Defence Minister J. Naď: “We have started the process of purchasing military clothing items for soldiers, so that they do not have to buy them via e-shops”

The acting MOD leadership is taking steps to procure military clothing, material and related services for soldiers. Over 15.5 million euros have been set aside for this purpose in 2020. Compared to 2019, this accounts for an increase of nearly 3.3 million on clothing for soldiers.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Before coming to office, I was contacted by a number of soldiers who complained that if they wanted to serve in uniform, they had to buy it on one’s own initiative. Back then, I said it was unthinkable for something like this to happen. Today, as the Minister of Defence, I can change the situation. Therefore, we have started the process of purchasing military clothing items for soldiers, so that they do not have to buy them via e-shops.” The MOD is already working on an internal document which aims to analyse the current system of military clothing purchases, identify shortages and offer effective solutions.

The MOD has started the process of procuring the clothing items that soldiers miss most. “First and foremost, we have launched the processes for purchasing the most critical items soldiers necessarily need every day – combat uniforms, service dress uniforms, fatigues, T-shirts, underwear, shoes, as well as sports clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE).” The Minister added that his aim is to make sure that soldiers get everything they need in the shortest time possible and, above all else, transparently and efficiently.

The items being procured reflect the soldiers’ requirements from the Integrated Electronic Procurement Plan Generation Information System. Purchases of military clothing and material are made individually by orders or as sets of items under the concluded framework contracts. Today, the items for which contracts are being drawn up include 98,699 pcs of different T-shirts, 8,600 pcs of combat uniform jackets, 9,600 pcs of combat uniform trousers, 3,166 pcs of fatigue jackets, 3,559 fatigue trousers, 5,685 pcs of belts, 5,200 pcs of field caps and 2,771 bags for military clothing.

Looking ahead, also in the process of drawing up are the contracts for delivery of thermal clothing: 3,000 pcs of parkas, 3,080 pcs of T-shirts, 3,060 pcs of trousers, 3,192 pcs of winter parkas, 2 654 pcs of winter knitted hats, 1,920 pcs of balaclavas and 3,703 pairs of gloves. Apart from this, the MOD plans to purchase historical uniforms, parade and ceremonial uniforms, personal protective equipment, tents, tactical vests for Military Police, full-body flight suits, and checks and repairs of ballistic protection clothing items.