ASU and Class A's

MSG Martinis Butler — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 00:13:50 -0500

What would be your perception of an NCO with 5+ years sponsoring his Soldier to the promotion board and still wearing Class A's? Should you really be hearing the excuse about the wear out date?

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 23 at 2013 12:15 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 00:15:53 -0500

Doesn't take initiative.

Shouldn't be hearing the excuse from an NCO with Soldiers.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 7:17 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 07:17:41 -0500

SFC Butler,

I agree seeing an NCO like that still wearing the greens bugs me a little. We have all known for a very long time that the uniform was going to change. Waiting until the very last second to change them is the wrong answer. I just saw pictures the other day from one of my battles combined ALC/SLC graduation and there were E7s still wearing the greens and E5s in the new ASUs. Sort of looks to me like people are putting in the bare minimum.

To add to that I see an issue coming around the corner when it is one month prior to the dress greens wear out date and a bunch of NCOs are going to start complaining that they don't have the money to buy an entire new uniform and it is unfair. Move out of the way and let that SPC that bought his ASUs the day the came out and has been biting at the chance for your job. If you want to half a** it someone else will 110% it for sure.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 7:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 07:25:35 -0500

<font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">

</font><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Calibri">Great example of excused based leadership vs. responsibility
based leadership.</font></p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">

</font>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 8:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 08:22:08 -0500

I would be extremely embarrassed for him. Doesn't lead from the front. No excuse at all.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 9:27 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 09:27:30 -0500

<p>There is no justification for a Senior NCO that has not purchased the ASU.  The 'official announcement' of the change was made in ALARACT 099-2011, dated 16 MAR 2011, but we have known it was coming since 2009.  Yes, they are expensive but this is something you plan for and, if necessary, save $20 or $30 a month until you have enough money.  I am not going to mention the clothing allowance because I don't want to get into the debate on whether that should be strictly for replacement of worn out equipment vs. purchase of completely new requirements (although I will refer you to AR 700-84, par 4-3 which states "for the cost of replacement AND PURCHASE OF NEW ITEMS").  Bottom line:  Senior NCOs and Officers (yes, I've seen a few CPTs and MAJs running around in greens) have no excuse.</p><p>I have had to purchase new PTs, ASUs, and ACUs all out of pocket over the past thirteen years to the tune of well over a thousand bucks.  Yes, it sucks . . . now quit whining and go buy it! :)</p>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 10:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 10:53:27 -0500

I wouldn't take the NCO/Soldier to the board if they showed up in Greens. The uniform is the first thing people see when you walk in that room, if you want to make a good impression show up in the updated uniform, which shows you are paying attention. IMHO, If you represent yourself in the old uniform it says that you cant manage your money (to include your annual clothing allowance) well enough to get the new one, or that you just don't care.

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Dec 23 at 2013 11:08 AM

Jordan Gaudard — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 11:08:35 -0500

As a platoon sergeant I know who in my platoon has greens and who has ASUs.  When I select a SPC to go to the promotion board if they have ASUs, the NCO will have ASUs.  If they have greens, the NCO will have greens.  They are still authorized and you cannot fault them for that.  When I was at my SGT board I had ASUs and a lot of others had greens.  The CSM straight up asked everyone why they didn't have ASUs.  A question I got to dodge because I was in ASUs.  The only thing that bothers me is when one person is wearing something and someone else is not.  Pay day activities is the worst and I do want everyone to get ASUs.<div><br></div>

Response by Capt Jason Minnich made Dec 23 at 2013 11:22 AM

Capt Jason Minnich — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 11:22:57 -0500

Allow me to propose a different angle. Uniforms have changed a LOT lately. If a particular uniform is still valid, I don't see it as simply meeting the standard, I see it as not needlessly changing to the new uniform before one has to, considering there might be another "new" uniform out before the previous one is obsolete.

My experience, albeit in a different service, was if you changed too quickly you were looked down on for embracing change. Specifically, I was in pilot training when ABU's were introduced. They had approved the wear of ABU boots with flight suits, so rather than have to polish my boots every time I scuff the heck out of them in the trainers, I switched to the new boots. I was then counseled that I should wear the boots because it was what they were used to and they didn't like that new pilot trainees wouldn't have to spend the time to keep their boots polished. I asked if they were creating a policy to that effect, they said they didn't want to put anything in writing because it would be shot down by Jag, to which I responded if this isn't a policy, and I am wearing a valid uniform item, why are you trying to make things harder when its already a rigorous program? They eventually caved, I wore my boots and so did many other students and instructors going forward. I made a choice to change, and I did so against the tide, my reasons were my reasons and if people wanted to get upset with me for doing it I'm glad they came to me but I wasn't going to change my decision because someone wanted me to, I would have done it because someone ordered me to.

Sure, I might not have made friends that day, but the standard is THE STANDARD! If you want to change the standard, by all means implement a policy and do that, but if you aren't willing to put it in writing then don't hold someone to it. I find it hard to say someone doesn't take initiative based solely on their choice to continue wearing what they are authorized to wear. Maybe it is something different between services, but when we made the switch from BDU to ABU I saw plenty of people wear BDUs up to the switch date because there was already rumors of switching again to the ACU. That hasn't happened, and those that stuck it out did switch when they needed to, but there are many reasons this person could have made that choice, and I don't see how people can judge their leadership, initiative, or character based solely on following the rules.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 11:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 11:24:16 -0500

Embarrassment. They had better come with a better reason than the wear out date.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 12:54 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 12:54:15 -0500

I would keep the perception in the back of my mind and never forget. In most cases, I believe outstanding leaders will stay abreast of changes, regardless of a wear-out date.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 5:08 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 17:08:20 -0500

My perception would be my response: "That is not the uniform of someone who gets promoted ahead of their peers."
Then I would proceed to ignore him and board the Soldier. Some awesome Soldiers grew up under shoddy leaders.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 9:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 21:51:11 -0500

Yes, by all rights that NCO can stick to the 'wear-out' date prescribed but on the other hand what does it say for a leader who plans on staying in to still have the Class A greens? When you go on recruiting duty you get issued a set of ASU's because you are the 1st representation of the army to the young kids out there. I believe that if you're a drill sergeant you issued a set too (Im not too sure however). If you want to set yourself apart from your peers and be an example then swallow your and shell out the 500 or so dollars and purchase them....you're going to have to do it at some point or another anyhow. Lastly, there should be no reason you shouldn't have ASU's when every soldier coming out of IET are issued them. It doesnt look good on you if your soldiers are on par and you are not.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2013 11:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 11:10:32 -0500

Absolutely not battle...NCO's lead from the front and set the standard for others to follow. We are the backbone and should have zero excuses. Every year every soldier receives a clothing allowance that that individual could have easily applied towards his/her's ASU's.

Response by SGM Steven Richards made Dec 24 at 2013 11:19 AM

SGM Steven Richards — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 11:19:12 -0500

While NCOs are still authorized to wear the Class A uniform, it does send a signal.  As our Nations Army continues to downsize we are looking to retain those that are best qualified not just fully qualified. We are going to ask a great many fully qualified Soldiers who have performed successfully to go home. Purchasing the ASU not only sets an example for your peers and subordinates but also tells a promotion board that you have bought into the Army as a Career and are doing everything in your power to advance your career.  When your record goes in front of a Senior Promotion board every little thing adds up and I can personally tell you that a DA photo in the ASU really stands out compared to the Class A uniform.  

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 24 at 2013 11:22 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 11:22:45 -0500

If your excuse is the wear out date, then we should also be talking about your ETS date.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2013 4:24 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 16:24:48 -0500

I don't think you can really. I personally judge, but professionally, it's no different than the PT test. A score of 180 is passing and you can't really knock someone for scoring a 181 because they've met the standard. Sadly with this, it's the same. Until the wearout date, you really can't say hey what a dirt bag.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2013 8:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:03:36 -0500

I am not complaining by any means because I do believe that the ASU looks more professional than the Class A uniform. But hey I went out and spent $400 on the uniform alone. And I have a similar story to yours SFC Butler; my husband was on CQ earlier this week and during DONSAs/ weekends his unit is to wear Class B ASU uniform because we were told the wear out date was Fiscal Year 2014 which started on October 1st. Well my husband calls me after he got there in his ASU to tell me that his NCO was not in that uniform and her excuse as well was that she did not have the uniform yet. I just do not understand how people can even use that as an excuse.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 6:17 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 18:17:31 -0500

I think there should be no excuse. If you're an NCO with more than 4 years on Active duty you have received a substantial clothing allowance each year (Maxed after 4 years). Now we all know that rarely is the clothing allowance spent on military clothing. It seems that Soldiers buy the uniforms they like or want. Do you remember when the ACUs first came out? Soldiers were happy to spend the money to not polish boots and press uniforms.

Bottom-line: Any self respecting NCO should make the investment to purchase a good ASU and set the example.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 7:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 19:01:14 -0500

SFC B, an Active duty E5 that will continue his military service, IMO, should have the ASUs, I mean we do get that glorious clothing allowance that covers the cost of service stripes-jk) . The wear out date thing for me is normally an excuse to cover the fcat that it may not be in the budget for them right now or they haven't had time to go purchase the new uniform. But if the E5 will be ETS in say 6 months or so, then I can't fault him or her for not getting the new ASUs at all.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 11 at 2014 10:45 PM

SFC James Baber — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:45:01 -0500

I think this is a good thread for those we are trying to get to join can see the substance of some things we discuss between us as current and former military, soft spoken as well as informational and mentoring types of postings.

We also have fun at times while remaining professional.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2014 1:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 01:18:33 -0500

I have to ask, why does everyone assume that, just because an NCO wears their class A uniform, that they do not own the ASU uniform?  This seems to be the common response, and I actually find it a little disappointing.  The uniform wear out date for the Class A is coming up fast, and some NCOs (especially senior NCOs) might want to respect the traditional uniform from when they joined the Army while they still can.  I saw this same thing with the wear out of the BDU, where Soldiers were given a hard time for not wearing the ACU until the wear out date.<div><br></div><div>This came up in a discussion at my unit about SFCs and SSGs attending SLC and the STRONG recommendation for them to purchase the ASU for graduation if they haven't done so already.  There were a wide range of arguments for this: it shows a lack of motivation; it reflects poorly on the unit; what kind of NCO doesn't want to lead from the front; they shouldn't be so lazy; it sets a bad example; etc.  But what if that senior NCO who is setting a 'bad' example by justifying wearing the Class A uniform with the fact that we haven't hit the wear out date yet, simply because it is authorized and he/she doesn't have the time to have a full discussion about it.  I know I personally spent a lot out of pocket to purchase the "nicer" and more expensive Class A uniform items.  I also have had a set of Dress Blues since LONG before the ASU was ever talked about, and I converted them to ASU almost right away.  What if I wanted to wear my Class A uniform to one last official function, simply for the ability to wear it one final time?  Is that sending the wrong message?  Am I then setting a bad example?  I thought this military was based on traditions.  I don't see this as any different than maintaining a tradition while it is still authorized.  If it is authorized, why do we as leaders jump to conclusions and assume it is because someone is too cheap/lazy/unmotivated to purchase the ASU?  Seeing someone in the Class A uniform does not mean they do not own the ASU and/or have not updated their DA photo to one with the ASU, so why jump to those conclusions, especially if we are not in that Soldier's chain of command or NCO support channel?</div><div><br></div><div>You ask if we should really be hearing the excuse about the wear out date, when I think the more appropriate response should be why do we criticize a Soldier for doing something that is 100% okay in the first place?</div>

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Mar 8 at 2014 12:08 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:08:05 -0500

The green service uniform is equivalent to the blue service uniform. Should I also disregard a soldier's M-16A2 qualification since we now have M-4s? New does not mean better, and old does not mean obsolete. The adoption of the ASU is supposed to be a cost saving measure, and replacing a perfectly serviceable uniform prior to the wear out date is wasteful.<br><br>We were warned with the implementation of the ASU that soldiers would appear in a mix of uniforms. I simply cannot understand why leaders are so offended by green.<br>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2014 9:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 21:42:24 -0500

if you had sideburns previously, have you trimmed them up in preparation for the new requirements? Not quite the same, but it does balance out authorizations versus requirements. Why can't Class A's mean something to a person other than the cost to replace them with ASU's? The uniform may be a bit dated but is still authorized with current regulation. In contrast, Blue's are even older if not the current variation of them. 

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2014 10:05 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 22:05:01 -0500

Since it has been almost 8 years since they originally said we were going to this uniform there is absolutely no excuse for a leader to still be hanging onto the past. This is why you are given a clothing allowance not for a new X-Box 360.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 9 at 2014 6:45 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 18:45:05 -0400

The answer is UCDPP with a $500 limit and its of course tax and interest free. A SM can buy the entire ASU package and pay $50 a month until its paid off. This can be found at the Clothing and Sale store. I believe this program is automatic or you don't need awesome credit to get it. I purchased mine with my clothing money they way it is supposed to be done. I wanted to set the standard and be the standard when it wasn't a requirement. I strongly suggest SMs start buying the ASUs.

Response by SSG Christopher Settembrino made Mar 10 at 2014 9:36 AM

SSG Christopher Settembrino — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 09:36:55 -0400

There shouldn't be any excuse about the wear out date. Every enlisted soldier gets a clothing allowance. That is what it is used for, clothing! And if a soldier is not managing their money well enough to put money away to purchase the ASU's then they obviouly don't know how to handle their personal affairs. Once the change came out I made sure that my next clothing allowance was used to purchase and set up my ASU's. I don't understand how that is so hard to do especially for some of our senior leadership.

Response by SFC Martez Richmond made Mar 10 at 2014 1:44 PM

SFC Martez Richmond — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:44:26 -0400

My perception of an NCO with a sufficient amount of time in the military that does not have ASU's is one that does not care about his career. To me he is not a leader because he only achieves the bare minimum by waiting for the wear out date. He is not setting the right example to his subordinate that he is sponsoring to the board and furthermore I would be embarrassed to appear before a board and sponsor my soldier wearing Class A's and my soldier is wearing ASU's. He could have some money issues, maybe but there are ways around it. I would most likely rate this NCO unsatisfactory in his duty performance.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 1:32 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 01:32:19 -0400

I would not let the Sponsor wear Class As, I feel that it could possibly have a negative impact on the outcome of the board for the Soldier, I am not saying that it is right, but it is reality.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 3:36 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 03:36:04 -0400

My Opinion (disclaimer for those that wait to pounce),

I purchased my ASUs as soon as they hit clothing sales. I would encourage anyone that is going to take a DA photo to do the same. I believe that your board file makes or breaks your promotion chances. Board members get into a mindset of what a Soldier that wants to get promoted looks like. I sat on a digital E-7 promotion board, and the difference in the photos with greens and ASUs was like night and day. I do feel that leaders should take into account the rank of the Soldier. Junior enlisted Soldiers and junior NCOs should be given some latitude.

If I was set to retire before the wear out date, ok got it. If you have any years left, my recommendation is to get them to be competitive with your peers. I watched a MSG in a previous unit wear BDUs until the day she PCSd. It was a two star command. When we were together collectively, for any reason, she stood out like a sore thumb. I was a SFC at the time, and made the mistake of wearing BDUs in the first week of being assigned to the unit. My boss at the time was a LTC and he called me into his office for a conversation about my highly pressed BDUs and polished boots. Needless to say, the thrift shop on base was on the list of places to visit that week.

Again, just my opinion. If my peers decide to wear greens in their DA photo, I am good with that. Board members form their own perception of what today's Soldier should look like. Look out for your career.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 12:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 12:02:17 -0400

Bottom line, regardless of the wear-out date, if you're going to continue to wear Class A's instead of switching over to ASU's, just know that you're going to be perceived differently from everyone else. When your unit as a whole for whatever reason has to wear the dress uniform and you're the only person still wearing Class A's, from the outside looking in you're just going to be referred to as "that guy".

Response by MSG Giovani DeJesus made Mar 12 at 2014 7:37 PM

MSG Giovani DeJesus — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 19:37:38 -0400

First let me start out saying that it would be nice if all Soldiers took pride and purchased the new uniform, we all would like that, but in saying that....I thought Leaders, especially NCO's, since it's in our creed are suppose to treat Soldiers FAIR and IMPARTIAL. It sounds cool to puff your chest out and say "I wouldn't send the Soldier to the board" or "I'd make the Soldier go out and buy the uniform", you have to be fair and impartial. A wear out date has been set for the 4th QTR of 2014, so any day before that the Soldier is within regulation, yes I said regulation; you know "<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15 [login to see] 69727px;">a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority." so if you're not upholding the regulation then what's the sense of having one? You have to think and be smart about this, because if you deny a Soldier anything because they don't have the new uniform, that's an IG complaint all day every day, you can not treat that Soldier any other way than fair and impartial. Does it say something about the Soldier.....maybe, but how will you justify denying a Soldier anything when there is a wear out date in writing, all they have to do is refer back to that. I know a lot will not like what I said, but please let me know how will you defend your actions when legally you can't. I'm open to a mature discussion, I've seen some of these post get out of hand in the past.</span>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 12:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 12:08:16 -0400

I honestly don't think that Soldiers, regardless of rank or position, should be pressured into purchasing a new dress uniform just because it is "authorized" for wear. Furthermore, choosing to maintain the Class A uniform over ASUs has no bearing on a Leader's ability to lead. Leaders are charged with upholding standards as well as training and leading. As long as the Clsss A uniform is maintained IAW AR 670-1, then he/she is in fact setting the standard. For those that think having ASUs is a requirement for "adding to, but not taking away from", I believe those personnel should reread the regulation. By saying that those that do not have ASUs don't care about their careers is like saying that the published standards are not good enough.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 13 at 2014 1:19 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 13:19:20 -0400

I was once active duty. Here is my question. Apaarently the cost of the new ASU's are not covered in the colthing allowance. At the wear out date is the army going to give the X amount of money of going and purchase the new ASU's in that clothing allowance drop for that year? if not can you not go to CIF and turn in the old Greens and request a new set of ASU's?

I am in the National Guard and will be promoted soon. I turned in My greens When I ETS'd and when I returned to service, because I didn't have to go to basic and get the issue of the new ASU's, My unit said that they would have to order them. Well I have since transfered to a new unit. We don't get a clothing allowance. So I have asked several time and the guard doesn't have the moneies to order the new ASU. So am I supposed to take from the mouth of my family and go an purchase this uniform that apparently cost 500 or more dollars. Thats half a paycheck and now where NEAR a drill check to go and drop this on an ASU uniform complete. I have 14 yrs of service, does that make me less of a leader to say I can't afford to get them and not have them at all?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 4:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:16:20 -0400

if the NCO is retiring or separating from the Army before the mandatory date, there should be no reason for them to go thru the extra expense, on the other hand, if you are making the Army a career, there is no reason to use the excuse about the wear out date

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 9:25 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 09:25:06 -0400

It's within regs so they have the right to do it. With that said, just like a 180 APFT score, there's what I have to accept, and what I respect. It's been 6 years since ASUs were introduced, if you haven't updated, I will have a lesser opinion of you and you make your unit look shabby when in a group.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2014 10:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 May 2014 22:20:35 -0400

I picked up my ASU for 75 bucks on E-Bay. Folks are always getting out of the military and this uniform is plentiful on the secondary market if one is patient.

Response by MSG Martinis Butler made May 4 at 2014 2:55 AM

MSG Martinis Butler — Sun, 04 May 2014 02:55:28 -0400

Would that be fair if an individual is dismissed from the promotion board because he or she still has Class A's on at the board? Would you think they are not displaying initiative by not buying ASU's?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2014 4:12 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 16:12:08 -0500

I think the wear-out date is the wear-out date. It is authorized.
Now if the board published guidance that the uniform of the day was ASUs ONLY, that is a whole 'nother story.
If I had this happen, I'd hope that the Soldier was coached up on responding to the inevitable questions that will come. If he handles it adroitly, he'd be OK. If not, well... better luck next time, Hoss.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2014 12:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 00:06:55 -0500

To me it's all about supporting the Army's decision on where they want us to be. Whether we like it or not.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Dec 25 at 2014 12:23 AM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 00:23:26 -0500

I guess I'm missing something here. I would not have a perception of the NCO for wearing a uniform that is still authorized. Personally, the purpose of the NCO being there is for sponsorship of the soldier being considered for promotion... that should be the focus of the board. As long as they are wearing the uniform correctly and it is serviceable I fail to see the issue here. I would submit that when we start taking time away from the ALARACT then we place undue burden on soldiers due to individual bias. Let the timeline weork.

With that said, I had my polyester greens in 86 (3rd year) and blues by 90 (just under my 7th)... However, I could afford it. I just wanted to look my best; however, many of my brothers that didn't were just as fine NCOs... The uniform didn't make the NCO.

Response by SGT Chris Hill made Dec 26 at 2015 11:45 AM

SGT Chris Hill — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 11:45:44 -0500

Hearing the excuse of the wear out date? Isn't that established by someone with much higher rank than anyone we serve with? Thats the type of loopholes that pisses people off, if the big army says your soldiers have this long to wear a uniform, then follow that guideline.