As someone who has long since retired (and from Handbrake House at that, although GD in a previous life) I am astounded at this thread, or at least the content. Here we have aircrew who cannot get replaced their basic working rig, presumably designed to do most effectively the job it is reqired to do. The efficiency of those who cannot get the correct kit is inevitably, to whatever extent, compromised. I reminds me of the time 20 years ago when I arrived at RAF Support Command Command Accounts to find that the Red Arrows flying suits were provided by a civilian benefactor. Two years later, with the staunch support of the then Command Accountant, we finally got the red suits publicly funded, ironically on the grounds of "flight safety". Is there not some 2-Star somewher who can kick ths issue where it hurts, and get the matter resolved.