Do reserve units provide initial issue to prior service?

SPC Jason Mann — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 09:35:53 -0500

I recently went to a reserve unit from being on active (years ago) last time I was in uniform I was in BDUS, Do I get another "initial issue" or does the responsibility of getting my dress uniform and the rest of the issue rely on me? I've read different things. I know the unit is getting my ACU/boots/cold weather gear, when they get my paperwork straight.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 9:46 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 09:46:48 -0500

I think it depends on your unit. I know that my unit does provide INitial Issue to soldiers who reenlist into our BN (Civil Affairs BN). That includes a soldiers' TA-50 or whatever we call the pile of crap they make us lug around. It may be more of a funding issue for most units, though.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 16 at 2015 9:51 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 09:51:47 -0500

I know everyone I know that has had a break in service has been given a full initial issue when coming back to the Guard/Reserves.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Dec 16 at 2015 9:58 AM

SGT Lawrence Corser — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 09:58:06 -0500

not most times in my observations, they might hook them up with one uniform

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 10:17 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 10:17:22 -0500

Not in my unit. But they need to give you needed TA-50 ofcourse.
Also if they are cool, they will give you some... it might take some tome though.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 10:28 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 10:28:50 -0500

Yes, you will receive another basic issue. When you get that issue is another discussion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 10:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 10:57:09 -0500

Your unit should do an initial issue provided that you turned in your gear prior to eatingactive duty. Get with your supply sgt.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 11:07 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 11:07:15 -0500

You should get a supplemental issue. Stay on your S4, because all the paperwork is a lot of work. If you have an AGR supply SGT, they should know how to do it. It is a pain in the ass, so they will avoid it at all costs. Keep at it, and you will get what you need. TA-50 will be issued with CiFsm. They will do the paperwork, and your gear will be shipped to your unit. You will then sign for it and keep it until you get out.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 11:09 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 11:09:03 -0500

If the supply SGT doesn't take care of you, get your NCO support channel and chain of command involved.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 11:09 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 11:09:45 -0500

Yes, you will get a full basic issue.
In my experience, the best and most expedient way to accomplish this is to go to CIF on an appointment. It is a pain to travel, but it is worth it to not have to wait months for the system to get around to mailing you enough piecemeal items to cobble together what you need to be in uniform to train. If your unit is on it's game, they should give you orders and reimburse the travel through DTS.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 2:27 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 14:27:21 -0500

Yes, you will get a basic issue. Keep in mind things tend to move slowly. The BN S-4 and your unit administrator should be able to get things moving by ordering through the system. Good luck!

Response by SSG Clarence Blackburn made Dec 16 at 2015 3:48 PM

SSG Clarence Blackburn — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 15:48:03 -0500

You should get all you issue including your Army Service Uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 3:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 15:48:31 -0500

Depending on how swift the unit is on receiving your BI but you'll get it ordered!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 7:18 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 19:18:42 -0500

As long as you haven't received an issue in the last 5 years, sounds like you are good

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2015 10:21 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 22:21:34 -0500

They should be pretty quick to order your uniforms if you don't have any. You are authorized uniforms. It's not an option for the unit to not get them for you. The OCP probably won't be in the system for another year but the ASUS should not be any problem. I believe drilling reservists are authorized 3 sets.

Response by SSgt Jessica F. made Dec 17 at 2015 1:53 AM

SSgt Jessica F. — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 01:53:52 -0500

I'm also prior service and just came back into the Guard. You will get all new stuff. Mine is filtering in very slowly. Last drill I got boots, patches, t-shirts, socks and two pairs of the ACU bottoms...no tops or cover! Very interesting experience since the last uniform I wore was DCU's in 2005!

Response by SFC Josh Billingsley made Dec 22 at 2015 1:08 PM

SFC Josh Billingsley — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:08:26 -0500

My unit told me I was authorized but that they could not/would not order anything for me because the system was being upgraded with the new PTs and OCPs. I bought a set of ACUs out of pocket to get by for drill, but I don't think I'm going to see my initial issue until the end of 2016...

Response by SSG(P) Brian Kliesen made Dec 22 at 2015 8:05 PM

SSG(P) Brian Kliesen — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 20:05:43 -0500

You will get the basics usually fairly quickly, ACU's, boots, PT Uniform, patrol cap, etc. However the rest could take years, literally. ASU and all that goes with it could take a while. TA-50, depending on your unit may not be available at all. You have to continually push for the correct equipment. At your rank, the Army should be issuing you everything so don't go out and buy your own stuff. Don't be discouraged, keep at it, and keep pushing your unit for the proper equipment. At some point you may get a uniform allowance, but it is usually so small you have to use it to buy one thing, like boots or new ACU tops and trousers. Again, don't buy anything, the Army should be providing you with everything, it just can take a long time and you may not get it all at once.

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Dec 22 at 2015 8:57 PM

SGT Mathew Husen — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 20:57:45 -0500

You should get issued all that stuff when entering the reserves. The only problem is they have to order it so buying at least 1 uniform and boots before your first drill would be a good idea. That is what I did. For class A's though I think you have to buy them your self since your Ikes are no longer in use.I would check with the supply NCO first on that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2015 10:10 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 22:10:13 -0500

You will get your clothing bag issued to you...but it may be in parts. Class A in one order, duty uniforms in another, and field gear in a separate order.
It may be possible for your unit to go to clothing and sales with a purchase order to get uniforms. One potential roadblock is the pending change of uniform pattern. The Reserve is not expected to be able to order the new pattern until end of 2015, or beginning of Fiscal 2016. The old pattern has been phased out and no longer produced. If you have odd sizes, it may be hard to find uniforms in the old pattern.

But yes, you will get something

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 1:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 13:44:47 -0500

You should get an initial issue but I can guarantee it will take forever. Plus you probably won't receive everything. This could take years.

Response by SPC Jason Mann made Feb 11 at 2016 1:26 PM

SPC Jason Mann — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 13:26:25 -0500

I wanted to say thank you for all the responses, it's been about a month since I asked the question and about 4 months since I have been going to battle assembly on the weekends I need to. I have a paperwork issue still, my unit is looking into it that is causing me not to show up on the battle roster which in turn effects pay (then obviously controls when I would be able to get issued items) as well as another initial issue and my bonus. It's a little un-motivating to say the least. I am using my chain of command and trying to get some of the issues resolved, hopefully soon.

Response by SPC Jason Mann made Feb 25 at 2016 3:07 PM

SPC Jason Mann — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 15:07:57 -0500

Another Update: I ended up finally getting my pay sorted out (although I need to refile for direct deposit) but that is step 1 of many. I am using my chain of command (1st line supervisor to my PLT SGT) so that is going. I assume since I am getting paid I am on some sort of books somewhere Army wide. That could mean I can get uniforms and things ordered. This will be my 3rd battle assembly and still going in normal clothes.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2016 5:33 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 17:33:49 -0400

I wasnt even given a full issue. I was given only two acus, pack of socks, and pack of shirts. that was it along side terrible welco boots.