Can a unit (position doesn't really matter for this) force SM's to purchase specific items?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 08:24:38 -0400

Here's the question(s) more in depth. Someone approached me about this, their unit has routine "A&B bag" inspections. A new list just came out. There are certain items on this list that typically come from the Unit Supply Clerk, such as "engineer tape" and "100mph tape", but there are other items listed such as "wrist watch" or "knife/multitool". Aside from the OCIE on the list, it was announced that the unit supply would NOT be providing ANY of these items. It was stated that all members of the unit will purchase any item (outside of OCIE) that is on the list that they do not currently possess. I cannot find for the life of me which (if any) regulation covers this. I've seen several other posts about forcing the purchase of jump boots, or similar uniform items, but those are uniform items and fall into a difference category....Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Sep 13 at 2018 9:54 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 09:54:07 -0400

Unless something has changed drastically, There are NSNs for both and they are available through the system.
We used to have wrist watches in supply so Soldiers could sign them out for WLC, and BNCOC and also for reconnaissance missions. We also had pocket knives, however they were authorized as part of our MTOE in the Carpenter, Plumber, and Electricians tool boxes. They were highly pilferable items and a pain in the keester to keep accountability of. They were Statement of Charges and later FLIPL generating little units. I will dig up the NSNs and post latter.
Sometimes commands do things out of ignorance, perhaps not knowing things are available through the system, laziness and not wanting to have to maintain accountability of such small pilferable items or occasionally out of lack of experience.
My experience and practice was that if we couldn't get it through the system then it didn't go on the mandatory list but the recommended list.
Think of this though....
Without a wrist watch, pocket watch or other old school time keeping device how will your troops be on time for formations, make LDs or give accurate SALUTE reports if there isn't power available to charge the cell phones which everyone now uses to keep time.
Give me a pocket knife or a hatchet and I can mark trails, build shelter, disrupt commo and generally survive for an extended period of time nearly anywhere that there's water.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2018 2:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 14:12:02 -0400

Since I've been in the Guard, I've been issued multi-tools and they're on the list of things I don't have to turn in.

Things like engineer tape, 100mph tape, etc have always been supplied by the unit whether I was Active or Guard. That type of thing is always in the range boxes or part of a vehicle inventory or something.

Usually when a unit can't/won't issue basic items like tape, there's a mismanagement of funds somewhere.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 13 at 2018 2:27 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 14:27:52 -0400

What did your Supply SGT say?

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Sep 13 at 2018 7:01 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 19:01:19 -0400