COPENHAGEN: Consc­ripts in Norway have been ordered to return their underwear, bras and socks after the end of their military service so that the next group of recruits can use them.

The Norwegian military said on Monday that it is struggling with dwindling supplies, in part due to the pandemic.

The Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation said because of a challenging stockpile situation, this move is necessary as it provides the Armed Forces with greater garment volumes available for new soldiers starting their initial service. Its press spokesman Hans Meisingset said that with proper checks and cleaning, the reuse of garments is considered an adequate and sound practice.

Until recently, the roughly 8,000 young men and women who every year do their military service returned their outer clothing but were allowed to leave barracks with the underwear and socks they were issued.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2022