Yes, it is completely unfair that SNCOs aren’t issued then.
I do think that if they were chinned off for everyone, within a few years there would be so many people without no1s that there would be no choice but to have parades where No2A is worn for everyone, meaning no No1s for anyone.
I’d be game for that they are an expensive pain isln the backside
Except people would just buy them like SNCO’s currently do.
After all Officers only get issued the one set so we’ve all been buying replacements anyway.
I think that’s their whole business model…
Indeed, this.
SNCOs moaning about not getting number 1s is rediculous.
If that’s the reason people would consider being an Officer…
I’m not convinced they will. Very few people would buy them new from Turner Virr or snaiths. Perhaps those on their second set might.
Partworn ORs No1s are also more plentiful than officers/WOs. Based on the numbers of ORs compared with officers/WOs in the RAF
Turner Virr have continued doing regulars No.1/5s, they aren’t exactly off the shelf but not fully bespoke either
I can’t see this happening - could you imagine joint events such as CVQO staff awards… All other services turn up properly suited and booted and we turn up in a wooly pully. It’d be daft.
I could see it moving to a private purchase / wing hold stock that you can borrow for parades, events etc.
But can you imagine what a farce that would be with staff trying to draw out/return uniform to wing and wings holding suitable sizes etc. It would be worth the £400 for a set not to have to deal with the hassle!
I think this is similar to the ACF model
Another reason to then reduce the WO Cadre numbers
Off topic warning - why make the big point of them being Privileged to wear the rank? Why is the royal coat of arms more of a privilege than bars or chevrons? Just because it’s new doesn’t make it special. They are WOs - they should have always worn them - I’d say they are ENTITLED to wear the rank since they hold the rank.
Has anyone got a list of reputable suppliers for 2nd hand no1s? Female clothing seems harder to source.
If you’re looking for other ranks then sometimes your parent station can help. Otherwise eBay is the most obvious bet.
https://mrarmysurplus.com/ has also been good in the past.
If your a WO and need Officer/WO pattern then it’s very hit and miss.
Just an update to the original thread. When i enquired about being entitled a set i was told there is a backlogs of 300+ outstanding Officers No1 uniforms at Cranwell (RAFAC staff). In addition there is a major problem with uniform across the military example no SD Cap for Officers at Cranwell, regular officers passing out are loaned a cap for the parade and there are no shirts etc.
So expect no resoloution soon.
How are we meant to fight a war against China and Russia if we can’t even clothe ourselves? 
For that to be the situation for the regulars is very embarrassing.
That explains why I saw I photo of a graduation from a training course where the guy was wearing black suit trousers and a white shirt with a No1 jacket
Yeah, don’t get your hopes up… I’m still waiting and poor old Mick seems to have a to-do list longer than a Leonard Cohen song…
Anyone aware of any updates on this at all?
Mozza
Only that the shortage of some uniform items remains whilst everything sits in a warehouse half way around the world awaiting shipping… And whilst the clock ticks the backlog of those needing No 1 gets longer. We’ll be waiting for a good while.
They’ll use this and Astra as an excuse to do away with then for us