Soldiers train with two left boots
Fri, December 06, 2002
Source: Ananova
British Soldiers preparing for war in Iraq have been issued with two left boots because of a major supply shortage.
British soldiers train for war on Iraq with no right-footed boots
Soldiers preparing for war in Iraq have been issued with two left boots because of a major supply shortage. And others have been wearing trainers during exercises because the most popular sizes - eight, nine and 10 - are out of stock.
Tory MP James Gray complained to the MoD about the boot problem after soldiers based on Salisbury Plain, Wilts, contacted him. He said it was simply disgraceful. He added: "It is extraordinary. We are not talking about jet fighters or tanks. This is the most basic equipment and apparently we haven't got a system to make sure they have the right ones. "This was raised by local soldiers who were on exercise in trainers. They are soldiers who have been told they will be going to Iraq if there is a war. Some were issued with two left boots and if you had the misfortune to need boots that were size eight, nine or 10, there weren't any."
Armed Forces Minister Dr Lewis Moonie yesterday admitted there had been a footwear supply shortfall but insisted it has now been rectified. He said: "There have recently been problems with combat assault boots as a result of production difficulties with the contractors. These difficulties have been resolved and stocks are being replenished."
An MoD spokesman said: "There are currently 18,745 pairs of boots in stock, which represents around eight weeks supply. Stocks are now being replenished at a rate of 6,000 pairs of boots per week."
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