New policy allows exchange of clothing

FROM January 1 all Permanent Air Force personnel entitled to wear Combined Working Dress will be able to exchange one set each year when the uniforms become unserviceable.

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston has agreed to the policy change because of discontent among personnel who have to replace their CWDs using Uniform Maintenance Allowance while most Army personnel are entitled to working dress replacement.

The free exchange under the new policy is limited to one set of trousers or slacks, one short sleeve or long sleeve shirt, one pair of shorts or one skirt. To qualify for an exchange, personnel must have served 12 months from the date of enlistment or appointment and the old uniform has to be certified as unserviceable by the member’s supervisor.

Exchanges will be accepted with an SQ 127 attached (Personal/ Public Clothing Return and Exchange label) and recorded on personal clothing cards.

Serving members will be entitled to the free exchange each calendar year on or after their enlistment or appointment date.

New Air Force members will receive their initial free issue and are entitled to an exchange 12 months after their enlistment or appointment date.

Sufficient stocks of replacement clothing will be available for eligible personnel at the commencement date.

For further information refer to the new policy detailed in AAP 3131.001 RAAF Clothing Entitlements.

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