Can I be ordered to buy things?

I think it has been said enough, but I'm going to say it again. Not the hill to die on. ID tags cost about as much as a bottle of Pepsi. If it were an expensive bag, pouch, head lamp, knife, belt, etc. I could see making a stink about it.

First question, they should have given you two if the requirement was two. However, if the unit doesn't have access to a tag maker (like 2SCR in Germany in 2006), the question becomes whether or not you're gonna go down swinging and be known as "that guy" over $2.00.

Second question, if you are being irresponsible with your annual clothing allowance and cannot prove that you have been a good steward of the tax payer dollar, the unit can pretty much do corrective training as they see fit, within reason. If they actually told you 10 pairs of boots, I'd go to inspector general, but likelihood is that you were exaggerating on that part.

Pick a hill to die on. Make sure it's a good place to leave your corpse!

Can they order you to purchase something not required/issued by Uncle Sam? Probably, depending on circumstance/needs of the Service, etc. Do you REALLY want to paint a target on yourself over a $2 item though? If it were $200, then sure, raise hell (I would have). Don't piss away a good reputation as a dependable Soldier over chump change. As you progress into NCO status, there will be tons of things you'll be asked to "ante up" for. Those aren't mandatory either but you'll sure see your life become a lot harder if you don't participate.

I'd contact my S3 or S1 shops. I'd almost bet a beer there is a tag machine somewhere in the Battalion they could make the tags at no cost to you. We used to get blanks by the thousands and made new tags just because we could in my old Squadrons.

I am a firm believer of not buying anything that the army can. I would tell all of my soldiers that too, especially when they wanted new things (rucks, etc) if they would actually use it on their own time then go for it, but dont spend money on the army.

Now, something as little and cheap as dog tags, eh I personally would do it. But then you set the precedence of buying stuff.

I would ask S1 if they have a machine, or to point you in the right direction of who does.

As I have always understood it, officers may be ordered to purchase whatever is needed for their service, but if the Army wants an enlisted soldier to have an item, then they must issue it to him.

From one E4 to another What's the big deal.
It's a time n place to look like Joe ragnar for example Graf but in garrison if your not in motor pool rock a new uniform and boots .

Have never heard of something so outrageous!!!

Are you being serious about 10 pairs of boots and a new monthly uniform? Is this about having a parade uniform that keeps getting dirty because you head to the motorpool after inspection.

As was mentioned, you can inquire with S1 about how/where your installation makes tags. Perhaps there is an implied task here. They are focusing on the desired end state and expecting you to figure out and decide how to get there. Your support channel may have simply told you the easiest and most direct route.

All of you folks saying the unit will give you dog tags are blowing my mind... because I was never issued more than one pair, and somehow was told I needed a good number more at various times, and I had to buy each of them.