Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2003/Navy uniforms
The latest on what is happening with uniforms
By John Gill
The Navy Uniforms Section has continued to beaver away at our tasks since the last instalment to SeaTalk. Workshops were conducted with Clothing Stores during May and June.
The new Clothing Price List came into force 1 July 2003, and Black on Grey Soft Rank Insignia (for use on Combat Coveralls) were also released during the month. Staff Officer Uniforms continued to work on the complete revision of the Scales of Entitlement.
Cunningly disguised as my alter ego (LEUT Gill, RANR), I had the privilege of participating in COMAUSNAVSYSCOM's Divisions to celebrate HMAS Harman's Diamond Jubilee in July 2003.
Having had five postings to the Canberra area during my time in the PNF (and retaining my ties as a Reservist), HMAS Harman was in many ways my second home and I appreciated the opportunity to share in the birthday celebrations.
As all the personnel were milling around prior to 'markers' being ordered, it struck me that many of us still do not pin our medals and badges in the correct position.
The revised ABR 81 has a range of new graphics that should surpass the information provided in the current manual. Pending release of the 2003 edition, I have attached the graphic dealing with wearing of medals and badges on Winter Ceremonial Coats as a 'heads up'.
Whilst on the subject of our appearance, I couldn't help but notice during my visits to establishments in May/June, that many of us need to pay more attention to the hem length of our trousers and slacks.
ABR 81 provides that Trouser/slacks hems are to cover the rear of the shoes by approximately 30mm. Many of the trousers and slacks I saw during my travels had hem lengths well above the top of shoe– particularly when female members were wearing court shoes. Our uniforms play a significant part in establishing a good image – let's get them right!
August heralded a change within the Navy Uniform Section, with Staff Officer Uniforms, Mrs Sue Collicutt leaving to fill a temporary vacancy created by the retirement of our Directorate's Business Manager. Sue is getting a feel for the heady world of finance and business management for a little while, and it is expected she will be in the temporary position for about six months.
Without wishing to 'warm the bell' on her departure, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sue for her sterling efforts whilst Staff Officer Uniforms, and to publicly acknowledge the major contribution Sue has provided to the Section. There is the possibility that Sue may return to the Staff Officer Uniforms position after the six months, so it is perhaps more fitting that I say 'au revoir' rather than 'farewell'.
LSSN Debbie Locke continues to provide Reserve assistance in the Section, and Debbie is tasked with dealing with embroidered name label enquiries, correlating the responses from the recent shoe trial, and managing defective clothing submissions. Debbie is in the office two days per week (Tuesday and Wednesday), and may be contacted by email at debra.locke@defence.gov.au
The next couple of months sees little respite in the workload, as it is expected that the Operational Concept Document for Boarding Party Uniforms will be further progressed, and the trial of shoes with the' cemented' sole will be completed with questionnaires to be correlated and analysed. Similarly, complete revision of NAVSUPMAN 18 is ongoing, and efforts are being made to raise a Service Level Agreement between Navy and Commander, Joint Logistics for the management of Uniforms, Clothing and accoutrements.
Point of contact is Mr John Gill,
Manager - Navy Uniforms,
R1-4-B046,
telephone (02) 6265 7316,
facsimile (02) 6265 1845 or
