By RSM-A WO Kevin Woods
We have come along way over the past 15 years with regards to our combat clothing and equipment. Fifteen years ago, we were still wearing greens, carrying an M16 or SLR, wearing webbing that had more metal on it than a BHP mine, an olive green pack, which was too small and a light weight sleeping bag.

Before I move on and talk about how far we have come, it is important to remember that Army personnel, who fought in the Vietnam conflict and did Australia and the Army proud, wore and carried the above equipment.

For an Army to survive and grow it must continue to evolve. Part of that growth is the continual update of our equipment.

We now have DPCUs which includes the desert pattern, better boots, wet weather gear, cold weather clothing is now being issued and our pack and webbing is lighter, more practical and better fitting. Combat clothing and equipment are continuously being developed and with this development comes improved equipment and better capability.

We need your help if we are to continue to improve our equipment

I am not naive enough to believe that all of our kit is perfect, (but at the same time I don't believe we live in a perfect world). I acknowledge some of our equipment could be improved.

To do this we need to use the RODUM system (which I must say is very simple). The RODUM system, used correctly, will further aid the development of our combat clothing and equipment.

If you fail to submit a RODUM on faulty equipment the system will not know what is wrong or what you think we need to do to correct the fault and improve the product.

It also takes time to rectify the problems that are identified, so don't expect the problem to be fixed yesterday, I ask you to be patient. What we don't need is individuals going out and buying civilian equipment that has not been authorised and just as important checked for safety. Just because it looks Gucci doesn't mean it's better.

Therefore, I stongly encourage you to utilise the RODUM system to assist Defence Material Organisation (DMO) in improving our kit.

I also encourage personnel who want to help in the development of our combat clothing and equipment, submit their suggestion through their chain of command for discussion at the next Army Clothing and Personal Equipment Committee (ACPEC).

Understand this - we wear a uniform so you can be supported effectively on long term operations. So to those few who don't want to wear the clothing and equipment that the Australian Army provides and choose to sit on their backsides whingeing like a spoilt kid who can't get his own way instead of providing constructive comment on how we can improve our equipment, I suggest you are not fully committed to achieving Army's goals and being part of the team.

The Australian Army provides its personnel with the best combat clothing and equipment that it can afford and in many cases it's the best in the world.

When you look at the versatility, durability, functionality and quality of our equipment we are very well off.

A good Army is about being professional, which includes looking professional.

RODUM - Report on Defective or Unsatisfactory Materiel - Land Materiel

IN CARRYING, wearing and using our military equipment, each of us represent one or a number of capabilities which enable the Australian Army to do the jobs that the Government directs us to do. The RODUM System is an essential tool in ensuring that the Army's Land Materiel that we all use is safe, fit-for-purpose and environmentally compliant. This system supports us in doing our job safely and efficiently. For it to work properly, we must also support the system.

Through his discussions with soldiers during a recent visit to the Solomon Islands, the Land Commander - Australia, Maj-Gen Ken Gillespie, voiced concerns that soldiers' RODUMs may not have been addressed. Fortunately that was not the case. All RODUMs ssubmitted to the Land Engineering Agency (LEA) are formally acknowledged, investigated and receive a response.

At that point in time, there had been no RODUM received from the Solomon Islands. So where was the weakness in the system?

The weakness in the RODUM system is that it is vulnerable to communication errors between the originator and the Investigating Authority (IA) - generally from DMO. If we are to use the system to support us in our job, we must also understand it. The Frequently Asked Questions on this page to the information required in a RODUM and will aid in understanding the RODUM system.

When is a RODUM required?

IF YOUR kit breaks or does not enable you to do what you think it should, then RODUM it.

Grab an AC446 off Web Forms or jump on-line to the LEA Intranet site http://vbmweb.sor.defence.gov.au/rodum/ and submit the RODUM on-line. If you do not have a computer, then fax it to ?1800 629 406 or send a signal or by mail. Just send it!

Defective or unsatisfactory?

TO HELP you decide, consider the TRAMM definitions below and make your call:

Defective. An item is defective if it contains a fault in design or deviation of a dimension, finish or other characteristic from specification or drawing requirements or from recognised standards of good workmanship; where the fault is not attributable to fair wear and tear.

Unsatisfactory. An item is unsatisfactory if it conforms to its design specifications but fails to meet the user's requirement.

Is it a Safety, Safety, Safety RODUM?

THINK carefully here. For very good reasons, the safety RODUM causes a "drop everything"approach and should only be used if there is a real risk to life and limb.

If you think that this is the case, then do not use the equipment until you receive a response to your RODUM. Use a formal signal or on-line or a fax to get the RODUM in fast.

You will receive a formal response along with engineering advice and a possible interim solution (if appropriate) within 24 hours.

Correctly identify equipment

JUST like a good target indication, it is essential to correctly identify the equipment. Assuming that everyone is looking in the same direction as you will waste a lot of time and cause confusion. Most equipment has an NSN printed on it somewhere and, if in doubt, ask your friendly Q Staff.

How many items are affected?

BE HONEST here. If you were using the item(s) and had the concern, then that is the quantity effected. Give some credit to the Fleet Managers, they are smart people and will know if your RODUM affects a certain percentage or all of the equipment fleet.

Description of the fault

THIS is the key to the whole RODUM. Be specific and do not generalise. The Investigating Authority (IA) wants to help you resolve this concern, particularly if it is applicable to the entire Army. If you turn this section into an emotive whinge about the equipment rather than being professional, you should not be surprised if the IA doesn't take your concern seriously. A picture saves a thousand words so, where possible; send a digital photo or two. You can attach photos to the electronic on-line submission so it all arrives as a complete package

Circumstances at time of fault

YOU want the IA to understand the circumstances behind your concern. For the IA, the knowledge of how a particular fault occurred is essential to understand the effect on the remainder of the fleet and the Army.

What's the probable cause of the fault?

YOU are the one using the equipment and also have the concern. Feel free to express your professional opinion in this area.

The IA is interested in your views and it assists in understanding the entire issue.

What action have you already taken?

YOUR solution maybe the one that is adopted across the Army or, at the very least, trigger another possible solution that is more appropriate. Take some time here as you are being asked for some professional advice.

Recommendation

THE IA is requesting your professional opinion on the way ahead here.

Be realistic. The Army cannot afford to throw away millions of dollars of equipment because you believe that something else is better.

Recommending particular modifications to the existing equipment, or strategies to mitigate the current shortcomings or even suggestions of the features for the next generation of the equipment are all viable possibilities.

Your RODUM may support the commencement of fleet replacement action, but this decision will also consider a number of other factors and be made at the highest levels of the Army.

Will I receive feedback?

All RODUMs that reach LEA are formally acknowledged, investigated, and the RODUM is formally closed with feedback is provided.

For a Safety-Safety-Safety RODUM, your unit will receive a formal response from DMO within 24 hours which may include an interim solution to mitigate the risk to you until the investigation is complete.

For a routine RODUM, your unit will receive a formal response within five working days acknowledging receipt of your RODUM along with any other appropriate feedback.

Once LEA have received your RODUM, its progress can be viewed on-line at http://vbmweb.sor.defence.gov.au/rodum/report.asp

Closure

A RODUM is closed via a formal signal to the originating unit and includes the conclusions of the IA in addition to any recommended actions to be taken. Do not try to use the RODUM system to force a change to entitlement or capability.

These types of issues are outside the scope of the Investigating Authority and are more correctly matters for the chain of command to resolve.

What if I have not heard anything back on my RODUM?

BEFORE you send a RODUM, you must obtain a registered number from your unit RODUM Register Holder. This enables your unit to keep track of the RODUM that have been raised along with who raised it.

The formal RODUM signals are sent to the point of contact specified in the RODUM. If you have submitted a RODUM and have not received a response within these timeframes, then go and see your unit RODUM Register Holder (generally QM, RQ or ASM). They will be able to provide you with an update.

RODUM timeline

• You identify a fault or concern with your military kit
• Raise a RODUM (AC446) - see your Pl or Coy HQ
• Get a Registered No from the Unit RODUM Register Holder (QM, RQ or ASM)
• Unit sends RODUM to LEA and superior HQ via fax, signal, on-line or mail
• LEA RODUM Sect registers your RODUM and sends it to an Investigating Authority (IA) for investigation.
• IA sends a signal to originating unit acknowledging receipt of your RODUM along with any interim solution.
  • Safety acknowledgment within 24 hours.
  • Routine ack within five working days.
• IA investigates your RODUM & if required, consults with other Defence Agencies. Additional info may be requested from your unit.
• IA concludes investigation and sends feedback via LEA RODUM section to originating unit, their higher HQ and if required, other Defence agencies.
• Unit receives RODUM feedback and:
  • Implements any appropriate actions via chain of command
  • Unit Register Holder enters closure details in Unit RODUM Register
  • Chain of Command debriefs you.
• NOTE: Even after closure, your RODUM will remain on the LEA RODUM database as an important lesson learned. The information from your RODUM may be later used to resolve similar concerns from other units or assist in fleet and capability management decisions across the Army. The time and effort that you and a number of other people have invested in resolving your RODUM will never be wasted or discarded.

• All information was supplied by Maj Nick Stanton, SO2 Equipment Management, Directorate of Logistics - Army and LEA RODUM Section. Photos provided by LEA RODUM Section.

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