Does the Army have to accept gear turned in with the labels missing?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 01:21:02 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 1:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 01:21:33 -0500

I’m retired now and a bit out of the loop. My son is ready to ETS from the ARNG and he has turned in most of his gear. All he has left are some cold weather items that lack some of the labels. Supply will not accept them and are trying to make him sign a statement of charges for almost $600. These items were issued in this condition, and other than labels, the items are undamaged. I know other soldiers have run into this issue, but I don’t recall the outcome. My son is going to request a FLIPL, but I’m hoping for some input and advice from the members here.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 7 at 2018 7:16 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 07:16:47 -0500

Sounds like his Supply SGT is in the lookout for new gear! If it’s fear wear and tear they ought to accept it. Label have nothing to do with the gear’s servicibility.

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made Mar 7 at 2018 7:48 AM

SGT Beau Thomas — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 07:48:03 -0500

It’s all on your supply Sergeant. I’ve had some who took everything no matter the condition and some who were completely nit picky and fought me on literally every item including items I never took out of the issue bag from the second I was issued it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 8:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 08:26:27 -0500

There is no regulatory requirement directing that an item must have a label to be turned in. The label is not the item, the item is itself. If your son has the item and the Supply SGT simply wont accept it, that does not mean there is a loss. Additionally, loss of a label does not indicate damage to property. Your son needs to speak to the CDR or PBO. If he has further problems...go see the IG. Oh, and if I was him, I would definitely not sign the statement of charges. Another option is to force the Supply SGT to initiate the FLIPL and when the investigating officer shows up...just tell him the story and hand him the supposedly missing gear. Again...can't be liable for a loss or damage when there is none (still talk to the CDR tho). Look up AR 710-2 section III for OCIE responsibilities and AR 735-5 Chapter 12 for more info about loss/damage accountability.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 8:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 08:27:52 -0500

As with everything, there are standards and policies which dictate how things are processed. Labels usually contain the NSNs which are used to verify the item. Since turnin items need to match what is on the clothing record, even down to the size, the label is where this information is most likely located. Although there is often a bit of latitude, Supply must operate within the constraints established above them. If there are strict policies, it’s out of their hands.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 7 at 2018 10:08 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:08:32 -0500

The only thing I can think of where the labels should cause trouble (and for good reason) is with ballistic inserts for your OTV. Each insert panel is labeled with a serial number and number that corresponds to it's production run. These are important so if a product run is later found to be faulty the inserts can be pulled from issue.
Other than that a missing label shouldn't prevent turn in. Labels on pistol belts wear and tear over time as do clothing labels.