Posted on Feb 28, 2015
Can Soldiers be mandated to buy the new Physical Fitness Uniform now?
50.1K
156
105
7
7
0
The 1SG has mandated that all Soldiers within the Unit will buy the new uniform by May 1st.
Let me say that I do not personally mind buying it but can we mandate and give them a short suspense when the ARMY has already determined a wear out date?
I understand the you can always improve upon but not take away from but when it comes to expenses does this apply?
D. (U) THE WEAR OUT DATE FOR THE IPFU IS 30 SEP 17. THE MANDATORY POSSESSION DATE FOR THE APFU IS 1 OCT 17 (1QFY18).
ALARACT 209/2014
CSM Oldsen
Let me say that I do not personally mind buying it but can we mandate and give them a short suspense when the ARMY has already determined a wear out date?
I understand the you can always improve upon but not take away from but when it comes to expenses does this apply?
D. (U) THE WEAR OUT DATE FOR THE IPFU IS 30 SEP 17. THE MANDATORY POSSESSION DATE FOR THE APFU IS 1 OCT 17 (1QFY18).
ALARACT 209/2014
CSM Oldsen
Uniforms
Fitness
Leadership
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 40
1
1
0
I could see the senior NCO's getting them to show how tone ahead of the game.
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
Absolutely. I do know the sizes are better made for this uniform and people need to try them on before purchase.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I got it, you are asking a question that you know the answer to.....but it seems to me that you do mind getting the new uniform a little early.....makes me wonder if you have/wear your unit shirt on Division runs?
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
No CSM, I have my Unit shirt and have never waited for the wear out date on anything as I have been through multiple changes throughout the Military.
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
CSM, the issue I can see coming up isn't so much with our NCO's and officers, but the changes coming in the next year. Initial term Soldiers dont make as much in clothing allowance and this year both the IPFU and ACU are slotted for replacement. That isn't a big deal for mid-career and career soldiers who will make more due to pay scale and the higher allowance, but I can remember having to buy more soldiers their company T-Shirts on more than one occasion.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
As an acting 1SG, I would never mandate a Soldier to buy any uniform that is issued by the Army unless that Soldier destroyed government property. The Army puts forth regulations for a reason, to follow them! This 1SG has stepped out side his lane of authority and by mandating that Soldiers take money out of their own pockets should not be allowed.
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
I like the way you think MSG. That is my point of the discussion; taking care of the Soldiers who may not have the ability to manage that cost on a short suspense.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
Even if the 1SG was allowed to make this happen, good luck...I can't speak for other installations, but at Ft Bragg, these new uniforms are flying off the shelf as soon as they arrive. It took me 3 months to get a complete set, not too mention that having extra shorts/shirts is going to take some additional time.
The Army puts a timeline for clothing items in place for a reason and one of those is the time it takes to produce/ship personal wear items.
Before heading off to IG, I would bring these issues to your 1SG in a professional manner. I don't know the relationship you have with your 1SG, but, that's my recommendation.
The Army puts a timeline for clothing items in place for a reason and one of those is the time it takes to produce/ship personal wear items.
Before heading off to IG, I would bring these issues to your 1SG in a professional manner. I don't know the relationship you have with your 1SG, but, that's my recommendation.
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
I ordered mine on shopmyexchange. Still waiting for them to arrive. MCSS isn't the only official uniform source.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I can remember when the army switched from the grey sweats to the ipfu and we had to purchase the new uniforms ourselves. Just like bdu's. If they get worn out or dont fit anymore you have to buy new ones
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
As a fellow First Sergeant (at least for a couple more weeks), I would advise that 1SG that his duty in this case is to work through his supply sergeant to ensure that those items are ordered for all assigned personnel. Once the clothing arrives and is issued, the 1SG can require it to be worn in future formations.
Since this is a new item, it is to be expected that certain sizes will be more difficult to find. It may well be beyond May 1 before this can be issued to 100% of assigned personnel. He will also need to figure out how to handle newly assigned personnel.
He absolutely cannot dictate that personnel expend money on a clothing bag item.
Since this is a new item, it is to be expected that certain sizes will be more difficult to find. It may well be beyond May 1 before this can be issued to 100% of assigned personnel. He will also need to figure out how to handle newly assigned personnel.
He absolutely cannot dictate that personnel expend money on a clothing bag item.
(1)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
1SG, I don't believe the new uniforms are a supply item. They have to be purchased through clothing sales, and right now, as far as I know, there is no third party that can sell them yet. This will be on the Soldiers to purchase on their own.
I can't speak for Reserves/Guard that does not have access to a clothing sales.
I can't speak for Reserves/Guard that does not have access to a clothing sales.
(0)
(0)
1SG (Join to see)
I guess I don't know if AC and USAR have different rules, but in the USAR initial issue is ordered by the unit. If you receive a clothing allowance, I suppose a new APFU would be as good a place to spend it as any.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
It is like the uniforms before this, the Army issued a wear out date. You get a uniform allowance and will have them by then....pretty much mandatory but at least enlisted get a yearly uniform allowance.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I disagree with the mandating of troops to buy it. Lower enlisted generally get clothing allowances and such items to offset costs, Reservists get clothing issued to them. There is NO reason to push it.
Yeah, yeah...I get it. Uniformity means everything is the same. However, as long as it's an authorized uniform, there is going to be that transition time. Anybody remember having BDUs in the formation? Think people are gonna throw a tantrum when the Scorpion camo pattern ACU is issued?
If you have a Soldier that you think is having a hard time paying for it, I would advise the 1SG and explain to them the ALARACT. The intent is that Soldiers wear the OLD IPFU until the new uniform goes to hell. You can also advise him that the out-of-pocket cost for the summer and winterweight (one set only) is $160. I know...I purchased them.
v/r,
CPT Butler
Yeah, yeah...I get it. Uniformity means everything is the same. However, as long as it's an authorized uniform, there is going to be that transition time. Anybody remember having BDUs in the formation? Think people are gonna throw a tantrum when the Scorpion camo pattern ACU is issued?
If you have a Soldier that you think is having a hard time paying for it, I would advise the 1SG and explain to them the ALARACT. The intent is that Soldiers wear the OLD IPFU until the new uniform goes to hell. You can also advise him that the out-of-pocket cost for the summer and winterweight (one set only) is $160. I know...I purchased them.
v/r,
CPT Butler
(1)
(0)
CW3 (Join to see)
Reserve ENLISTED get clothing issued to them. Reserve OFFICERS get a one time clothing allowance upon appointment or commissioning. Not a yearly allowance.
(1)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Correct. My apologies. I had only been discussing enlisted as officers are always expected to buy their own uniforms.
V/R,
CPT Butler
V/R,
CPT Butler
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I am fascinated by the consensus of comments on this topic in contrast to the green vs. blue service uniform.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/asu-and-class-a-s
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/asu-and-class-a-s
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google