Are service members mandated to buy items that should be Unit Issued?

SSgt Scott Schwerman — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 07:09:37 -0500

Is there a MCO or something that states that a service member is not mandated to purchase items outside of their standard uniforms or issued gear? I.e. flak patches, mechanix style gloves, etc.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 28 at 2018 7:29 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 07:29:31 -0500

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.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 28 at 2018 8:25 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 08:25:11 -0500

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”

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2018 10:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 10:35:47 -0500

After multiple issues of these items, and sm can’t keep up with them I tell them to go buy it.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Dec 29 at 2018 3:35 PM

SSgt Dan Montague — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 15:35:08 -0500

Your unit may not tell you to buy anything above and beyond your standard issue unless you lost it.