Honestly I know it’s a difficult topic to ask MOD to pay for things they’re not used to paying for, but it’s a complete joke. I had my initial kitting where I tried things on generally for about 20 seconds and then went home as the staff were really rushing things.
On reflection/slightly longer wearing said kit, one of the shoes were slightly too big and the hat was too ever so slightly too small when worn for a long period. Cue a ~£200 purchase to get the next sizes along, when if I was an SNCO I wouldn’t have paid a penny. The items were barely out of their box and essentially new.
I honestly wish I went SNCO first for no other reason than this, and then commissioned from the ranks later.
@AlexCorbin I fully appreciate this isn’t within DSPG’s gift but if there’s anything that can be done to campaign for this, I’m sure I speak for all the officer cadre when I say we’d massively appreciate it. This all sounds like a good step forward though.
I suspect that “vertically challenged” cadets will probably need to look at private pruchase anyway.
@AlexCorbin - will boots / shoes be included in any kitting options for cadets? Some smaller sizes stay on the shelves in clothing stores until they go “timex” then get scrapped. Managed to scrounge quite a few pairs over the yrs (& part-worn ones too).,
If it’s a “don’t ask, you don’t get” syndrome, then it would be a great shame to see the scheme introduced but without boots / shoes included - & then take an inordinate amount of time & effort to have them added on subsequently.
Back on topic this is great news on no.3s, @AlexCorbin maybe an open ended question here but what constitutes worn out enough for exchange? Actual damage or things like fading/frayed seams etc
You’ve got 3 people in RAF uniform, 2 adults and a child, 2 with RAF cap badges 1 without(for the most part).
CFAVs Leaving untucked is for uniformity with the RAF, Cadets tucking is for practicality.
I think it’s pretty reasonable that Practicality > Uniformity
