Can the Army force you to buy new uniforms?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 19:50:49 -0400

I have a new squad leader and we did uniform inspections yesterday. I was told that the scuff marks on my boots made them unserviceable. My response was that I would clean them to remove the scuff marks. In response, he said that wouldn't be acceptable and that I will buy new ones. I understand that uniforms must be kept to standard and usually wouldn't have a problem with this. However, I will be ETSing in about two months and am trying to save and manage my money so that I at least have some form of safety cushion for when I get out. Also, what little clothing allowance I did received for the year has already been used on new ACUs and necessities for my ASU. Can I be forced to buy new boots and would you force your soldier to purchase high dollar items with only two months of service left?

Response by SFC Marc W. made Aug 31 at 2020 7:55 PM

SFC Marc W. — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 19:55:03 -0400

Do you only have 1 pair of boots?
Clean them to standard, if they can't be cleaned to standard, then go buy some at an off post surplus store to get cheap.

Response by SSG Jeff Furgerson made Aug 31 at 2020 8:12 PM

SSG Jeff Furgerson — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 20:12:15 -0400

The advice by SFC Marc Wagner below is solid, see if you can clean to standard or try to purchase a relatively priced pair from a store off post, the 2nd is going to be more of a challenge and that is to tactfully talk to your Squad leader and explain your financial situation and see if he will work with you, it is high job to ensure his soldiers meet the standard and even though you only have two months left , you can't expect your Squad Leader to lower the standards. I also have to ask if you have more than 1 pair of boots, I would imagine the thing your Squad leader cares about is the standards are met. On the bright side if you do end up getting another pair of boots unless things have changed you get to keep them , I still have my desert boots that I retired with 15 tears ago, lastly please do not get into a contest of wills with your Squad Leader he outranks you and can make your last two months very difficult if you don't do as he asks.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2020 8:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 20:16:11 -0400

I would like to know where your Squad Leader is finding that a scuff mark makes boots unserviceable. I found nothing in DA Pam/AR 670-1. You are required to have two pairs of boots, yes. So, if the unit is unable to issue you new boots, then you will need to buy them. Go to C&S and look for the boots that are the standard issue pattern boots. Those are usually the cheapest.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2020 8:19 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 20:19:13 -0400

You are mist maintain 2 pairs of boots, so if that pair is your only one then yes.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 31 at 2020 10:11 PM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 22:11:58 -0400

Ok, to be blunt? The amount of time that a soldier has left in is irrelevant as to how their uniform appears. You are in the army from the time you sign the contract to the time that you receive your DD214 and/or complete your irr/reserve time to complete your initial 8 years.

Now as to your boots, it depends on how bad and just how deep the scuff marks are on the boots. Most can be rehabilitated with a good, thorough clearning using KIWI boot cleaner and then follow it up with ordinary toothpaste for the more stubborn scuff, then reapply boot wax.

Your argument about your clothing allowance is irrelevant as the allowance is never enough to replace all your uniforms but there is still a standard. Sometimes you do have to dip into your own pocket for items of wear.

Try to talk to your SQL about the situation. If they are intractable then go up your chain of command. It IS what it is there for, to be utilized. Worse comes to worst you go to a surplus store and buy a cheap pair of standard issue boots and shine them up.

Short answer is yes, you can be forced to buy a new pair of boots but there are ways to delay this for a bit.

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made Aug 31 at 2020 11:08 PM

SFC(P) Jonathan P. — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 23:08:17 -0400

If needing “boots to standard” then see your supply guy have them issue you a set or order you a set. Don’t spend your money if your getting out soon. Besides why spend money on something you only going to wear for Teo more months to then most likely not wear them again. Most importantly have a conversation with your SL explain to him or her I the best way possible while being respectful. Wash those boots up and get them as good as you can and give it another shoot.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2020 11:19 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 23:19:36 -0400

I am a big where does it say that person so I would ask where in the regs does it say a scuff mark makes your work boots unservicable. They’re work boots. You’ve got to have another pair somewhere you can pull out. I am sorry that you have to deal with such a lack of empathy from your squad leader. Easily the Army’s biggest downfalls are the leadership and personnel management skills.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2020 1:08 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 01:08:27 -0400

Only a complete and utter tool would force a Soldier to buy a $100 uniform item two months prior to ETS. “I couldn’t find them in my size, Sergeant.”

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2020 1:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 01:17:25 -0400

Ask him to have your supply ADO you some boots. When they say no, tell them you need an MFR to DX them. By the time this fails, you should be on terminal leave.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Sep 1 at 2020 2:27 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 02:27:37 -0400

BLUF, Yes, your Squad leader can order you to replace your boots. Without seeing your boots, I cannot determine if they are unserviceable, but for him to really notice the scuff, it must be glaring. You are a Soldier until the day you sign out, have a DD214 in hand, and your terminal leave is over. Until then, you can be recalled at any time. Ever heard of a thing called stop loss. Anything can happen between now and your ETS date that would prevent you separating from the service - case in point, On November 10th 2001, no one thought anything would happen that would require our Military to act, 24 hours later, our entire world changed.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2020 2:57 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 02:57:24 -0400

Why do we treat our Soldiers like this? Unless your boots scuffs are scuffed to the point of holes on your boots then why? Especially if you only have two months left. I think a picture of the boots should be posted so we can see these scuffs. :[

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 1 at 2020 5:50 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 05:50:43 -0400

If your boots are unserviceable,?you have to get new ones. Clean them and ensure they aren’t scuffed, make sure the souls are not worn excessively and ask your NCO if they are good.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2020 6:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 06:59:57 -0400

Regardless if you are ETSing in a few months you are still Active Duty and currently serving, also IAW with the wear and appearance of the Military Uniform you must present a clean, neat and professional appearance at all times, is your Squad leader right, he is borderline, if you do clean your boots and get it free of scuff marks then it will be acceptable if not then yes it will make it unacceptable IAW regulation. You get Clothing allowance yearly, so there is no EXCUSE for you having unacceptable uniforms and boots.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 1 at 2020 7:41 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 07:41:39 -0400

You can find them at shoe stores, New Buck Suede Eraser. Takes scuffs out of rough leather

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Sep 1 at 2020 12:03 PM

SGT Robert Wager — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 12:03:35 -0400

Can you be forced to ___________? These questions always entertain me. Was the order lawful? If the answer to that question is yes, then yes you can be forced to do it. Now as to the other question as to if I would order someone with 60 days left in the Army to buy new boots, depends on the soldier.

If I had a soldier that was squared away and never gave me any problems, did what needed to be done even without being told, uniform and appearance always beyond the standards, heck no I would let Snuffy skate his last 60 days. On the other hand, if I had a soldier that always looked like his uniform was just drug out of a duffel bag, needed to constantly be told to get a hair cut, had to be told to do every minute detail of a task, could not be counted on for anything, and I was constantly writing counseling statements on? Yeah, I would make him buy a pair of boots a couple of months before his ETS date.

So in answer to your question, which soldier are you?

Response by Sgt Jordan Foster made Sep 1 at 2020 5:16 PM

Sgt Jordan Foster — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 17:16:42 -0400

I get you don’t want new boots. But two maybe three years from now you will pull everything out of the bag knock the dust off and be pissed those are the only boots you have to look at for the rest of your life. Buying new boots is temporary just spend the money and set the example.

Response by CW2 Kameron Read made Sep 1 at 2020 6:39 PM

CW2 Kameron Read — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 18:39:16 -0400

Another answer if you are still looking for one. I am assuming you are in Korea based off the tag on your post. That place is famous for rigid and thoughtless leadership that bases everything off of a “blue book”. The best answer is don’t worry about it. Your leadership does not have the time to chase down trial services or CIF to get you for only having one pair of boots. Your squad leader probably won’t follow up with a reinspection, and probably didn’t document your uniform deficiency in a counseling statement. Don’t spend money on anything except getting yourself ready for civilian life. If your leadership is so concerned with your readiness, they would have procured some boots for you, at least for the inspection.

Response by CDR Michael Barrett made Sep 1 at 2020 8:34 PM

CDR Michael Barrett — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 20:34:58 -0400

Hard to answer that. If you were getting out in two weeks should you be required to get a haircut if not in standards?

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Sep 2 at 2020 9:24 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 09:24:57 -0400

Is there someone you know that will let you "borrow" a newer pair for a few weeks? Or is there somewhere nearby where you might be able to find a good used pair?
Most importantly, don't let this become a big issue. You want to leave on a positive note. Explain to your Squad Leader that you are trying to find a cost effective solution but may need a little time to come up with something. In the mean time, scrub you old ones as best as you can to show effort.
As for the question of "would I force a SM who is short to buy a brand new pair of boots?". Not in a million years.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2020 5:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 17:15:17 -0400

Tell that douche your order is in with supply already and he can take up all that buying shit with them

Response by SPC Carmen H Ramirez made Oct 12 at 2020 10:48 PM

SPC Carmen H Ramirez — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 22:48:46 -0400

YES!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2021 12:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 12:50:17 -0400

Check your local Walmart near post. They have boots there that meet AR 670-1 standards $44 plus tax.