Volume 49, No. 18 , October 05, 2006

Many of us have experienced the frustration of visiting a Clothing Store only to find that the item we require is not currently available.

Solving this problem is more complicated than it looks, but Navy is working hard behind the scenes to make sure personnel can all look ship-shape, all of the time.

Recent media attention regarding the procurement of ADF clothing and field equipment has resulted in a review of current practices.

An extensive program is now underway to ensure that better support is provided to Defence, but for long-term benefits to occur, there will be some inevitable short-term issues in the availability of clothing and personal equipment from ADF Clothing Stores.

Staff members in Clothing Stores are working closely with the Defence Materiel Organisation to achieve the best possible outcomes in very difficult circumstances.

In some instances, the requirement will exist to take items out of local clothing stores to meet a requirement elsewhere, for example to ensure that new entry personnel are provided with as much clothing as possible in their initial kit-up.

For items in critical short supply, urgent purchases have been made outside regular procurement channels to relieve current demand.

Navy is also investigating a way to reimburse people for the additional expense associated with purchasing uniform items unavailable at Clothing Stores, from commercial providers such as Glendinnings.

Standby for further announcements on this initiative.

It is anticipated that the difficulties in procurement will be with Navy for at least the next six months and personnel are asked to be patient in the short-term and understand that Clothing Store staff have no control over clothing shortfalls.

The Point of contact is Mr John Gill, Manager – Navy Uniforms, CP4-7-095, Campbell Park Offices, Canberra ACT 2600, telephone (02) 6266 3007 or email john.gill@defence.gov.au.

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