PA denies sending soldiers to battle in tattered uniforms, combat boots

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 3): PA denies sending soldiers to battle in tattered uniforms, combat boots

The Philippine Army Thursday dismissed reports it is sending its soldiers to battle with tattered uniforms and combat boots.

It added its existing guidelines on Individual Clothing Individual Equipment prohibits the Army from doing so.

This was stipulated in a Letter Directive dated July 20, 2011 on the measures for the proper utilization of Reenlistment Clothing Allowance.

It was stipulated that all Army soldiers are entitled to receive the RCA to be given “in-kind and in-cash” upon reenlistment to service.

The RCA given “in-cash” at P8,281.85, while the RCA given “in-kind” is at P4,084.

The RCA “in-kind” was translated to two sets of Battle Dress Attire (BDA) that amounted to P2,704.00 (P1, 352.00 per set), and one pair of combat boots at P1,380.

Each reenlisted personnel is entitled to such benefits every three years, which is also the period to which soldiers must renew their oath to serve the country.

Every soldier is required to utilize the RCA “in-cash” to purchase more sets of BDA in case those provided through the RCA “in-kind” had already been worn out.

Meanwhile, another Letter Directive dated Aug. 3 2009 stated the implementing guidelines on the Direct Exchange (DX) system wherein Army personnel with certified worn-out uniforms and bushed equipment can directly exchange to new and functional ones with the reactivated and accredited Army Stores PA-wide.

Apparently, there is no reason to debate on the insufficiency of individual combat clothing and equipment for Army personnel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=572620