Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2004/Uniform updates
By Mr John Gill, Manager - Navy Uniforms
Three months on from my last installment and I must admit time is flying by. I feel that I have been held in a time warp for the last 10 weeks. (No doubt the 5 weeks I have had out of the office caused this!).
I have continued to make progress on a number of initiatives since the Staff Officer position became vacant, but plead guilty to some delays in getting through the in-tray as a result.Having said that, interviews for a replacement Staff Officer commence shortly.
The week before Easter was spent in Melbourne constructing the next RAN Clothing Price List, due for release on July 1.
I have also been out of the office visiting a number of ships and clothing stores, followed by attendance at a couple of RAAF and Army Clothing Committee meetings.
The end of May will also see me searide in HMAS Parramatta. Much has occurred since the last SeaTalk:
ABR 81
The penultimate print copy has been received from the publisher and I hope to have the manual distributed by July 1 this year.
Recruit Instructor Badge
A number of working samples of the embroidered badge have been submitted to the procurement section for assessment and have been returned to the manufacture for adjustment.
I have now signed off on the "sealed" sample for the metal badge and await advice from the procurement section as to when sufficient stocks are held to bring them into service.
Operational rig
A number of briefs have been generated regarding the funding implications and strategies associated with introducing a replacement for Action Working Dress. To date these matters remain unresolved.
Maternity uniforms
Samples of a short sleeve and long sleeve maternity shirt, based on a RAAF design, have been assessed and some further alteration is being conducted to produce what will, hopefully, be the final prototype.The opportunity is also being taken to re-assess the fabrics used in making white and black maternity slacks.It is hoped that the final prototype will be available for assessment by mid-June.
Court shoes
Production of a limited number of samples of black court shoes has been completed and are to be received shortly for assessment with a view to introducing them into the RAN and RAAF inventory. Similarly, white court shoes will also be considered for introduction as a repayment item in Navy clothing stores.
Tricorne
As readers would be aware, I have been attempting to identify whether or not a suitable alternative to the current Tricorne is available.
Initially this was driven by the liquidation of the UK supplier, but also with the high costs of production of the current item, both in the UK and subsequently in Australia, in mind.
Initial investigations also indicated that there were some concerns with the design of the current item ("Doesn't fit properly", "blows off in any wind", "Senior Officer identification inequity when compared with male counterparts".)
In the parlance of the Three Bears, the first prototype was too soft, the second one too hard and hopefully the next one I receive will be just right!
I must stress that all that has been done to date has been investigative only and I am yet to proceed with a business case for the review of the Tricorne until I am satisfied that there is a suitable alternative available for consideration by Chief of Navy.
Lingerie
A number of lingerie items are now being made available through the clothing stores to female new entry officers and sailors, with the plan being to extend provision to Reserves and ultimately also make available in repayment clothing stores.This initiative came about as investigations found that there was about an 80 per cent saving compared with purchase through retail outlets.
Fire fighting clothing
I have had the opportunity to attend two meetings of the RAAF Fire Fighter Clothing Committee (the last one also had Fleet representation), which was formed because it was realised that some items in the ADF inventory might not comply with Australian Standards.
Navy is waiting on advice on the compliance of our shipboard fire fighting clothing, but in the interim has asked to trial fire fighters' overcoats and overtrousers as an alternative.
Maritime Warfare Division will facilitate this trial in the near future.
Points of contact
Manager
Mr John GillR1-4-C039,
telephone (02) 6265 7316,
Fax (02) 6265 5050,
Email John.Gill@defence.gov.au
SO Vacant
ASO LSSN Debbie Locke,
telephone (02) 6265 5197, Fax (02) 6265 5050,
Email Debra.Locke@defence.gov.au (Tuesday and Wednesday only)
Find us on the DRN under Defence Site - Navy (click on organisations and then the folder next to 'Navy Headquarters' to get to the Uniforms Home Page).
