Some things are made to last & some change a lot

Whilst  brushing my shoes this morning and noticed the makers name on my shoe brush, It was REMPLOY,  that company providing sensible employment for very many disadvantaged  people, who would not always be able to fit into everyday employment with organisations that do not understand or cater for the challenges that many people face on a daily basis. 

Such a shame that government funding has been removed from Remploy, resulting in many workers or Ex workers now in a difficult position, much like the appalling " care in the community" system which leaves so much to be desired.

If you would like to know more about Remploy follow this link:    www.remploy.co.uk 

I have to say that the brush I was using was part of my Royal Air Force issue Kit that I received on joining the RAF back in 1969. So how impressed am I that my brush is still providing sterling service 44 years on.

This must say something about the quality and endurance of the item.

 I wonder if the same is being issued to recruits today? 

As my interest in service kit was suddenly rekindled I took a look at the current recruit kit list and was amazed by the difference 44 years has made.  Baby wipes, Swimming Goggles, kit insurance  etc.. wow.

Take a look

KIT LIST FOR RECRUITS

ITEM	QUANTITY
MALE RECRUITS
Smart casual trousers	1 pair
Shirt and tie	1 set
Shoes (not trainers)	1 pair
Socks - Plain white	4 pairs (minimum)
Pyjamas or preferred bed wear	2 sets
Underwear (Boxer Shorts are not suitable for Physical Education sessions)	7 sets
Suitable casual clothing (eg Jeans, T-shirts - See Note 1)	As required
Wet razor / shaving cream or foam, spare razor blades, moisturizer / shaving balm, Shower gel, soap and soap dish, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush or comb, nailbrush and nail clippers or scissors.	As required
Swimming trunks or swimming shorts (not football or long surf shorts)	1 pair
FEMALE RECRUITS
Smart dress or blouse and skirt or Blouse and smart trousers.	1 set
Shoes (sensible, comfortable - as there is a lot of walking to do on arrival - not trainers).	1 pair
Tights/Stockings: Smooth Knit/15 Denier - Barely Black (leave in packets until required)	2 pairs
Hair care for any female recruit with hair that sits lower than 2.5cm below the ear: Hair bands, Hair (Slumber) nets and hair grips. These must all be in a similar colour to match the hair or should be black. No Scrunches’, Hair is to be a natural colour.	2-3 elastic hair bands 2-3 hair nets 1 packet of grips
Underwear (including sports bras for Physical Education lessons).	7 sets (incl 2 sports bras)
Night-dress / pyjamas or preferred bed wear	2 sets
Soap and soap dish, Shower gel, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush or comb, nailbrush and nail clippers or scissors, female specific toiletries.	As required
Swimming Costume (1 piece sports costume - No bikinis or separates)	1

ITEMS COMMON TO MALE AND FEMALE RECRUITS
Training Shoes (Running Shoes not Fashion trainers.) (see note 2)	1 pair
Plain Shorts (Preferably Dark Coloured)	1 pair
Plain T-shirts (Preferably Dark Coloured)	1
Swimming goggles and Swimming cap	1 of each
Slippers or Flip Flops (Accommodation and washing facilities are communal)	1 pair
Coat or Jacket (appropriate for the time of year)	1
Sew-on name tags (5cm x 1.5 cm - blank)	25
Foot Powder (‘Mycota’ or similar)	1
Large Towel, Hand Towel and Face cloth	2 of each
Small packet of various sized plasters	1
Wooden Shirt Hangers	5
Trouser/Skirt Hangers (Clamp style - must be fully adjustable)	5
Letter writing material and stamps (Optional)	As required
A4 Note pad (lined) for studying purposes	1
Biros (Black) and Pencils	10 of each
Highlighter pens	3
Medium sized padlock/combination lock (if not combination lock then must have spare keys )	6
Spare pair of spectacles / contact lenses (strongly advised – see note 4)	As required
Black indelible marker (thin nib)	1
Soft yellow dusters (good quality for polishing shoes)	4
Cotton wool pleat/balls (100% cotton - not polyester)	1 bag
‘Kiwi’ Black Shoe Polish	2 large and 2 small tins
Good quality steam iron (Not a travel iron - see note 3)	1
Clothes Brush, Scrubbing Brush and Lint Roller	1 of each
Shoe/boot brushes	1 set
Pressing Cloth (non-fluffy tea towel or large, white handkerchief or a pillow case)	1
Sewing Kit (including 3 needles and reels of button thread - 1 black, 1 dark green, 1 white, 1 light blue)	1 set
Washing powder/liquid and stain remover (e.g ‘Shout’, ‘Vanish’)	1 packet/1 bar
Washing machine delicates/underwear bag	1
Plastic spray water bottle (Household type, to aid ironing)	1
Plastic sealable food bags (various sizes)	1
Head Torch (Basic LED variety)	1
Wet/Baby wipes	1 packet
Inexpensive digital watch (preferably waterproof/shatterproof)	1
10mm/20mm plastic stencils	1 set of each
Sports Water bottle	1
Brasso	1 Tin
Alarm clock (battery - not mains powered)	1
Vehicle documentation (if bringing own car - Registration Document, Certificate of Insurance, MOT Certificate (if applicable), Driver's Licence	As required
Blister Packs (Compead)	As required
Spending money	£50 (recommended)
Current bank (not building society) account details including cheque book/card	ESSENTIAL
Personal certificates and documents (including any medical documents - AFCO staff will advise you on requirements)	ESSENTIAL

 Notes:

1.         Opportunity to wear civilian clothing is limited whilst at recruit training as you will be wearing uniform from the very early days of your course. In addition, locker and storage space is at a premium; so do not overdo the amount of civilian clothing you bring. Ripped, dirty or clothing bearing graphic or sexual images will not be tolerated and should not be brought to the site.

2.         Recruits are issued basic sports shoes/trainers; however, you may wear your own trainers for Physical Education lessons if they are found to be suitable by PEd staff.  They must be clean, in good condition and of the correct type for the activity being carried out. Guidance on suitable shoes will be offered.

3.         Photo-chromatic lenses in spectacles are not acceptable for ceremonial duties.

4.         Do not bring penknives or any items that could be classed as a weapon.

General:

Due to the extensive amount of Service uniform and kit issued to recruits, you are strongly advised to consider kit insurance. You will have the opportunity to take this out whilst at RAF Halton but may wish to consider extending your own or your parents’ contents insurance to cover the Service uniform and kit, which is issued. The approximate cost of your Service uniform is £1800. You will have a lot of kit to transport to your Trade Training Unit on the completion of Recruit Training, so personal belongings should be kept to a minimum.

Amigos is a small shop that is open on site selling items such as Steam irons, ironing boards as well as basic daily hygiene supplies such as shampoo and hairnets. This is solely for the use of RTS personnel and will be open during evening domestic breaks. All recruits are able to access it to make purchases.