So I’m looking at “buying” a new pair of parade shoes but don’t want to fork out £40 squid for a decent pair. I don’t want to pay £20 for a pair of cheap, soft toe, shoes either which don’t shine. I’d much prefer the RAF issue shoes. The cheapest I’ve seen are around £39.99.
I’ve thought about contacting my local RAF Station(s) stores and and asking whether they could give or sell me a pair. Or contacting Odiham and asking then to ‘bung’ a pair into our next batch of uniform as I am the NCO solely(ish) in-charge of stores. Would this work? Good idea or no? :unsure:
Unfortunately you’ve got less than no chance of getting shoes out of your local RAF station.
We had cause to visit stores on Summer Camp on behalf of a cadet whose shoes had literally fallen apart. We offered to swap a pair we had for one in the correct size for said cadet. We were told this would not be possible, Cranwell knew which stations had which pairs in which sizes.
The reason behind this was that the manufacturers had not made any male or female parade shoes since January and were not sure how long it would be until they did. The shoes remaining on RAF stations were only to be issued on the say so of Cranwell and would only be going to new recruits at Cranwell or Halton. Those currently serving could not even get a new pair; they were given directions to the local shoe menders.
As far as I know, this is still the case, unless anyone more in the know than me knows any different?
With Flago on this one never heard of it and I exchanged some just the other day as for buying them from stores thats a big No NO they wont do it if they did they will lose their job dont forget most of them are civis these days! But if you take a crate of beer as a donation to the next beer call that might work…
Unless you have a scaling for them i.e. you’re a member of staff on your initial kitting, then no, you can’t simply ask for a pair with any expectation that they’ll give them to you.
Stores don’t technically have the choice to be able to just ‘bung’ a pair in with your order. Items have to be accounted for and costs paid.
Likewise, unless you’re scaled they don’t have to do you a swap either. They may be getting an old pair back, but that new pair will still cost the MOD money.
That said, with some encouragement as described above some kind person in stores may see their way to helping you out.
[quote=“zinggy” post=12905]With Flago on this one never heard of it and I exchanged some just the other day as for buying them from stores thats a big No NO they wont do it if they did they will lose their job dont forget most of them are civis these days! But if you take a crate of beer as a donation to the next beer call that might work…[/quote]?
Nothing wrong with buying things from stores, that’s how officers get their kit! I’ve no idea if ORs are prohibited from buying from stores, but I don’t think so…
Only Officers are allowed to as they dont get it issued at public expense OR are issued everything (unless its optional items chip hats, stable belts ect which are bought from the tailor)
So officers are authorised to be sold kit but no one else is as I say they would get into big trouble as they are pretty much stealing items and selling them on
Cadets certainly used to be able to purchase shoes from stores. There was a DIN for pre payment purchase by ATC/CCF cadets ATC SNCO and RAFVR(T) Officers. Cadets could buy shoes, socks and boots. Officers could buy shirts, jerseys, trousers etc.
I am unsure if this has changed, however this was the case a few years back.
I have never heard of Cadets being able to buy any uniform from stores certainly wasnt a thing when I was a Cadet in the 90’s. Seeing as I only left the RAF 2 years ago it could have came in while I was in and I wouldnt of noticed it.
I happen to know someone that works in stores at Brize I will give him a bell tonight and find out
We had something come round a while ago actually on email where cadets could purchase shoes from clothing stores. I seem to recall they weren’t too cheap though!
When I went for my initial kitting 10 years ago or whenever it was we were offered the option to purchase CS95 uniform.
Since then I’ve purchased two marcella shirts from stores at Odiham and Cranwell, and we have the option to purchase SD hats from stores at Odiham.
The last time I saw a price list, shoes were expensive.
Your best bet would be a PWS pair, and a friendly storeman.
We asked a few months ago if we could purchase shoes from stores and were told firmly no - if an individual was scaled then they could purchase a pair but nobody else.
Very recently we were warned off approaching stores for any uniform whatsoever!
Incubus might be referring to the very recent email which stated all issues to the ACO of berets, trousers, light blue shirts etc will cease until further notice as the contracts are being let?
Not that that makes much difference, I haven’t had any significant uniform issue for nearly a year, despite the demands.
[quote=“redowling” post=12967]Incubus might be referring to the very recent email which stated all issues to the ACO of berets, trousers, light blue shirts etc will cease until further notice as the contracts are being let?
Not that that makes much difference, I haven’t had any significant uniform issue for nearly a year, despite the demands.[/quote]