New Garda Uniform

ScubaDave · 07-01-2009 1:14am #1

Hey All,

Just thought id mention this. I got measured for the new uniform today. That JBS gang have a team of fitters travelling to all districts over the next few months. They only started yesterday! Issue to be given out in June/July. The items are as follows:

New belt/gloves/tie and hat.

New patrol jacket - longer by about 8 inches with no elaticated base. A pullstring is in the jacket about navel level.

Fleece is the same as above.

Two Tshirts! These are navy roundneck tshirts with GARDA printed on them on the right breast.

New hi visibility jackets. First is the same as our current one except has the GARDA tape around the base like the old jackets, and also has this on each wrist. The second jacket is an oilskin version of the same jacket - identical to the current free flow issue.

Shirts - as per normal.

And, what can only be described as a Greatcoat. The real old formal shin length jacket. Designed to be worn over the tunic at formal events. Dont ask me, i didnt know what the hell the story was with them!

Anyway, you all will see them in course, but just thought id let ye know!

Dave

Random · 07-01-2009 1:24am

T-Shirts? Does this mean we'll see the Garda in stab vests and T-shirts in temple bar now?

therewillbe · 07-01-2009 1:28am

Any chance me getting an old belt buckle of one of you guys when your new ones come out. Am a collector. Thanks

Holsten · 07-01-2009 1:33am

Pics?

Geri Boyle · 07-01-2009 2:01am

Id be interested to see what the new hats will be like.. I presume they will be same flat cap style? Any idea?

FGR · 07-01-2009 2:30am

Same old hat I'm afraid.

As for the shin length jacket - Quality stuff but I was measured in with just the shirt underneath and they did not factor the tunic's size into it.

I just got to laugh at how they still expect us to wear the fleece -over- the stab vest. Give it two weeks and the vests will be over the fleece again in no time!

Geri Boyle · 07-01-2009 2:39am

Im a fan of the hat actually. It would have been nice of them to make it waterproof for you guys, but I think it looks very smart so Im glad there's no radical change!

Eru · 07-01-2009 11:30am

The vest is external body armour. We shouldnt even wear it underneath the jackets nor have any solid items such as tie clips underneath it but common sense has NOT prevailed yet again.

Whats with the T-shirts? Any hint as to when and where they can be worn?

Oh and is it the whole country that has to wear high viz 24/7 now?

TheNog · 07-01-2009 11:33am

Karlitosway1978 wrote: »

Oh and is it the whole country that has to wear high viz 24/7 now?

yes 24/7

we can take it off when going to the bathroom though

Eru · 07-01-2009 11:43am

TheNog wrote: »

yes 24/7

we can take it off when going to the bathroom though

Have you got authorisation to urinate on state time?

djtechnics1210 · 07-01-2009 12:01pm

TheNog wrote: »

yes 24/7

we can take it off when going to the bathroom though

And I'm petty sure you can take it off when your not working

TheNog · 07-01-2009 12:32pm

djtechnics1210 wrote: »

And I'm petty sure you can take it off when your not working

The job might allow but the missus might not :pac:

Anyways what is with this Great Coat? Why resurrect it?

djtechnics1210 · 07-01-2009 12:34pm

TheNog wrote: »

The job might allow but the missus might not :pac:

Anyways what is with this Great Coat? Why resurrect it?

So the poor auld phase 5s won't freeze to death at their passing out, while listening to some politician go on talking for an hour.

Paulzx · 07-01-2009 12:40pm

Don't think this needs a new thread but i have a quick question.

How are Gardai allocated their uniform?. In other words what is your uniform entitlement.

Do you get a certain amount of garments per year and what provision is made for requesting them?

If you need gear due to fair wear and tear before an allocation what are your options?

TheNog · 07-01-2009 12:46pm

We get 2 trousers and 4 shirts twice a year maybe three times (honestly cant remember). For the rest of the uniform we can apply for replacements. Dont know how successful it is cos I havent done it yet but I do know we have to travel to the stores in Dublin for them.

bazjnr · 07-01-2009 2:03pm

Random wrote: »

T-Shirts? Does this mean we'll see the Garda in stab vests and T-shirts in temple bar now?

TheNog wrote: »

The job might allow but the missus might not :pac:

Anyways what is with this Great Coat? Why resurrect it?

djtechnics1210 wrote: »

So the poor auld phase 5s won't freeze to death at their passing out, while listening to some politician go on talking for an hour.

The t shirt is a coolmax base layer to be worn under the uniform shirt to wick away perspiration when wearing the stab vest.

As for the Great Coat, or Gabardine to give it its new title, apparently the tunic will not be worn underneath it as it is no longer issued- just shirt and tie. To be worn for funerals and other official functions.

In fairness the short patrol jacket looked desparate at funerals and at the St. Patrick's Day parade in NY- very sloppy through no fault of the members wearing them i might add!

Gloves will be handy (pardon the pun!)- they are slash proof.

source · 07-01-2009 3:49pm

Got fitted earlier, impressed with the jacket and the high-viz, although they could have put another 2 pockets on the lower half of the jacket.

I got to try on the fleece with the vest on over it, nice fit, but looked sh1te with the extra length.

The tshirt was cool but over all the whole thing looks very impractical.

I like the greatcoat but not as a replacement to the current tunic.

Jay112 · 07-01-2009 5:22pm

ScubaDave wrote: »

Hey All,

Just thought id mention this. I got measured for the new uniform today. That JBS gang have a team of fitters travelling to all districts over the next few months. They only started yesterday! Issue to be given out in June/July. The items are as follows:

New belt/gloves/tie and hat.

New patrol jacket - longer by about 8 inches with no elaticated base. A pullstring is in the jacket about navel level.

Fleece is the same as above.

Two Tshirts! These are navy roundneck tshirts with GARDA printed on them on the right breast.

New hi visibility jackets. First is the same as our current one except has the GARDA tape around the base like the old jackets, and also has this on each wrist. The second jacket is an oilskin version of the same jacket - identical to the current free flow issue.

Shirts - as per normal.

And, what can only be described as a Greatcoat. The real old formal shin length jacket. Designed to be worn over the tunic at formal events. Dont ask me, i didnt know what the hell the story was with them!

Anyway, you all will see them in course, but just thought id let ye know!

Dave

Dave - is the patrol jacket the same style as the current, except longer and no elastic on the bottom?

TheNog · 07-01-2009 5:38pm

bazjnr wrote: »

Gloves will be handy (pardon the pun!)- they are slash proof.

Are they being issued?

FGR · 07-01-2009 7:22pm

The gloves are being issued. Very comfortable and good timing as my current ones are completely worn out.

As for the jacket - yes it's pretty much the same except for the 'GARDA' labelling appears to be far more luminous, the pockets are more practical and there is no elastic at the end of it.

The new High Vis; I can't recall how far it zipped up (anyone recall?) but it also has buttons in addition to the zip. I hope it does zip up higher than the previous edition to allow for wearing with the vest and fleece alone.

donvito99 · 07-01-2009 7:32pm

ForegoneReality wrote: »

Same old hat I'm afraid.

As for the shin length jacket - Quality stuff but I was measured in with just the shirt underneath and they did not factor the tunic's size into it.

I just got to laugh at how they still expect us to wear the fleece -over- the stab vest. Give it two weeks and the vests will be over the fleece again in no time!

Stab vest looks better over the fleece IMO, but I'll leave it to the boys and girls who are wearing them to decide.

And the patrol jacket, is it this one [old one],

ke_sheng[1].jpg

Without elastic it would look fairly stupid, IMO, its very smart as it is, but its in need of more Hi viz, so its good to here taht Garda is more luminous.

source · 07-01-2009 8:25pm

ForegoneReality wrote: »

The gloves are being issued. Very comfortable and good timing as my current ones are completely worn out.

As for the jacket - yes it's pretty much the same except for the 'GARDA' labelling appears to be far more luminous, the pockets are more practical and there is no elastic at the end of it.

The new High Vis; I can't recall how far it zipped up (anyone recall?) but it also has buttons in addition to the zip. I hope it does zip up higher than the previous edition to allow for wearing with the vest and fleece alone.

it's a full zip, so right up to the chin, like the jacket.

FGR · 07-01-2009 10:16pm

Nice.

bazjnr · 07-01-2009 10:52pm

TheNog wrote: »

Are they being issued?

had the uniform fitting on tuesday. tried the gloves on they are slash proof and will be part of the new issue.

Esel · 08-01-2009 3:49am

bazjnr wrote: »

Tried the gloves on they are slash proof and will be part of the new issue.

Wouldn't you have more feel and control if you took the gloves off to pee though?

tosh65 · 08-01-2009 12:38pm

Are the "lovely" trousers staying the same..??? or are combat`s multi pockets coming in..????

source · 08-01-2009 1:11pm

tosh65 wrote: »

Are the "lovely" trousers staying the same..??? or are combat`s multi pockets coming in..????

"Lovely" i'm afraid

FGR · 08-01-2009 2:50pm

Just thinking about it - I'm going to have to keep my current fleece for SO duties as the new one we're getting is only suited for wearing under the hi vis or stab vest.

Otherwise it'll look like a pillow case on me.

TheNog · 08-01-2009 5:29pm

ForegoneReality wrote: »

Otherwise it'll look like a pillow case on me.

Would be handy for duvet days!!

I am getting fitted next week so I should have some pics to put up.

tosh65 · 09-01-2009 1:03am

So basically the uniform is staying the same..but with a longer hi vis and fleece jacket..???? so why bother changing it at all..??? Still with the shirt and tie,over the stab vest, riding up to your neck,getting in and out off the squad. Why not have a polo shirt or an open neck shirt and do away with the tie,and have a more friendly user stab vest with pockets,like the UK or USA, and have the tools off the trade,fixed to the vest,so as to do away with the utility belt,and not be holding onto it whilst running after someone.???
also..did any member have an input or asked how their uniform or kit, could be improved..?? any thoughts..???

pa990 · 09-01-2009 1:29am

ForegoneReality wrote: »

Just thinking about it - I'm going to have to keep my current fleece for SO duties as the new one we're getting is only suited for wearing under the hi vis or stab vest.

Otherwise it'll look like a pillow case on me.

You should have told them that you want to wear your vest over your fleece,
They will give you a smaller fleece. Thats what everyone was doing when i was being measured for new uniform.

I can't wait for the new uniform, not because it is any better.. ( i actually believe that the Great Coat looks plain silly and old fashioned, and the the new Hi-Vis will have us sweating as if we are wearing a black plastic bag ) but because the current Jacket is 3.5yrs old.. and is only fit for the bin.

TheNog · 09-01-2009 8:16am

tosh65 wrote: »

also..did any member have an input or asked how their uniform or kit, could be improved..?? any thoughts..???

I dont think there any type of input from frontline members tbh. Thats why we have a hi-viz that was highly visible in daylight only, asp holders that almost require you to pull the asp with both hands, bomber jackets that are waterproof so long as you didn't go out in the rain and 1.4l patrol cars

dfbemt · 09-01-2009 11:30pm

When do you get your slippers??

norrie_1001 · 10-01-2009 6:58pm

Got fitted yesterday. Was impressed with the greatcoat. I think the reason it is replacing the tunic is because there is plenty of growing room in the greatcoat unlike the tunic! The new patrol jacket is not bad. The fleece has a draw string at the end of it so we will still be able to keep it up by the waist like the current fleece. The gloves I was told are anti stab but not anti needle prick. The new hig viz is fully waterproof and a little heavier than the current one. There are also new waterproof leggings which I am doubtful of how waterproof they are.

the locust · 10-01-2009 7:40pm

Not sure if anyone mentioned them but... Pants? Any word of decent pair of pants with a few more practical pockets?

norrie_1001 · 10-01-2009 8:39pm

the locust wrote: »

Not sure if anyone mentioned them but... Pants? Any word of decent pair of pants with a few more practical pockets?

Pants are exactly the same :mad:

pa990 · 10-01-2009 9:23pm

You could say that the Pants are PANTS

the locust · 11-01-2009 2:51am

ARGH! Of all the pieces of kit i was hoping the pants & stab vest/rig would change the most... oh well, maybe 5 years later...

Holsten · 11-01-2009 2:53am

With all the talk here of people buying their own bits and pieces for the job, can you not get your own pair of combats to wear while on duty?

FGR · 11-01-2009 3:35am

Holsten wrote: »

With all the talk here of people buying their own bits and pieces for the job, can you not get your own pair of combats to wear while on duty?

Members who wear the official bicycle uniform (with multi pocket trousers) have been pulled for wearing that when they're detailed for the car.

So to answer your question..wearing combats would be a big no no.

Jay112 · 11-01-2009 2:39pm

Lads is this the new style Hi-Viz?

Eru · 11-01-2009 5:10pm

Jay112 wrote: »

Lads is this the new style Hi-Viz?

The guy on the left is wearing a freeflow high vis which I think is more or less the newest version. The girl on the right is wearing what we all currently have

Jay112 · 11-01-2009 5:33pm

Great stuff thanks, when are we getting issued them do we know yet? getting fitted in the next couple or weeks.

westcoastboy · 12-01-2009 12:43am

Does anyone know are we been issued with Boots and if so are they the HAIX ones or the Jollie ones..

FGR · 12-01-2009 12:54am

I'd be surprised if we went back to the Jollies..What horrible boots.

Also - did anyone notice that the stab vest given for fitting appeared to be much easier to wear/less bulky? The XL vest I had on for fitting made my current issue feel like an XXXL.

Yes. There is such a thing as triple X L!

diverdriver · 12-01-2009 1:10am

Though not a member. I have worn the uniform on a number of occasions.....Now don't bother warning me of the penalties for impersonating a Garda. It's for TV and film work as an extra. Indeed this week coming I will again don the uniform for a TV moment. I'm a bit typecast as a Garda and sometimes wonder if I missed my calling:D;)

On the point of uniforms therefore I can empathise with some of the complaints. I never found any of the trousers comfortable, often they are the genuine article. But the item I never really liked is the shirt, neither it's look or feel. If anything is due for replacement it should be the shirt perhaps with a darker version or more comfortable version. I always think they look a bit scruffy. What does the average Garda think of the shirts?

If you don't like the current uniform be glad you didn't have to wear the seventies version. I once spent the day dressed as a 1970s Garda Sergeant mostly in the RTE canteen. Very uncomfortable, almost as uncomfortable was the number of well known TV faces staring at me. Grainne Seoige stared at me. OK that wasn't too bad. The best moment came when two genuine Guards walked in. They didn't know what to make of me. But what struck me was how different the current uniform and equipment is to what it was like in the past.

FGR · 12-01-2009 1:51am

The only place I've seen a fairly decent portrayal of Guards is The Clinic. Every other program either has Pat Short or one of his equals portraying us. Mind my asking what programs you've donned the uniform in?

As for the shirts - They're getting better. They're darker on the current uniform than they were in the last one however this causes a contrast issue when worn with the stab vest..but that's easily remedied when adding the fleece to the mix.

TheNog · 12-01-2009 2:38am

westcoastboy wrote: »

Does anyone know are we been issued with Boots and if so are they the HAIX ones or the Jollie ones..

oh god those jollies were terrible. I have never worn anything like them

ForegoneReality wrote: »

I'd be surprised if we went back to the Jollies..What horrible boots.

Also - did anyone notice that the stab vest given for fitting appeared to be much easier to wear/less bulky? The XL vest I had on for fitting made my current issue feel like an XXXL.

Yes. There is such a thing as triple X L!

We are getting new vests? is the vest the same but just a different cover?

pa990 · 12-01-2009 2:59am

TheNog wrote: »

We are getting new vests? is the vest the same but just a different cover?

NO new Vests, NO new covers.

The Minister isn't paying for you to have two vests

FGR · 12-01-2009 3:15am

TheNog wrote: »

We are getting new vests? is the vest the same but just a different cover?

If only! It was an observation when being fitted the other day. Possibly the fact that mine has gotten so flimsy and bloated that I wonder how it could take a spoon never mind a knife!

You know. They're so old. We've had them for what..a year?

deadwood · 12-01-2009 11:53am

TheNog wrote: »

oh god those jollies were terrible. I have never worn anything like them

They were like "special" shoes, weren't they?

New Garda Uniform

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