By now all clothing stores have received supplies of new uniform items, and with the exception of SD caps, members should be able to be purchase, or be issued with, most Air Force blue garments and accoutrements. Joint Materiel Agency (JMA) is currently negotiating with the cap manufacturer with a view to increasing the delivery rate for this item.

All PAF personnel throughout Australia have now had the opportunity to be measured for the made-to-fit 1A uniform. Australian Defence Apparel will be conducting a second round of fitting sessions this year and JMA will advise local WODs and clothing stores when these will take place in particular areas.

Reserve kitting
Members of the Active Reserve, Specialist Reserve and General Reserve performing RSG duties will be kitted with the new uniform during 2002. This will be carried out in the same order of localities as applied to the PAF in 2001. DRES-AF staff will advise each local Reserve squadron of the dates, times and places involved.

Overseas kitting
Personnel based overseas may order off- the-hook, new uniform items and accoutrements through the ACT Defence Clothing Store based at ADFA. If a free issue is involved, the member's clothing card must be held at that locality. Butterworth personnel will be kitted through the 324CSS store. 1A uniforms will not be provided to overseas personnel because of the problems associated with the manufacturer accurately interpreting measurements taken by non-accredited tailors.

Shirts
Shortly, new male blue/white shirts with a centre crease and an 'Air Force' badge attached to the upper left sleeve will become available in clothing stores. At a later date, khaki shirts, similarly modified, will be issued. Current patterns of both shirts will still be able to be worn for the foreseeable future. Because of workload considerations, tailoring staff will not be permitted to sew 'Air Force' badges on to existing garments, except where uniformity of appearance is required for significant ceremonial events.

Joint Materiel Agency technical staff are working on the development of a new female blue/white shirt with a different collar design, which will allow the male tie to be worn more easily. Once this product is finalised, tested and approved, it too will feature the same modifications applicable to the male shirt.

By WGCDR Terry Curtain