Quarterly CLING (Clothing Interest Group) meetings, usually attended by 30-35 members, have recently changed to provide a plenary session at which specific issues are discussed.
The group then breaks into two sections, one being briefed by the Defence Clothing IPT (Col Silas Suchanek) and the other briefed by the ESS IPT (Battlefield Support) (Wayne Evans).
This split provides a dedicated Industry forum for both IPTs, whilst matters of common interest across the group are dealt with together. As a result, the number attending has grown to over 50 and all are agreed that the new arrangement provides a more effective information exchange and discussion forum.
At the last meeting on 24 February, members were given an oversight of the workings of the Defence Commercial Policy Group dealing with IPR, DEFCONS and P2P.
The highlight was a presentation by the Customer Support Officer at the DC IPT, Major Ray Brooks, on his findings from a recent visit to British troops in Iraq.
Without exception, there were no complaints about the quality of current operational clothing and the general standard of clothing was highly praised. In particular, Major Brooks applauded UK Industry for the response to a range of UORs issued when Op Telic was being planned.
The Group has agreed that the planned annual exhibition and showcase (DCCD) for clothing and personal support and protection equipment, to be held at DLO Caversfield on 12-13 October 2005, should be renamed Clothing for Defence and Emergency Services (CDES). This is to reflect the similarity of items needed and used by both these sectors.
er 2005, should be renamed Clothing for Defence and Emergency Services (CDES). This is to reflect the similarity of items needed and used by both these sectors.
This unique event is open to any UK company to exhibit, and to any MoD and Emergency Services personnel to attend to examine and discuss requirements with the Industry and the relevant IPT.
Defence Manufacturers Association
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