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SOLDIERS from the Tidworth-based 3 Mercians and the Bulford Garrison Support Unit are the first soldiers in the British Army to order their uniforms online.

They are piloting a new computerised system which allows the soldiers to order anything from berets to belts and badges which should make getting the right kit easier and more convenient.

Known as the New Clothing Solution (NCS) it enables servicemen and women, not deployed on operations, to order their clothing on the Internet and have it delivered to an address of their choice - normally within just four days.

The system currently contains more than 570- different items - from berets and boots to belts and badges.

Corporal Ben Davis from Tidworth said: "I've been using the system and it's quick and easy - altogether better than the old system. In fact having used it, I don't want to go back to the old way of getting kit - this gives you more choice and is more convenient."

Private Stephen Woolley, also from 3 Mercians added: "It's a really good system - you can just key in what clothes you want and what size and they arrive. There's no stress, it just works really well."

W02 Mark Collacott of 3 Mercian Regiment added: "The online clothing system is a very effective scheme which supports the modern soldier not on operation to gain clothing in his own time. During our role as Land Warfare School Battle Group the quick turnround of clothing is ideal as it can be delivered to your barracks and collected at your convenience, and we also have a procedure that the Company Quartermaster Sergeant can deliver while the soldier is in the field supporting Land Warfare School exercises. This is a positive solution for a very busy 21st Century soldier."

The pilot will run until the end of November, planning for the next stage is going well and information from the pilot and historical data on the use of clothing is being analysed.

3:15pm Thursday 10th July 2008

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