BDUs in short supply

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DALLAS (AFPN) --  Backorders from the military supply system are affecting the availability of battle dress uniforms in military clothing sales stores. Both Army and Air Force clothing stores are out of stock on selected sizes of the enhanced hot weather and temperate BDU coats and trousers.

The military supply system advised Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials that the “get-well date” for the temperate BDUs will be August.

“AAFES continues to be in constant communication with (the Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia),” said Dave Lumbley, military clothing divisional merchandise manager. “The information we received from DSCP indicates AAFES will be experiencing shortages on temperate BDUs through the end of summer 2004.”

Representatives from DSCP said the current supply condition is because of the need to produce many more desert BDUs than the woodland style as a result of the war in Iraq.

“The temperate trousers are the item in the most critical position, and while DSCP does not expect [the situation to get better] until August, we will experience a significant increase in deliveries starting in April,” said Jim Kane, product manager for battledress uniforms in DSCP’s clothing and textile directorate. “We have recently released all backorders for enhanced hot weather coats and trousers. These assets should be reaching the stores soon, and DSCP expects to remain in sustained supply for the enhanced hot weather items.”

DSCP and Defense Logistics Agency officials buy about $10.4 billion worth of food, clothing, textiles, medicines, medical equipment, general and industrial supplies and services annually. They support America’s warfighters worldwide, plus eligible family members and other non-Defense Department customers.

The military supply system provides routine support for AAFES requirements. Recruits and units plus other higher-priority requirements such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and recruit induction centers receive first priority.

Since DSCP is the only authorized BDU source as directed by the memorandums of agreement with the Department of the Army and the Department of the Air Force, AAFES officials have no other choice but to continue to monitor the situation. AAFES officials are continually requesting updates on the backorder status, said Mr. Lumbley.