As a prior service member heading back to BCT, should I pre-purchase the awards I am authorized to wear and bring them with me?

Definitely suggest having a copy of your DD214 and/or orders. When I came back on active duty I had several DS patches, and the folks at the clothing issue sewed them on for me.

You trying to get that boy messed up.

I'd take a copy of my last DD-214 and any pertinent orders to BCT. If you crap out of BCT you won't have wasted the money. You can get what you're authorized to wear after you complete the training.

SGT Felicia King - can't disagree with that at all...but man I'd love to be there to watch the creative stuff their DS comes up with for him.

I had. Break in service of about 6 years and had to go back to basic a second time. My Drills INSISTED that I wear the awards that were on my DD-214, and there are regulations about it as well (so I’ve heard...). One of the other “trainees” was also prior service and had been to Drill Sergeant School. Yes, he wore his “This We’ll Defend” badge, along with the rest of his awards. And yes, the Drills expected, and got, more from us. It’s not like they had to teach us how to march or shoot! To pretend you are not as competent is wasting their time; they could be helping a person who truly hasn’t a clue instead of looking at you.

enlisted a guy from S. Korea. While in the S. Korean Army he successfully completed Ranger School as a foreign student. What are the pros and cons of him wearing his ranger tab to BCT?

MSG Clyde Mills - I have to agree with MSG Mills and, unfortunately, Maj Byron, SIR, in my experience, those who would give you that "unwanted" attention would most likely be those who most envy your position and standing as a prior service member, specially so, if you have combat medals/ribbons.

When I was in Basic Training, back in 1984, we had a prior duty VIETNAM VET in our platoon. Not only was he our hero! (that is to include hero to our Drill Sergeants as well!) but he became a true guide and de facto platoon leader who not only greatly assisted our DI's in reinforcing our combat training, with live, first hand experiences and techniques, but was an all-around military encyclopedia where we all could rely to get accurate and reliable information. And YES, HE WORE ALL OF HIS RIBBONS AND MEDALS to the pride of all of us!

Conversely, while in PLDC, after having participating in my first combat tour and PROUDLY WEARING MY COMBAT PATCH, I ran into a staff member, a SSG, who was adamant I take off my combat patch, to the point where he "ordered" me to take it off because, according to him, the rest of the class, who as of yet had no combat experience, were "uncomfortable" that I had one. The second time he "ordered" me to take off my patch, again to my refusal, he said that the Battalion's SGM had told him to have me take the patch off. I went to see our SGM, asked if this was in fact true, which was not. Not only did this SSG get a nasty reprimand but also got in really hot water with the SGM for relaying "orders" that were never given in first place and got him off of my back once and for all.

I do agree, though, that it is a good idea to have your DD214/215 handy, that is, turn it into your Company or Battalion's S-1 for them to have in their records, just in case you're challenged as I, and many others, have been.

But the fun that will ensue! Don't wear them and miss out on moments like that?? DOOEET!

RIF'd from the Marines in '69, Joined Army in 70. Spent 30 days in Fort Lewis Basic but not go through the training. Just slept with the recruits and spent the day in S-1 waiting for orders. Kept my time in Vietnam to myself and quietly disappeared one day with orders to Ft. Benning. Arrived at Benning in full dress uniform with Combat Action Ribbon and PH. Through them off as they had not seen a CAR. Recommend staying low key until your at AIT or duty station.

I would bring them, but would discuss it with your DS before putting them on your uniform.

SPC (Join to see) dude I went from HM2 USN three tours to SPC AL NG. Hell yeah I wore what I earned during Warriors Transition Course Ft. Sill, OK. Gave two yards what anyone thought.

.