Jayjays in Brecon do a gabardine MTP (ish - it’s a but greener than MTP) windproof, as do Keela…
The new, issue arctic smock seems to be exploding in terms of issue - not common yet, but I think they’ll be heading towards sensible pricing in 18 months or so.
What is this new, issue Arctic smocks of which you speak?
Old style windproof gabardine smock, but in MTP. Issued to units going to Norway and specialist units in other cold weather environments - like northern Syria…
Currently going for £250 on the bay of fleas - if you want to see one, take a look at the fantastic video that General Patrick Saunders has put out . It’s the least important thing in the video, but Gucci is Gucci…
If your CoC haven’t cascaded a link for the video, find it on twitter and send it to your people.
Yeah, that’s what I was talking about. I even got the NSN for one years ago, but it kept coming back negative. I thought they’d been produced in a limited run when MTP came out, but in error, then cancelled as not needed anymore.
Are you telling me they’re back in production…?
Whilst I completly agree that alot of the examples people have shown are 100% gash.
I have an issue with us complaining. As an org we dont issue Number 3s.
I know in well off areas and Sqns with ‘connections’ you can source MTP.
Not all Sqns can. So in order to ‘take part’ parents often buy MTP if they can afford it. This often leads to all sorts of deviations from 1358c.
For example, we dont provide foot wear at all as an org. So if mum has bought CDT jimmy some sand coloured boots from the market… what can we do? Tell them that their kid cant wear them? Tell them to turn up in trainers? It’s not an ideal situation.
Patches are different as they can be removed without compromising the ‘PPE’ element of the clothing.
I wish HQAC would fund MTP for everyone. It would really solve alot of issues.
Even one funding round to provide MTP for all current cadets, would solve the problem, as it would be reused time again.
Now with blues we dont have any of these issues and can tell the little darlings to ‘jog on’ as we issue all their uniform (Other than shoes).
Doing it soon will also be cheaper as there will be hardly any cadets about 
For this, I’d happily advocate dropping the requirement for No1s for Officers, and issue a set of No3.
I’ve had all manner of “greens” over the years.
My first sqn, “issued” Pre-CS95 trousers, green shirt and green jumper, combat jacket, and a pair of lightweights for barrack wear. The style of combats varied from cadet to cadet.
When MTP came in for the forces, I exchanged currency with the local storeman (several cases of…) and filled my car with all manner of CS95 clothing. I was lucky that I could outfit my sqn twice over.
When it comes to Greens/No3 dress, we have to have some flex in the regs. I rather a cadet turned up in sand coloured boots, than non at all. I’d rather they were safe, warm and happy when out on activities, than parade ready and freezing. Don’t get me started on some members of the toothpick twirling parade, shouting at cadets on a wintery day on an exposed outdoor range for having hands in their pockets… Good forbid.
However, places like this and many other exist, because you can go and buy it. My local army surplus is right next to a garrison and will do alterations to all manner of issued kit.
All good and well saying that as an officer who already has a set.
Bartering away the option for all future officers except at their personal expense seems very harsh.
I would rather all those white elephant glory projects like choir camp etc were sacked off and that money put into basics like a set of MTP for everyone.
That way everyone benefits. Not just a few privileged people.
The Oxford shoes Officer’s are given with their initial kitting are over £100. I have never worn mine as it’s another set to polish. I would have been much happier without these shoes and a set of MTP instead.
Not only that, but the leather soles are a death trap that send you spinning all over the place - I only wear my DMS shoes, shinier, comfier and safer!
Yeah I’m not a fan of oxfords
Yep. Mine are sat in the box, worn a few times.
After seeing my old OC go head over on slippery concrete coming to a halt, I go DMS everytime now.
True about ditching No1s. I hate wearing mine tbh, plus I’ve gained some winter plumage since I was issued mine as a slim 22 year old. I’ve put off getting a new set made, as the ones I have are out as far tas they can go.
Make no.1s private purchase; I decided to lockdown treat myself to my first set as who knows when they might get issued…
If they do get issued I might request a few sizes up and put them away for the inevitable day I inherit my fathers sides beer belly!
You’d get much more use out a set of MTP.
That said, when worn correctly No.1 does look pretty smart.
Flog them online for £75, buy a pair of marching band Oxfords with a patent toecap for £55. Use the £20 to bribe your WO to keep his silence.
Not that I’ve done this… Ahem
The oxfords don’t polish well either. I just bought another set of DMS and polished them to a higher standard and wore my Oxfords to court until they died.
Just chin them off, save the dosh.
PERSEC…
what does the blue tarpaulin normally cover?
You know you have a proper WO when their shoes are so shiny you can query PERSEC…
Or at least let us buy it from official sources…
Different pattern from the ones I got, they wouldn’t take polish for toffee. It just never seemed to adhere properly.
