SAP - 2ND PAT Task Force Camouflage Hard Peak Flap Cap with metal badge (Cap -PRE-94)

Koevoet - SAP - 2ND PAT Task Force Camouflage Hard Peak Flap Cap (Original) with metal badge(PRE-94) (In very good condition - with no repairs)

The South African Police (SAP) 2nd Pattern Camouflage is a fascinating piece of Southern African history. It represents a shift from purely urban policing to the paramilitary requirements of the Border War (19661989) and internal security during the late apartheid era.

1. Historical Context

The SAP 2nd Pattern was introduced in the late 1960s/early 1970s to replace the 1stPattern (which was more of a "spot" or "frog-skin" design).

While the South African Defence Force (SADF) used the famous "Nutria" brown uniforms, the Police maintained their own distinct camouflage identity. This pattern was famously worn by:

SAP Counter-Insurgency (COIN) units.

2. The Orange" Lining: A unique design feature of the Flap Cap (and some jackets) was the bright orange "Day-Glo" inner lining. This allowed policemen in distress to turn their cap inside out so that South African Air Force pilots could easily spot them from the air during Search and Rescue or"Casevac" (Casualty Evacuation) operations. 

3. Legacy and Phase-out

The 2nd Pattern remained in service until the early 1990s. Following the 1994 transition to democracy, the South African Police Service (SAPS) moved away from paramilitary camouflage to a more traditional blue and "bunny ear" pattern to distinguish the new civilian police force from the old military-style unit.

4. This cap was worn by a member of the Special Forces in the late 80s, early 90s  - this is an authentic item for your collection.

size -55/ 56