Can the National Guard refuse to allow soldiers to wear OCP uniforms simply because they haven't been issued to them yet?

2015-09-16T09:27:00-04:00

I was out at FT Lewis, and got the new OCP. My readiness NCO at WIARNG told me it was not an authorized uniform and made me change. He made a very public display. He also said the NG was not active duty and the rules for July 1 didn't apply. Is it possible the WI ARNG can deny an authorized army uniform?

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 9:31 AM

2015-09-16T09:31:00-04:00

I'm NY ang and we were told its not authorized until we get it issued in a year or so with the exception of those who are issued the new uniform in bct. Your coc should have or be issuing a memorandum saying so.

Response by SPC Will Keller made Sep 16 at 2015 2:43 PM

2015-09-16T14:43:40-04:00

If you're issued them then you should be able to wear it. The SMA stated nobody was to be forced to buy them and people were allowed to mix and match. However without having the SMA in your immediate COC. I'd keep wearing ACUs.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 2:49 PM

2015-09-16T14:49:10-04:00

The 01JUL date applies to the Entire Army. Your CoC cannot cherry pick a clearly defined ALARACT for their own purposes. Show your RNCO the further guidance from the SMA stating its authourzed for everyone from 01JUL on. No exceptions

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 3:07 PM

2015-09-16T15:07:26-04:00

Here is a good accessible copy of the ALARACT. You can courteously inform your readiness NCO that he is not in compliance with DA orders. They cannot require you to purchase OCP, but you are authorized to wear it.

"2. (U) DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD, SOLDIERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO WEAR ANY OF THE THREE CAMOUFLAGE PATTERNS OF THE ACU (UNIVERSAL CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN, AND THE OPERATIONAL CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN). "

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 4:17 PM

2015-09-16T16:17:56-04:00

It's authorized he's incorrect I just had this happen this past weekend 6 soldiers in my section showed up in multicam our 1SGT had no issues with it and our SGM didn't even take a second look

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-09-16T20:23:38-04:00

It would be more accurate to ask if your readiness NCO can ban the uniform, because many WIARNG soldiers are wearing it already.
Anyway this sounds like an unfortunate display of unprofessionalism on his part, and I'm sorry that this is how you got introduced to the WIARNG.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-09-17T12:07:06-04:00

Your Readiness NCO is incorrect. Next time your Readiness NCO says something, hand them the ALARACT from the SMA.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 11:37 PM

2015-09-18T23:37:38-04:00

The big question for me would be "do you have all the correct patches & accessories?" If you're using ACU patches or coloring old patches with highlighters or something, then the answer would be wait until you can do it right.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-09-30T12:15:37-04:00

It should not have become a public display, but if the state has not been authorized the wearing of the uniform the readiness NCO is correct in having you to change.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-10-01T09:38:52-04:00

I am an E5 in the WIARNG. We have soldiers that are coming back from AIT with OCP's . They are authorized to wear them because that is the only issue that they have. Your readiness NCO cannot make that dictation. At JFHQ in Madison they are required to wear the OCP or Multi-Cam pattern.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 7:22 PM

2015-10-17T19:22:41-04:00

Where is your First Sergeant in all of this?

As a 1SG myself, my eye twitched just a bit when I saw the mixed uniforms in the formation, but I got over it pretty quick. It is what it is - change is here!

In terms of what your RNCO said and how he acted, just keep in mind there are good things and bad things you learn from everyone. Just don't repeat the bad things and you'll be fine.