Female and smaller military trainees still issued ill-fitting kit for fifth year running

Female and smaller trainees across the UK Armed Forces are still being issued with kit that does not fit properly for the fifth year in a row, according to a report by Ofsted.

Issues were identified at the Defence Medical Academy, RAF Halton and the Army Foundation College Harrogate, despite all three training establishments being rated as good or outstanding overall.

At the Commando Training Centre, smaller kit was available, but trainees reportedly did not feel "welcome enough" to exchange badly fitting items.

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Ofsted says some trainees are still having to "make do" with unsuitable clothing and equipment.

"These trainees are keen to represent their services professionally and perform at their best, and it is frustrating for them to be limited by lack of suitable kit," the report continues.

"It is disappointing that this longstanding problem has still not been remedied."

Results elsewhere were more positive, as all 10 regular Armed Forces training establishments were rated good or outstanding. 

Four were rated outstanding overall: The Army Foundation College Harrogate, The Commando Training Centre, The Defence Fire Training Unit, and The Royal Marines Band Service and Royal Corps of Army Music (a combined training facility). 

The Commando Training Centre and combined military music schools were both upgraded from their previous inspection – from 'Good' to 'Outstanding'. 

Despite negative headlines around sexual harassment at the Army Foundation College last month, this Ofsted report describes the experience of junior soldiers as "transformational" and praised safeguarding, accommodation, welfare and training at the facility. It was however similarly criticised for badly fitting kit. 

Poor military accommodation remains a persistent problem and Ofsted again identified worn buildings, slow repairs and unreliable facilities. 

The only military units rated as 'requires improvement' overall were University Royal Naval Units where Ofsted found inconsistent oversight, staffing gaps, different systems for recording welfare concerns and unresolved recommendations from its previous review.

An MOD spokesperson said "We welcome Ofsted’s latest report and are pleased to see four of our training establishments recognised as Outstanding. The findings of the report reflect the hard work of staff across Defence to provide the highest standards of training, welfare and support for our people.

 “However, we know that we still have more to do to ensure all our people experience this and we are still falling short.

 “Defence remains committed to closing the gap, the safety and capability of our personnel is paramount, and we strive ensure everyone has access to the best equipment to operate and protect themselves effectivity.

 "Our world-first dedicated arduous training guide for women in the Armed Forces will set a new global standard for performance in the toughest roles, including better-designed clothing and improved-fit body armour.”