London, Dec 28 (ANI): British soldiers in Afghanistan have thoroughly criticized their new uniforms calling them a shapeless 'fashion faux pas' that looks like an Action Man costume.
The Ministry of Defence had introduced new combat fatigues hoping that they would provide more comfort under body armour and create better camouflage.
However, angry soldiers have been sending the Army's in-house magazine, Soldier, a barrage of complaints against the uniform, the Telegraph reported.
"I could not help but think it looked like something from Toys R Us," wrote Chrissy Rodgers of 38 Brigade in Northern Ireland.
"Value for money should not exclude quality of material and design, resulting in a uniform as shapeless and uninspiring as Action Man's. I always thought part of military discipline and the pride soldiers take in themselves was down to appearance."
Major Bernard Whishaw of the Royal Engineers Warfare Wing said the uniform 'looks shabby' and that 'Velcro is just a cheap irritation'.
He suggested putting an elastic or drawstring waist in the jacket to smarten up appearances.
"The lower part of this garment would then flare slightly making any male or female tummy or behind look fine," he said.
He added that 'all ranks are keen to look professional and smart'.
An angry colour sergeant, based at the Infantry Battle School in Wales, said he found the reasoning behind the design 'bewildering'.
"It is ridiculous looking when it is left hanging out and should be tucked in while in camp. We are not American," he said.
He then accused senior officers 'getting involved in senior NCO business' and messing it up.
"Whether we like it or not if personnel believe they look and feel the part then they will perform better than if they think they look like pillocks," he added.
The Ministry of Defence has released a statement saying it 'welcomed' the feedback.
"The new combat uniform was specially designed to better accommodate the latest body armour and be easier to wear on the frontline. It is issued to service personnel in addition to barrack dress, which provides a smarter alternative for when troops are not on operations," it said. (ANI)
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