Clothing purchase options expanded

CPO1 Al Darragh and S1 Charmaine Davison-Peer review the Logistik Unicorp website.

LCdr (Retired) Michael McWhinnie
Contributor
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A small software update on a military clothing website is having a positive impact on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel across the country.

Since 1993, Logistik Unicorp has provided clothing solutions to CAF for non-operational dress. Until recently, when navigating the website for clothing, personnel were presented with one of two menu options where items correspond to gender. 

Now, clients can toggle between the “male cut” and “female cut” menus to place an order.

This change is part of a measured transition from 111 years ago when the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was established by the Naval Service Act in 1910. Men and women were issued separate and distinct clothing items. But things began to change in 2012 when the Naval Dress Committee authorized male-pattern Distinctive Environmental Uniform (DEU) pants for wear by females.

“The navy has always been an institution that values tradition, but it’s evolving to be more responsive to the views of its members,” says CPO1 Al Darragh, Base Chief CFB Esquimalt. “Many women preferred the male pants and since then policies have advanced so that today females are also authorized to choose between two options for the peak cap (or bowler) and long sleeve DEU shirt.”

Changes were furthered in 2019 when a women’s sub-committee was added to the Naval Dress Committee to help shape policy based on the views of female personnel regarding the design of “female cut” uniform items.

“Although policy permits women to wear male pattern pants, shirts, or peak caps, prior to the Logistik website change members had to submit a memorandum and have their online account updated to access those items. The [newest] change will reduce costs, time, and of course frustration,” adds CPO1 Darragh.

S1 Charmaine Davison-Peer is a member of CFB Esquimalt’s Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization. She sees the change as a positive step towards inclusion for transgender and non-binary CAF personnel.

“Broadly speaking, I think this change aligns well with the CAF’s stated aim of fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace. I know several colleagues who are members of the LGBTQ+ community within the military who are happy with the change and how it will facilitate their gender expression.”

She also welcomes the Logistik Unicorp change herself.

“As a female CAF member, the change impacts me in two ways. First, it makes my life simpler when ordering certain DEU items. But more importantly, it signals that the institution is trusting me to make appropriate choices based on my personal preferences.”

The new website function does have one flaw; it is now possible for personnel to order uniform items they are not authorized to wear.

“Changes to the Dress Code are anticipated but members must always adhere to the current regulations that are in effect,” says CPO1 Darragh.

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