RAF gets £5m new uniform

Defence chiefs have spent £5m on new dress uniforms for the RAF - completing their issue a month after 20,000 armed services job cuts were announced.

The 40,000 new "number one" uniforms are almost identical to the old ones, but with a belt added.

One RAF man told the Sun: "In Iraq I was short of kit and had to buy my own. I've only worn my 'number one' uniform twice in three years."

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the decision predated the defence cuts.

Around 7,500 RAF jobs will go by 2008 - along with 1,500 naval and a further 10,000 civilian armed service posts - under cuts announced by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon on 21 July.

The introduction of the new kit is the first time the RAF dress uniform has changed in about 30 years.

An MoD spokesman said: "As a result of a review started in 2000 we have gradually been replacing these uniforms - starting in 2001 and completing last month."

"The aim was to iron out the difference between the non-commissioned officers' and officers' uniforms. The textile quality is better and the uniforms are tailored to each individual officer. We believe we have got good value for money."