Most of us have seen footage of our troops in contact. I took note of the kit they were wearing. Without exception they were all properly dressed for the occasion. The troop commanders do not need a judge to tell them what will happen if any of their lads are without essential kit when they deploy onto the battle field. I would be very surprised if there was not a detailed list of kit (and condition thereof) published in Company Orders.
This judgement was aimed squarely at the staff officers in MOD, who issue troop movement orders without any thought given to ensuring that 500 soldiers require 500 times the essential indvidual kit, in good working order, before they leave the UK. I'm sure that every effort is made by the CO's before deploying to ensure that everyone is kitted out. After all, they do not wish to stand in front of a Coroner.
This is no more than a gypsies warning aimed at the old buffers (if there any left) who value their horse more than their batman.