An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE ORDNANCE CORPS I n 2024 the Ordnance and Supply Corps continued to maintain its operational role to train for and provide the State's EOD/ IEDD capability. It also supported all DF Units by attending weapons firing on military ranges, ordnance equipment safety certification at home and overseas as well as major equipment and weapon repairs. The Corps continued the technical support and oversight to the DF for the procurement, storage, distribution, inspection, maintenance, repair and disposal of all items of Ordnance equipment. The Corps also maintained its logistics role through Subhead A14 to provide the day-to-day sustainment from arming, clothing, feeding and force protection. Technical advice and project management was also provided to Subhead A8 projects in 2024. Procurement Section, Ordnance Branch Subhead A14.1 projects included procurement, calibration and recertification of small arms and crew served weapons, ground to air systems repairs, camp field equipment replacement, tent repairs & replacement and EOD / CBRN consumable and first responder equipment replacement. Customs and Vat Control Section continued to facilitate import / export and to manage the DF bike to work scheme. Subhead A14.2 which provides for the multi-annual clothing requirements of the DF including Air Corps and Naval Service saw new tenders awarded for the supply of NS DPM Uniforms; Sportswear; Bespoke Tailored Uniforms (EOH and DFSM) and Embroidery, Badges and Lanyards. These contracts will see the introduction of improved specification items of clothing and will see the first introduction of female specific garments for both the NS DPM and sportswear offerings. Work on the Ceremonial Uniforms contract saw the development of improved fitting shirts and blouses for all three services with rollout expected in Q1 2025. Work has also commenced on research and development of improved cloths and garment designs for use in future service dress tunics, trousers and skirts. The Defence Forces Combat Clothing System (DFCCS) tender has progressed throughout the year culminating in the receipt of final tenders in November 2024. A detailed assessment of the submissions included a qualitative award criteria evaluation, a garment technical assessment, laboratory testing, wearer trial and cost assessment involving personnel from 1 ACS with additional DFTC attachments. It is planned to have contract agreement in in Q1 2025 with the rollout of the DFCCS in the new Irish Transitional Multicam® Pattern (ITMP) to commence in Q1 2026. The DFCCS aims to provide the soldier with the required gender specific clothing items that makes this uniform an integrated system of different layers that the soldier can modify to the prevailing operational environment. New personal kit procured in 2024 include cold weather gloves, tent pegs, signal mirrors and bivvie poles. The planning and management of Subhead A14.3, which provides for the food and catering requirements for the DF, continued in 2024. This included the sourcing and supply of fresh rations and Operational Ration Packs, the payment of overseas rations and the provision of Front of House services for the Defence Forces. The Daily Ration Rate was increased to €8 in 2023 to allow for greater flexibility and efficiency from all involved in the food cycle and this increase has seen a notable improvement this year. Throughout the year, the Corps and in particular the Ordnance School when not engaged with teaching the next generation of Ordnance personnel endeavoured to maintain strong and established links with both academia and Industrial partners, including Science Foundation Ireland and Defence Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) in its capacity to incorporate new and emerging technologies. The work of the Ordnance Corps above would not be possible without the dedication and continued effort of all personnel within the Corps. The Corps also welcomes feedback from the end user / soldier from all areas across the DF, as they remain the single most important capability in any Defence Forces. A member of 1ACS changing gear during possible uniform trials on Braveheart Hill in DFTC Members of 1ACS and DFTC detachments firing ARP's during uniform trials Tactical uniform trials on the Curragh plains Quick change of socks after a patrol during uniform trials in DFTC | 37 BY COMDT CATHAL DALY

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