Steps taken to change shoes

CAF has approved the introduction of a patent leather shoe into the RAAF order of dress and Joint Materiel Agency (JMA) has been requested by Air Force to procure this item.

JMA technical staff have indicated that before a contract is finalised, they need to test a new method of fixing the sole to the shoe upper.

To meet this requirement, a short wearer trial of shoes incorporating this modification has been conducted.

Assuming the trial is successful, procurement action will be initiated by JMA in March and stocks of the patent leather shoe should be available in clothing stores by mid year.

This shoe will initially be classed as an optional item which will be available for purchase by Air Force personnel.

Later, consideration will be given to making it part of the initial free issue of uniform made to new entrants.

Personnel who received patent leather shoes during the trial period can continue to wear these items.

However unofficial versions such as Navy mess dress shoes or those available through mail order catalogues are not authorised for wear with the Air Force uniform.

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