[quote=“tango_lima” post=7579]
(Going back a few steps)I did ask the question ages ago about why blue PCS, which is a blue version of a uniform designed for infantry types lugging body armour around and not blue CS95, which would look a bit smarter?
Cost was the answer, apparently.[/quote]
Makes sense, as the manufacturing process to create MTP PCS would be the same as blue PCS, just a different coloured fabric.
Of course, considering the MOD has previously spend £22 on a 65p lightbulb, I’m not sure that cost is their number one concern…
[quote=“talon” post=7833][quote=“tango_lima” post=7579]
(Going back a few steps)I did ask the question ages ago about why blue PCS, which is a blue version of a uniform designed for infantry types lugging body armour around and not blue CS95, which would look a bit smarter?
Cost was the answer, apparently.[/quote]
Makes sense, as the manufacturing process to create MTP PCS would be the same as blue PCS, just a different coloured fabric.
Of course, considering the MOD has previously spend £22 on a 65p lightbulb, I’m not sure that cost is their number one concern…[/quote]
That was the argument.
Although I’ve been told CS95 was cheaper to make than PCS, so you’d think it would be even cheaper in blue… but then what do I know about textiles…
I was very anti-blue PCS when I heard about it and originally saw the pictures, but having seen it ‘in the flesh’ I’ve sort of come around to it (but I do think blue CS95 would look pretty good).
Does anyone have any photos of this mythical [RAF] blue PCS?
Doesn’t the navy already have something similar to blue CS95 – blue durable trousers, and tougher dark blue (working blue) shirts, that is worn with boots?
Perhaps they get a bulk discount. 100,000 sets of MTP PCS + 100,000 sets of blue PCS might end up being cheaper than 100,000 sets of MTP PCS + 100,000 sets of blue CS95s.
I would assume that new blue PCS would get the same redesign as the MTP stuff, so at least the sleeves would be easier to roll up than on the orignal stuff in the picture…if that helps at all.
Doesn’t anyone also think that the cadet forces in total are of/approaching a similar ‘manning’ to the numbers of regulars and reserves (mainly to due to cuts) is a factor, and there is little chance they will produce extra uniform for those in a youth organisation, especially the small sizes. I don’t know but I’ve not seen many male regulars who are between 4’10" and 5’3".
Even when there is a change of any uniform dress we’re scaled for, it takes bewteen 2 and 3 years to get everyone looking the same … ie uniform. I remember moving from battledress to jumpers and trousers, that took a few years. So for uniform we’re not scaled for you can practially double that timescale.
Nonetheless, delaying it isn’t going to help - and if we get to the situation where supplies of uniform + supplies of uniform b < number of cadets then we’ll have a bigger problem than people not looking the same.
MTP has been on the go since 2009… 4 years ago.[/quote]
Original MTP was only UOR (Urgent Operational Requirement) contract and was a rush “cut”… pockets fell off, seams burst etc, etc, the current issue is standard and better quality and really only been around for approx 2 years
MTP has been on the go since 2009… 4 years ago.[/quote]
When I left the RAF in 2011 the only way you got MTP was if you went on ops no one at Brize had it issued unless they went to the desert[/quote]
BZN was the last station to get PCS in April this year.
The RAF (generally) went over station by station starting with Honington, Halton and Cranwell (although all regular Regiment and Police seem to have changed at the same time regardless of location). Those who had been posted in to a CS95 station with PCS already issued kept wearing it (but not the hot weather version - as if anyone could tell - or CS95 MTP, although that was patchily enforced…), so when the station rolled out PCS they didn’t have to issue it to everyone.
Brize was last on the basis that by the time they were issuing it lots of those on station would already have it and that would reduce the burden of kitting out the biggest unit in the RAF.
I’m really not sure how you’d make something like that work in the ATC, especially if the kit is being obtained ad hoc rather than coming down the supply chain. I can’t see Sqn cdrs listening when they’re told: “123 Sqn can wear MTP now, but not you 456.”
Unless the ruling is: “Squadrons can start wearing MTP when they have enough to dress all their troops in it.” But how would that work for squadrons - like the one I work with and was a cadet on - who have never issued any combat clothing at all (except on short term loan or in exceptional cases)?
i think if HQAC/RAF uniform stores offer a clear plan for the roll out then Sqns/CO would be more forgiving to 123 Sqn being allowed but 456 not, that way they can at least see the light at the end of the tunnel.
in much the same way with the L98A2…there were so many runours it was coming, and then it was confirmed…and we were told it would be in use by date X, and distributed to Regions/Wings on month Y in some cases X and Y differed by weeks, others many months but we knew when it was coming.
at the moment however we’re not sure if we are in a tunnel, a hole, pit or just in the corner of teh back room no one visits.
An alternative perhaps, looking at Sqn strength as recorded on Bader, kit could be allocated on a 120% basis of Sqn numbers.
ie a Sqn strength of 30* will recieve 108 garments (36xtrousers, 36xshirt, 36xsmock) of a range of “typical” sizes, thus offering adequate numbers to “issue” each person one item each, and 20% spares to allow for variation in sizes and as “stock”
