by Treena Hein
This spring, Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) (ADM(Mat)) is rolling out the first phase of Combats Online, a new way to order operational clothing in the same way Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members now order dress uniforms through Clothing Online.
The planning and implementation of this new system has been ongoing for about six years, said Major Tim Hallonquist. Quebec-based Logistik Unicorp was awarded a contract—officially known as the Operational Clothing and Footwear Consolidated Contract—in 2022 and ADM (Mat) has been working with the firm closely since.
While complex behind the scenes, Combats Online is a straightforward process. Once it is fully rolled out, CAF members can order any authorized piece of operational clothing or footwear and have it shipped directly to their home. The CAF can also continue distributing uniforms directly to units.
“We saw that Clothing Online was hugely successful, so why not create the same system for operational items, using lessons learned,” said Hallonquist. “When CAF members enter the Combats Online portal, they’ll see it’s very similar to Clothing Online both in look and navigation.”
The inclusion of operational gear in an online portal has been sorely needed, he noted.
“This whole project came about because of systemic shortages. It’s been frustrating for a long time for CAF members, not being able to get the items they need when they need them. They’ve gone to a clothing store and been told what they need is not available, come back later. This system makes that a memory, and will ultimately provide better value for taxpayers as well.”
Availability of items is being rolled out in two phases. Starting this spring, CAF members will be able to order items like badges, patches and insignias (nametapes, rank, organization, trade), balaclavas and knit caps, base layers, undershirts, underwear, belts, hijabs, kippahs, laces, neck gaiters and socks. By winter 2025/2026, combat uniforms and other items (rain jackets/pants, coveralls and combat gloves) should be available in the system.
Members can access Combats Online at work through the Defence Wide Area Network (DWAN) and at home through personal devices with a service number and password, after they initially complete the registration process. More information will be available on the Online Clothing Services website on Canada.ca.
“Each piece of the system has been tested thoroughly,” Hallonquist said, “from the catalogue and website layout to full system trials. Testing and improvements will continue even after the launch to make sure it’s the best it can be.”
The contract is performance-based, and the project team will be measuring metrics such as delivery of the right equipment at the right time on an ongoing basis. The phased approach will also ensure any bugs in the system are dealt with before adding more items next winter. The issuing of combat uniforms is complex, Hallonquist added, and there’s a need to ensure complete accountability.
Of all the aspects of creating and implementing Combats Online, the biggest challenge was the program’s massive size and scope.
“Logistically, it’s a big thing to change the way the vast majority of clothing and footwear is provided to the entire armed forces of a country,” he explained. “It’s also a culture change to go from having distribution through third-line strategic support out of Montreal and Edmonton to having gear come straight from a company. So, we made sure to talk to CAF members, from generals to privates, to understand all the aspects and ensure all would go smoothly.”
At the same time, to now be at project launch “is in one word, amazing,” Hallonquist said. “To go from ideas on a piece of paper and see all the work that we’ve done come to fruition is phenomenal. It’s been a huge amount of effort to get here, and now we will continue to ensure the system functions as we have designed it.”
