working Uniform (NWU) Type III camouflage uniform called Area of Responsibility (AOR) 2. As the US Navy decided to change the uniform of its sailors and adopted the NWU Type I blue digital uniform, Naval Special Warfare Group took the opportunity to also come up with their own version to upgrade their current battle dress uniforms specifically for their special operations units.

Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) formerly the SEAL Team 6 created an Integrated Process Team (IPT) to develop this new uniform. IPT consisted of combat-experienced NSW operators who had the knowledge of the required current wartime areas of operation and what work best in the filed. The team progressed and currently testing two (2), four color digital camouflage patterns. They are the NSW Type II, Area of Responsibility 1 (AOR 1) which is designed mainly for Arid, Desert and this one, NSW Type III, Area of Responsibility 2 (AOR 2) for jungle, tropical/woodland or temperate region such as the Philippines where these NSW operators rotate for joint-exercise, training and/or their various roles as part of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines (OEF-P).

There are several main manufacturers contracted by NSW to make this new uniforms and combat gear of the same camouflage patterns, e.g. London Bridge Trading (LBT), Blackhawk Industries (BHI),  Arc’teryx, Eagle Industries (EI), Crye Precision, etc..Hence, they came up with specific names for these types of camouflage, like LBT called it AOR 1 (Desert/Arid), AOR 2  (Tropical) and Crye Precision’s DIGI 1 (Tropical) and DIGI 2 (Desert/Arid). So far, these are the two names for these camouflage patterns and probably, other manufacturers may call it differently, making it more confusing.

LBT being co-located in Virginia, USA with their established long time relationship with the East Coast NSW for their tactical combat gear, where DEVGRU are based may have been first contacted to development this new camouflage pattern. Thus, the standard naming convention for this type of pattern. Whereas, for Crye Precision who developed the famous MULTICAM all terrain camouflage pattern that was also contracted to supply these new NSW Type III camo pattern named it Digi1, and the NSW Type II Digi2 for Arid/desert terrains.

By now, you may have pretty much of the idea why we usually find them described as AOR1/Digi2 (Desert) and AOR2/Digi1 (Jungle). But IPT not only came up with this new camouflage pattern but also, efficient features and configuration to address the deficiencies of the current battle dress uniforms.

US SEAL Team and US Army Special Forces in Philippines

2^nd day: A prayer to honor the Philippine Army trooper of the Special Forces Regiment – Airborne (SFR-A) who was killed in a parachute accident a day before this was taken. The trooper was a participant of this Military Free Fall Joint/Combined Exercise Training (JCET) under the RP-US Vector Balance Piston 10-2.

Also, in this exercise was participated by US Army Special Forces, some of them already had been issued their all terrain 7-color Multi-Environment Camouflage (MultiCam) uniform. The Multicam was already announced after the trial period to supersede the current US Army wide issued Universal Camouflage Pattern, seen in the Army Combat Uniform (ACU).

As for this new NSW AOR camouflage pattern and the details of the configuration, like how many pockets and where to efficiently place them, the uniform that the NSW forces are wearing here are the final design that was decided and therefore, conformance testing is ongoing that started early 2010. One that I think stands out among the many features of these uniforms are the detachable hard shell knee pad that you can take off when not in combat. You can clearly see from the photo above the provisions for it.

US SEAL in AOR-2 and US Army SF in Multicam uniforms

The photos here were all taken in June 2010 and according to the NSW Team leader in this MFF event, these had been recently issued to them about less than 5~6 months ago. And according to NSW source, the goal is to issue personnel three uniforms, 2 eight-point covers and a Gortex Jacket with fleece liner, since they are still in development. Accordingly, it is not known when they will settle with the final configuration of these new types II and III uniforms but NSW is rigorously working with the Navy to pursue the full issue of these uniforms before the current timeline in year 2012.

Having said all these and to put an end of this writing, what was interested during this event and my prior knowledge of these new uniforms, I cannot help but to speculate the following:

1. The patch that you can see in the first photo when one look at it closer during this event seems to have a small number “6” on it!  Does it mean that this NSW Team was members of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) formerly of SEAL Team Six? Although, they were said to be NSW SEAL Team One, I would like to think so!
2. IPT being created by NSW DEVGRU to develop these new uniforms, it is only but right to have their operators and personnel first to test it.
3. If indeed they were DEVGRU and having known to work closely with US Army 1^st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta  (1^st SFOD-D) aka Combat Application Group (CAG) or the most hype Delta Force., the United States’ primary counter-terrorism unit, then maybe, the US SF here in MultiCam were also indeed members of Delta.

Well, of course, if not then, just treat this as putting some exaggeration in this writing to evoke strong feelings or to create strong impressions of the participants of this exercise.

More photos:

US SEAL on their way to board a US C130 aircraft for their Military Free Fall in Air Force City

Philippine Army SFR-A Officer in full para gear for the joint RP-US MFF.

Philippine Army Special Forces Regiment – Airborne (SFR-A) officer in his coverall Tigerstripes camouflage who participated in this Joint Military Free Fall exercise.  I am personally a big fan of tigerstripes camouflage uniforms ever since it was developed by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) during the Vietnam War.

RP-US Special Forces boarding a US C130 aircraft for their MFF exercise.

Enjoy!

Philippine Marine Force Recon

A member of the Philippine Marine Force Reconnaissance Battalion (FRBn aka MFR) attached to a Marine Brigade to serve as quick maneuvering force.

MFR specializes in Sea, Air and Land operations, like its counterpart in the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) of the Philippine Navy, ranging from reconnaissance, close combat, demolition, intelligence and underwater operations in support to the overall naval operations. What makes it different from the Special Warfare Group is that it utilizes strategies and tactics mastered by the Philippine Army’s 1st Scout Ranger Regiment and Special Forces units. Source: Wikipedia

In this photo was MFR Staff Sergeant Eliseo D. Salo (RIP) in his Philippine Marine Camouflage Uniform taken in-theater during the final phase (Test Mission) deployment of Marine Scout Sniper School Class 11 operations in support of Philippine Military’s Oplan Ultimatum in the Island of Jolo, Philippines.

SSGT Salo was a seasoned and veteran of many combat tours in Southern Philippines and the team leader of the Marine Scout Sniper Course Class NR 11 conducted from 05^th December 2009 to 25^th February 2010.

Graduation photo of Class NR 11 less their Sniper class’ team leader, SSGT Eliseo D. Salo. He was killed in action, four (4) days short of the graduation rites. At the time of him being fatally shot in the chest, six (6) known personalities of the adversary were already dead said to be all head-shots, including a High Value Target (HVT) leader responsible for the early January 2010 abduction of three (3) members of the International Committee of the Red Cross ( Swiss, Italian and Filipino nationals) and also, among those that seized 21 people, including Asians, European Tourists in April 2000 from Sipadan Diving Resort in Sandakan, Sabah.

Aside from the momentary introduction of the Philippine Marine Force Recon Bn and the highlights on SSGT Salo in this article, I am also covering here the superseded Philippine Marine camouflage pattern in brief:

This specific Philippine Marine camouflage pattern was introduced in year 2000 and issued on May of the same year. Hence, was fondly called “Marine 2000” by militaria enthusiasts and collectors, a four-color design of black, brown and green on light khaki backdrop. This pattern is now gradually being replaced by the current Philippine Marine digital camouflage pattern. You may check the graduation photo above whereby the four Marine officers sitting on a bench were in their new Philippine Marine Corps’ digital uniforms.

And by the way, the boonie hat that is on the top photo are fondly called “Lousy Hat”, a Philippine Military jargon, being obviously a nifty and floppy hat brim. Thus, a “lousy” nature of its style but effective in combat concealment to cut out the silhouette of a human head from a distance in a jungle environment. So whenever, you have the opportunity to visit Philippine military camps or military shops in the vicinity or for foreign military who are in, on a joint military exercises, it’s always good to understand the local slang when one dig to trade a boonie hat with their local counterparts.

US Marine Corps' Marine Force Recon with Philippine MFR Boonie hat

A USMC Force Recon in their usual jungle MARPAT digital camouflage uniform donning a Philippine Marine Corps’ Force Recon “lousy” hat in one of their joint-exercises in the Philippines with their local counterparts. I believe this photo was taken in the Marine base beach resort in Ternate, Cavite. Yes, a beach resort but not so open to the public. I think this is Katungkulan beach named after Camp Katungkulan, a Philippine Marine Corps’ training center and forest area reservation. A prior arrangement is needed to enjoy the beach obviously for security reason.

Another photo reference below of the Philippine Marines Force Recon “Lousy Hat” taken during one of their Airborne classes.

Philippine Marines Force Recon "Lousy" hat

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Fresher than ever.

Crunchy numbers

A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 9,200 times in 2010. That’s about 22 full 747s.

In 2010, there were 3 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 12 posts. There were 10 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 1mb. That’s about a picture per month.

The busiest day of the year was March 1st with 98 views. The most popular post that day was Scud Hunters.

Where did they come from?

The top referring sites in 2010 were silentpro.wordpress.com, filairsoft.com, sealteamthree.net, en.wordpress.com, and search.conduit.com.

Some visitors came searching, mostly for scout ranger, delta force operator, philippine navy seals, delta force, and navsog.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

Scud Hunters August 2008
2 comments

Silent Warriors August 2008
2 comments

Philippine NAVSOG Tigerstripes Uniform April 2010
5 comments

Operation Kentucky Jumper September 2008
4 comments

Kinship: Sailor and FDNY April 2009
6 comments

PH SEAL Distinctive Tigerstripes 3-Day Assault Pack

DESCRIPTION A PH SEAL 3-day assault pack in tigerstripes camouflage pattern where the color variation is distinct to the Philippine Naval Special Warfare Group. The pack was designed based from the classic Lila Outdoor backpack, a local outdoor gear manufacturer which eventually ventured into supplying the local military Special Operation Group for their combat gear needs and thus, all of their military products were classified into what is now known as GEAR MAX Series. Obviously, I would like to think that this is in accord with the initiative to provide our local armed forces especially its various Special Operations, access to commercial off the shelves (COTS) solution for a sturdy and functional military combat gear.

MATERIALS The tigerstripes version of this pack was limited due to the scarcity of this specific tigerstripe material supplies and availability, which I believe is made of Condra or Kondra Nylon. Hence, this specific camouflage variety is no longer available. Last time, I got an opportunity to visit them with a good friend back in 2^nd quarter of 2010, there were only last four pieces left and already on reserved. Black color in regular supply though and also commonly used by PH SEAL Operators if one really dig this 3-day pack.

WORKMANSHIP & QUALITY The pack is well built using industry standard tools and acceptable materials with very good workmanship quality. As a matter of fact, all Gear Max Series comes with a lifetime warranty. Nonetheless, having said earlier that the TS fabric material is made of Kondra Nylon, I am not sure though if these TS variety were constructed using 500 or 750 Denier but for sure not the heavier coated 1000 denier to make it more affordable.

VARIATION DETAILS To note, in the photo above is the same batch of their 3-Day version prototypes with a subdued low profile NAVSOG insignia beautifully embroidered on the upper front, just above the black MOLLE webbings (rightmost closed-up photo) with no GearMax markings anywhere in the pack at all. However, in the subsequent productions, upon instructions from NAVSOG, the subdued embroidered NAVSOG “Wing” or insignia was taken off. Consequently, even as this had been subdued in the prototypes or in the test phase, this may well still call unnecessarily attention and somehow take away the unassuming nature of these fine operators… But noticed on my other TS pack that although they are exactly the same less the wing, a GearMax label is now on the shoulder strap and replacing where the embroidered wings was once positioned, is now a black 2” x 3” fabric hook-and-loop fastening tape (similar to VELCRO® brand) for flexibility to attached/detached a patch. Though, there was other early version whereby, instead of the embroidered wings on the same position, a large GearMax Series label was on it.

OTHER MANUFACTURER There is a local popular maker of this specific pack design early on in various sizes whereby, a larger 5-Day version were also popular among the local armed forces elite units made by Tactics; incidentally started as a hobby and became an outfitter of the Philippine Navy’s elite NAVSOG Team Uno (Team One) and the Philippine Air Force 205^th Tactical Helicopter Wing.

MISLABEL COPIES On the other hand, unknown maker copied this pack model with a little modification commercially available in most military camp’s concessionary milshops. Modification in terms of adding an elastic rigging cord in the front pocket but unfortunately, what could have been a nice variation actually, of this original classic design, I think was totally ruined by a CAMELBAK label visibly sewed up in front of the pack. Personally, I don’t like the idea as this definitely passed itself as fake Camelbak product and detrimental to the representation of our professional soldiers.

PROOF OF AUTHENTICITY Photo below of the Certificate of Appreciation presented to GEAR MAX during the 50^th Anniversary of the unit for their “generous support and cooperation extended forwards the advancement of the Naval Special Operations Group”.

Proof of Authenticity

Bangladesh Navy Special Warfare Diving and Salvage Officers

I was at Hongkong International Airport’s pre-departure gate flying back to Dhaka. Alone, bored and trying to shake the blues of being away from home once again were temporarily kept back when I saw these two Bangladeshi Navy Officers taking the same flight to Dhaka. At first when I saw these gentlemen, it was nothing out of my usual respect for military men, aside from them being in their formal dress uniforms, I immediately noticed that both were carrying the same nice black packs.

ROKN UDT/SEAL Pack

My being always curious on anything to do with militaria gear, I started to pick good angles trying to figure out the make of this pack. And as soon as I saw the classic Freddy the Frog UDT/SEAL mascot, I almost leap with joy!!! Though, many of these Frogs shared the same captivated creature, this one is somehow distinct to ROK Navy Special Warfare that I saw before and indeed, it was!!

The cheerful Frog

One of them was very friendly and the other was quite reserved. I came to know during our conversation that both were in-transit from South Korea and just completed their Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROKN) Special Warfare School. And I came to know as well that indeed the black packs were part of the items that they got and entitled to, after earning and the recognition to wear the distinctive ROKN badge/pin.

ROKN SEAL Pin and SWADS Badge

These proudly earned badges flashed with pride on their full dress uniforms.

Historically, Bangladesh military established a small NAVY commando to conduct underwater demolition, maritime operations during the Liberation War against West Pakistan in 1971. This specialized Navy commando unit became the forerunners of the current Special Warfare Diving and Salvage (SWADS). It is organized, trained and equipped along the lines of SEAL/UDT teams of the Republic of Korea and United States Navy SEAL. Hence, its officers and Instructors are sent to advance SEAL trainings in United States, Turkey and South Korea.

Sneak preview of the forerunners of Bangladeshi Frogmen.

More on them in separate article soon….

Before we departed, the friendly frog said that he documented all their daily activities, evolutions and experiences into his dairy; this will be his reference in his intention to write a book about it. Wish I come across this book someday as I regret to lose the contact number of this friendly officer.

SWADS Officers and Gentlemen

The two fine SWADS Officers and Gentlemen.

Photo taken after we finally picked our check-in stuff in Dhaka International Airport and went our separate ways.

Should these two officers came across this blog, I hope and wish one of them contact me to get in touch. I also want a signed copy of that book if ever.

HOOYAH and DHANYABAAD!!

RP SEAL "Hooyah" ballcap

Background

Obsolete team items of the Philippine Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG or better known now as NAVSOG). The ballcap shows a full color beautifully embroidered specwar frog, superimposed unto a flag of the Republic of the Philippines. Frogs are a reference to the U.S. Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) days of the original mascot (Freddy, the Frog).

The predecessor unit of the Philippine NSWG, the Underwater Operations Team or UOT  activated on 5^th November 1956 was patterned after the fame U.S. Underwater Demolitions Team (UDT) of the WWII. Thus, its Unit similarities and the monicker “Frogman”; that implied to someone who is trained to dive or swim in a military capacity which can include combat.

And of course, for the sake of those unaccustomed visitors into this blog, HOOYAH is the war cry or battle cry commonly associated with the SEA, AIR and LAND warrior communities or the brotherhood of the world’s military SEAL units.

Description

To note, the ballcap never actually kicked–off for widespread unit issue as the inception of this design came about after the Oakwood Event where some member of this elite unit were involved. As a result, rumors of the dire consequences for the whole NSWG unit abound.  Therefore, anything that connotes the “Frogman” was somehow restricted then; to maintain the unit’s low profile and lighten up the political pressures. Fortunately, the only known consequences was the changed of Unit’s official name, from then Special Warfare Group (SWAG) to the new and current Naval Special Warfare Group (NAVSOG).

In addition to this photo reference, some team patches as well. These came from the  same batch of the 2001 productions.

PH SEAL Tigerstripes Uniform (Sewingdale Version)

Shirt was modified (Lower pockets moved to arm sleeves) by the operator. Operator also cross-trained with their US counterpart as visible from the US NAVY SEAL Trident badge on upper right chest.

Official name: NAVAL SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP (NAVSOG). This special unit is the Philippine Navy counterpart of the US Navy SEAL and popularly coined by their foreign counterparts or known in their very tight international brotherhood as PH SEAL or RP SEAL. Prior to the current adopted and official name, the unit previously was called Special Warfare Group (SWAG). The changed of unit name was to wash away the stigma of the July 27, 2003 munity that was participated by some of its members, mostly SEAL Team “Uno” (SEAL Team One).

This distinctive tigerstripes uniform was first seen by the public during that munity. Since the Philippine Navy SEAL maintained a low profile and rarely seen in public (in fact, not many in the public ever knew the existence of this unit), it  mistakenly coined this tigerstripes uniform as “Magdalo Tiger”.  ”Magdalo” being the official name of the group of the mutineers.

This distinctive Tigerstripes uniform was manufactured by a local company Sewingdale, Inc. in lightweight 100% cotton riptop. The workwmanship of this Battle Dress Attire (BDA) is of industrial production quality, quite good in terms of cut/style and uses military grade buttons. But this is no longer in production as the Armed Forces of the Philippines ceased business with Sewingdale, Inc. after the Philippine Army’s poncho’s controversy amogn others I believe. Naval Special Warfare though continued buying up to their last TS fabric inventory for supply only and had it tailored themselves.

When the last inventory dried up, the NSW while tender for new suppliers were ongoing, temporarily adopted the current lightweight 100% cotton  green dominant tigerstripes of the Phil. Army Special Forces Regiment (Airborne). With the new demand, some supplier printed on this TS fabric with “PN SWAG Uniform..” (SWAG being the old name of PH SEAL, as already mentioned above. Hence, it is not surprising if you find some Army SF TS set with ‘PN SWAG Uniform..” markings which I think only found on the edges of these fabric rolls. In addition, for distinctive purposes and references by collectors, this temporary adaptation, we like to call it “Transitional NAVSOG Tigerstripes” or “Transition Tiger”

Enjoy!

And the bond between the SEALs and El Barrio’s Bravest has persevered. The firehouse quickly gained a reputation as a safe haven for SEALs, and even soldiers who have no connection to Murphy will often spend a night at Engine 53, Ladder 43 when they are on leave in New York.

“In a way, it’s still a tribute to Mike,” said Capt. Al Hagan of Ladder 43. “And it’s our way of showing these guys that we appreciate what they do. Our firehouse is their home.”

Article: War Hero’s Spirit Fills Bravest Hearts (NY Daily News)

My brother was a FDNY firefigther

MA’LAAB DISTRICT, AR RAMADI, IRAQ. Delta Platoon executed a broad spectrum of combat operations in and around Ramadi. They patrolled bravely through the city streets engaging in firefights while on other occasions, they ambushed insurgent mortar teams near the banks of the Euphrates River. SEAL Team 3 accounted for 84 enemy fighters killed in action and the detainment of numerous insurgents. Most notably, the Army Infantry, Navy SEAL and Iraqi Army combined force helped to pacify the most violent city in Al Anbar province, setting conditions for the Sunni “Awakening”.

“A lot of people, even in the SEAL community, thought Ramadi couldn’t have been won without Navy SEALs. Don’t you believe it. Those brave soldiers and marines would have taken Ramadi without us. Had we not been there, a lot more of them would have been killed doing it. We’re very proud of our role in supporting them.”

−Lieutenant Commander John Willink, Task Unit Commander, Seal Team Three

ST3 Marksman

Enroute to provide sniper overwatch position with Iraqi Army Scout.

M79 known as the "Thumper"

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