QUICK TAKE | The CISF Is Going Pixelated. Why Will the Uniform Change Take Two Years? Seven Things to Know

1. What is the CISF changing?

The Central Industrial Security Force is replacing the camouflage pattern on its Lightweight Field Combat Dress. The change covers the field uniform of a force that guards airports, the Delhi Metro and other vital installations. A September circular sets October 1, 2028, as the deadline for the full switchover.

2. What makes the camouflage ‘digital’?

It’s the print. The camouflage is made up of small, pixel-like blocks of colour. The fabric is changing too. The new cloth is 80% cotton and 20% polyester, replacing the existing 50:50 blend.

3. Why will the change take two years?

The CISF is tying the rollout to its uniform replacement cycle. Personnel can keep wearing the old pattern during the transition. Those whose issued cloth is still within its prescribed service life will receive the new pattern through official issue only when the old one is due for replacement.

4. What happens to the old cloth in stores?

Zonal stores, training centres and units have been told to issue their remaining stock to eligible personnel. Sector headquarters were asked to certify that the stock had been cleared within 15 days of the circular. Future tenders will be for the new pattern only.

5. Can personnel buy the new cloth before it is issued?

Yes. While tendering is underway, personnel can buy it at their own expense through authorised Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar canteens and have it stitched to the approved design. The circular bars personnel from buying the cloth on the open market.

6. What else is changing besides the camouflage?

The circular revises everything from berets and badges to belts and shoes. Beret badges vary by rank, and officers will wear a medium-green round-neck T-shirt under the combat dress, regardless of posting.

7. Will every officer wear the new gold chest badge?

The gold-embroidered CISF monogram is reserved for officers posted at force, sector, zonal and group centre headquarters. It will sit above the name tab on the right side of the chest.