Soldiers to get online portal to order gear
The Australian Defence Force is planning a portal which will enable its personnel to order military clothing, uniforms and combat gear online, Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced yesterday.
(Credit: Department of Defence Media)
Clare announced yesterday that the government would establish a "MyDefenceGear" project team which would implement the recommendations of the Whalan and Lewincamp reviews into procurement of defence equipment and uniforms, as well as into the reporting of faulty equipment.
The federally commissioned Whalan Review looked into the Reporting on Defective or Unsatisfactory Material (RODUM) system which soldiers use to report malfunctioning equipment and provide feedback.
It found that while the existing RODUM system had merit, it had the potential to be expanded and simplified to serve a greater purpose.
An upgraded system would allow soldiers to requisition their uniforms online and track them as well as file a report into the existing system.
"The message I have heard from soldiers is that they want more choice and a system that's more responsive to their needs," the minister said.
"I have asked Defence to develop a business case for the design and implementation of an integrated online ordering, management and supply system," he added.
The Whalan Review was conducted by former Centrelink chief executive officer Jeff Whalan and senior Department of Defence executive Lee Walton.
Yesterday's announcement also saw the minister unveil plans for a new Australian Defence combat uniform under the MyDefenceGear project banner.