Complaints that Canadian forces are under equipped are now coming from military wives. Some are paying money out of their own pockets to send high-tech devices to their husbands in Afghanistan.

The families of Canadian soldiers often share coffee and concerns about their loved ones at the Petawawa military base in Ontario. Many don't believe assurances the troops are properly equipped.

Some of the soldiers are telling their families they want personal global positioning systems (GPS) sent from Canada, so they don't get lost in hostile territory.

"It's really disgraceful," Arlene Maclean said, adding that she spent $200 out of her own pocket to buy a GPS device for her husband.

"It kind of gives you a sick feeling in your stomach to think that I had to order a piece of equipment that I personally think should be available," Maclean said.

A Calgary company is the source of the hand-held GPS devices that are so popular with soldiers, which run from about $150 to $400.

"We've sold several dozen to individuals who are in the military," Ian Hansen said.

GPS devices were first used by governments and then quickly adopted by pilots and boat captains to assist in navigation.

The devices receive radio signals for a network of 24 satellites that when coupled with mapping programs can pinpoint locations to within a metre of accuracy.

While soldiers often buy extra equipment, military officials said section commanders and many patrol vehicles have GPS devices and they don't see the need for more. American soldiers in Iraq also have do without, unless they purchase their own.

"I would think that, similarly for radios, not every individual needs this," Defence Minister John McCallum said.

Still, McCallum asked his department to look into it, and the opposition believes Canadian troops should get them.

For families, there are echoes of the Iltis which were said to be safe until one blew up and two soldiers died. Most agree the government should start talking to the soldiers directly to find out what they need.

"There is obviously a need if my husband asked me to buy one (a GPS device) and have it sent to Afghanistan," Maclean said.

Based on a report by CTV's Roger Smith