New
for the kit bag
Pace
stick upgrade
By Maj Nick Stanton
AN INNOVATIVE type of pace stick has been introduced as a result
of the war on terrorism.
Since
the September 11 attacks on the USA, airport security has prohibited
the carriage of pace sticks on aircraft. This means the present
one piece pace stick is impractical for RSMs who frequently travel
interstate on duty.
The
stick is joined near its mid-section. For travelling it is carried
split in a padded carry case, which is compact enough to fit even
a small overnight travel bag. The stick is then easily assembled
for use upon arrival.
The
split pace stick will be issued to units or formation positions,
rather than individuals. Members will still be issued with their
own personal one piece pace stick upon appointment as an RSM.
The
new sticks are currently under acquisition process and should
be in service by mid-2004.
New
combat skivvy
ACPEC has introduced a combat skivvy as part of a cold weather
ensemble to protect the soldier in the field.
This
new Ozzie skivvy is designed in a similar style to that used by
the Norwegian Army, but of a uniquely Australian material.
It
is designed to protect members in situations where alternate cold
clothing may not be useful.
It
is intended to be worn as an undergarment, but can be worn in
all circumstances similar to that of the DPCU/brown T-Shirts.
It
is made from a double-faced fabric so it can be worn next to the
skin and contains 50 per cent extrafine Merino wool fibre.
A
feature of this material is its Vapour Management Comfort Technology,
which enables the wearer to remain cool and dry when working under
extreme heat or endurance conditions.
Similar
to garments worn by Australia's Olympic teams at Sydney, Salt
Lake City and planned for Athens in 2004, it has been extensively
researched and trialed to ensure it is safe, fit for purpose and
environmentally compliant. For the past two years, diggers in
East Timor, Afghanistan and the Middle East have trialed various
prototypes.
At
home several soldiers have provided invaluable input into the
design and functionality of this garment across a wide range of
operational tasks, including a successful trial by 4 RAR(Cdo)
of the skivvy during water-borne operations.
Issues
of the skivvy have commenced with Training Command units having
the first priority. Land Command and SOCOM units (south to north)
will be next, followed by other units and organisations.
All
personnel will receive an initial free issue of two combat skivvies
with any replacements to be individually purchased from area clothing
stores using UMA.
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Chromed
magazine
THE Army has a new "fashion" accessory for its Steyr rifles
used on ceremonial occasions - the chrome-plated magazine.
When
the L1A1 Self Loading Rifle (SLR) was in service a number of the
magazines were chrome plated for use by colour escorts.
The
chroming process was a simple one as the magazines were made of
metal.
To
address the problem, Army has found a process that allows the plastic
surface to be chrome plated. Extensive trials by the Small Arms
Division in Melbourne confirm they remain serviceable and that blank
ammunition can be fired from them.
Consequently,
the CA Lt-Gen Leahy has approved their introduction.
As
a result chromed magazines will be issued to all units who have
an entitlement to Colours and the Army component of the Federation
Guard.
Quotes
for the magazines are being obtained and they will then be placed
out to tender. They should be in service by mid-2004.
Units
will not be required to demand them as they will have dues in and
out automatically loaded to their authorised unit accounts.
Ceremonial
Belt
A MODIFIED white slung equipment belt for use on parade will soon
be introduced.
Two
new straps have been added to the belt. The first secures the hilt
of the sword near the hip. The second is adjustable and secures
the bottom pivot point of the scabbard to prevent the sword from
moving between the legs of the wearer when marching.
A heavy-duty,
self-locking brass hook replaces the present open-ended hook that
secures the top pivot point of the scabbard.
For
better comfort, the belt is adjustable at both ends and will come
supplied with either a Gold or Chromed Rising Sun buckle, depending
on the corps' entitlement.
In
another improvement, the new belt is manufactured from a composite
leather material that looks like patent leather but is much stronger
and does not develop creases like the current belt.
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