11 June 2004
The Ministry of Defence is reviewing its equipment distribution and tracking systems to ensure that soldiers are fully protected in combat situations.
Both the National Audit Office and, more recently, the Commons' defence select committee have highlighted failures in logistics planning for the Iraq war, which left troops without appropriate clothing, boots, body armour and medical supplies.
Responding to the MPs' report, the ministry said it was developing a policy for combat armour issue using practices already in place for other items of personal protection. 'The results of the audit will inform this process in terms of the requirement for the initial procurement of [body armour] components to support it,' the MoD said. 'Our aim is to have this policy in place by the summer.'
Shortages of protective clothing became the focus of controversy following the death of Sergeant Steve Roberts, who was shot after handing over his body armour to colleagues judged to be more at risk.
The MoD admitted there were shortages of chemical protection suits because of a mismatch between the size of suits and individuals. 'Commanders assessed that the risk posed by these shortages was low. The effect on morale was judged to be more serious than the practical impact,' the ministry said.
It added that it had developed procedures to ensure that units did not take more suits than they needed, and had increased the range of sizes.
Committee chair Bruce George said: 'I am heartened to see that the government has accepted that it could have planned more effectively for post-conflict operations.'
PFjun2004
