Nigel saw this photo on the Australian Defense Force’s Facebook page showing one of Australia’s new AuSteyr EF88 rifle (the latest evolution of the Steyr AUG) with an interesting camo pattern painted on.

Australian Army soldiers from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), based at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, are currently testing the basic version of the enhanced EF88 Austeyr rifle.

The enhanced EF88 Austeyr rifle trial precedes the anticipated introduction into Army service of the EF88 Austeyr rifle and ancillary packs by Project Land 125 Phase 3C from 2016.

The EF88 rifle will be used by 1 RAR soldiers during support company courses, jungle training and Exercise Wantok Warrior in Papua New Guinea.

1 RAR is an Australian Army light infantry battalion within 3rd Brigade.

1 RAR was first formed as 65th Australian Infantry Battalion in 1945 and it was renamed 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, in early 1949. Soldiers from 1 RAR have deployed to some of Australia’s most significant engagements including the Occupation of Japan, Korean War, Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War. More recently, 1 RAR has deployed to Somalia, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Solomon Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

The camouflage pattern reminds me a little of Australia’s Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform.