Posted on Dec 28, 2018
Are service members mandated to buy items that should be Unit Issued?
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No one can mandate that a SM purchase items that are otherwise issued, unless they are clothing bag items for which you receive a clothing allowance. Thank you for your service.
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I'd need a little more context as to the specific items, however, generally speaking it is verboten to direct Servicemembers to purchase unit level gear. However, there are some items which skirt that line, like the above mentioned flak patches, name tags (desert), which leadership within the command might argue "is within the scope of the clothing allowance."
That said, the clothing allowance MCO would be your starting point. This lists the explicit purpose for the allowance/stipend and what it supposed to be used for, and in your case what it may not be used for.
MARINE CORPS ORDER P10120.28G ( or subsequent, Chapter 2)
DoDI 1338.18, “Armed Forces Clothing Monetary Allowance Procedures”
That said, the clothing allowance MCO would be your starting point. This lists the explicit purpose for the allowance/stipend and what it supposed to be used for, and in your case what it may not be used for.
MARINE CORPS ORDER P10120.28G ( or subsequent, Chapter 2)
DoDI 1338.18, “Armed Forces Clothing Monetary Allowance Procedures”
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MAJ Milan George
This is one area where the Army has it right and the Marines make it difficult! That doesn't happen too often so i'm going to run with it!
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
MAJ Milan George - It was the phrasing of his question. He asked where he could find the information (MCO & DoDI) as opposed to the information itself (not allowed). Both services have the same rule, we just say it in a slightly different way.
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MAJ Milan George
I know, i was using the opportunity to spread a little inter-service smack talk. The Army is pretty good at getting Soldiers any uniform items they need. The clothing allowance, as small as it is, usually goes towards "nice to have" equipment items.
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Maj John Bell
MAJ Milan George - I was stationed at Marine Barracks NSB Bangor. Whenever I had to go to Ft Lewis, I used to go to the disposal depot. In an hour the Co GySgt, my driver, and I could sign for dozens of BDU's and usually some gear that just needed a couple hours of creative maintenance and $5 worth of stuff from ACE hardware or the local fabric store to be serviceable. It got to the point that the Barracks supply Chief required his approval before we brought gear home unless he got another supply shed. The Navy gave us two retired rail cars and shelving. Cost to our budget $0.00.
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Your unit may not tell you to buy anything above and beyond your standard issue unless you lost it.
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