Posted on Nov 10, 2018
If you’ve outgrown your service uniform are you supposed to get measured and then go to your S4 for replacement or buy it yourself?
19.8K
41
41
1
1
0
The ASU I was initially issued in BCT almost 8 years ago is too small on me so I went and got measured again. When I took the new sizes to Supply they tell me that I can only get the pants with the NCO stripe but not the coat. The coat is the most expensive part of the uniform and I refuse to pay for it myself. I don’t get my clothing allowance til July and I’ll need the complete uniform by January. Any suggestions?
ASU
Supply
Dress Uniform
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 10
9
9
0
you receive a clothing allowance - that is your answer. To be absolutely clear and not in anyway misconstrued, you receive a clothing allowance yearly specifically to replace your uniform items. you get it annually, but it is to be used for uniforms at any point during your service. So, you will purchase a new ASU coat, and you are damn lucky that your S-4 did not tell you to pound sand for the pants.
My advice, I am fairly certain that there are military thrift stores around your post, utilize them in order to purchase a coat a little cheaper then C&S.
My advice, I am fairly certain that there are military thrift stores around your post, utilize them in order to purchase a coat a little cheaper then C&S.
(9)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
SSG Robert Perrotto Negative SSG. In the Reserves we don’t get clothing allowances. The S4 from my unit told me to get them the sizes and they’ll order it but they never did. The unit prior to that told me they couldn’t get me the uniform. Literally the only replacement uniform items I received was the OCP uniform when I arrived here at my duty back in July. Never received a replacement ASU.
(0)
(0)
SSG Robert Perrotto
SSG (Join to see) - if that is the case - I feel for you, but the truth of the matter is, you are going to have to pay for it as you will not receive a re issue. I was issued the class "A" uniform, when the Army changed the dress uniform in 2008, yeah - I could still wear the class A, but was absolutely peer pressured to purchase the "Blues". it's expensive, but it was the way the Army was going.
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
I appreciate it SSG. Looks like I’ll have to bite the bullet and but the coat. Thank you. SSG Robert Perrotto
(1)
(0)
What did you spend your last clothing allowance on? As The SSG stated, that's what it's for...
(4)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
I just switched over to Active Duty so therefore I have never received a clothing allowance. I’m waiting on my first one sir.
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
And I do understand what it’s for sir. I truly wish I would’ve gotten one already so I can avoid this issue.
(1)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
My second thought is that your reserve supply NCO didn't help as much as he/she could have. Oftentimes the uniforms have excess fabric that can be let out. As long as you didn't wear it often, the color may not have faded too much. Take it to a tailor/seamstress and see if they can help
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
Thank you sir. I agree with you. I will try to see if the coat can be let out. Thank you. CPT (Join to see)
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
I am in the same boat as you, just came on active duty after being in the reserves for 4 years. With that being said, it is now on you. Active Army doesnt do the same uniform process that we have in the reserves, so regardless if its 1 year or 1 month until your allowance hits, you gotta foot the bill for it. Good news is you can find a used set on line and itll last just as long. Good luck
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
You refuse, and are open to be hammered by every senior NCO/officer that see's you. You have had 8 years of clothing allowance, and a smart person, would have planned ahead. You might be able to find something cheaper at a surplus/pawn shop. Keep your attitude and you might not have to worry about getting new uniforms.
(2)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
Negative. I have not had 8 years of clothing allowance. If you didn’t read every comment before commenting I’ll fill you in, I've just switched to Active Duty a few months ago. I’ve been in the Reserves up until now. So since I’m new to active duty my clothing allowance won’t come in until my anniversary which is next July. And in the Reserves we don’t get clothing allowances. So therefore I’ve never gotten a clothing allowance at all in my entire career. I was told I need to get my dress blues prepped for January, I went to Supply, and was told I can only get my pants with the NCO stripe. The coat would not be ordered and I’m on my own. So I’m asking for suggestions. I appreciate you jumping to conclusions and assuming I’ve been wasting 8 years of clothing allowances that never existed. I’m not having an attitude and I respect all ranks. But I’m a man first and will not allow anybody to belittle me especially if they’re wrong and don’t know what they’re talking about. Thank you for your input.
(1)
(0)
SGM Bill Frazer
Now I understand better, sorry I was AD my entire career- minus my SR ROTC time. Still there maybe surplus stores/pawn shops, don't know for us McCoy was just training NG and winter artic training.
(2)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
No problem SGM. I will definitely try a surplus store like you mentioned. Thank you SGM. Happy Veterans Day. And thank you for your service. Hooah!SGM Bill Frazer
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
The ASU Jacket is between $123 and $198 according to the AAFES website, which isn't too outrageous if you have a civilian job or a family member/friend to help you pay for it. I would even consider checking out eBay or an Army-Navy surplus store for a secondhand uniform.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
You buy it yourself, with the clothing allowance. Thank you for your service.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
If you're TPU and don't get the clothing allowance, you would go through unit supply (most like not S4). Typically what I've seen is units making arrangements with local shops to reimburse the cost of tailoring. In your case, I would assume you would use the military clothing store on post (been many years since I've been to McCoy, so I can't say how equipped they are).
If you are AGR, you are expected to pay out of pocket (hence the clothing allowance). One caveat being that you may have been authorized DX or additional issue as part of accession on to active duty. Check your in-processing paperwork if that is the case, but don't be surprised if you are outside the window for it.
If you are AGR, you are expected to pay out of pocket (hence the clothing allowance). One caveat being that you may have been authorized DX or additional issue as part of accession on to active duty. Check your in-processing paperwork if that is the case, but don't be surprised if you are outside the window for it.
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
I’m AGR and I didn’t have that as part of my DX. I looked into it. I was issued a bunch of OCP uniforms. But no ASUs. My clothing allowance doesn’t come in til July. I might have to either let out the one I’ve had or buy one at a military thrift store.
(0)
(0)
SFC Stephen P.
SSG (Join to see) - Years ago they would actually send AGR new hires to AGRET to ensure they were well situated to adopt the active duty life. I think that has since fallen off.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
If the change isn't terribly drastic, a quality tailor may be able to let the coat out. Worth at least a look.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Let me clarify this question further so people don’t make assumptions and send me crude remarks:
I’m new to active duty having just switched back in July. I have not received any clothing allowances because my first one doesn’t come in until July. So therefore, that yearly stipend will not be available in time. My last issue was in BCT which was almost 8 years ago. I have not gained an immense amount of weight and size in 4 months, however gradually over the span of 8 years I have.
So with those factors added in, what can I do to avoid having to pay that ridiculous price for an ASU coat?
If your comments are aimed to belittle me talk down on me, and not help me, then please refrain from commenting. Thank you.
I’m new to active duty having just switched back in July. I have not received any clothing allowances because my first one doesn’t come in until July. So therefore, that yearly stipend will not be available in time. My last issue was in BCT which was almost 8 years ago. I have not gained an immense amount of weight and size in 4 months, however gradually over the span of 8 years I have.
So with those factors added in, what can I do to avoid having to pay that ridiculous price for an ASU coat?
If your comments are aimed to belittle me talk down on me, and not help me, then please refrain from commenting. Thank you.
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
I am married. I don’t receive BAH because I live in post housing. I JSU need the coat and shoes. The shoes I can buy separately. The coat is biggest issue and the sewing. I can probably borrow some body’s coat. I need it for when I go to ALC in January. After that I probably won’t need it for a while. SSG Robert Perrotto
(0)
(0)
SSG Robert Perrotto
SSG (Join to see) - I would not count on "not needing it for a while" as your command can initiate "pay day" activities at any point. So you would need the coat at least once a month in that scenario. and yeah - for ALC, you are going to have to purchase it, as you cannot expect your buddy to go 2 weeks to a month without it. Try the star card route one more time, make it clear that the card is "clothing and sales only" - as it was an option when I got a star card.
One more thing - and I am not ragging or shaming you, should you get approved for the C&S only card, make sure you pay it off, as it will go a long way to improving your credit.
One more thing - and I am not ragging or shaming you, should you get approved for the C&S only card, make sure you pay it off, as it will go a long way to improving your credit.
(1)
(0)
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
Wasn’t July like 3.5 months ago? So you just got a clothing allowance? Did you just get bigger in those 3.5 months?
Options are lose weight, tighten your budget, splurge and put it on credit, get a second hand jacket at a thrift store, or squeeze into your old one.
You’re an NCO. What would tell a PVT with the same question?
(*note, this is a semi ridiculous question. There are lots of Army situations that just ‘happen’ and you deal with them the best you can. Not being prepared with your ASU shouldn’t be one of them. There’s a yearly stipend to avoid situations just like this. Unless you experienced hulk rage or started drinking frozen Haagen-Daas for every meal, how could you have gotten since the last clothing allowance a few months ago, and why weren’t you tracking 3.5 months ago that your ASU was getting a little snug if you were just naturally growing out if it?)
Best of luck
Options are lose weight, tighten your budget, splurge and put it on credit, get a second hand jacket at a thrift store, or squeeze into your old one.
You’re an NCO. What would tell a PVT with the same question?
(*note, this is a semi ridiculous question. There are lots of Army situations that just ‘happen’ and you deal with them the best you can. Not being prepared with your ASU shouldn’t be one of them. There’s a yearly stipend to avoid situations just like this. Unless you experienced hulk rage or started drinking frozen Haagen-Daas for every meal, how could you have gotten since the last clothing allowance a few months ago, and why weren’t you tracking 3.5 months ago that your ASU was getting a little snug if you were just naturally growing out if it?)
Best of luck
(0)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
Negative. I just switched to Active Duty in July so therefore I have not received any clothing allowances. My first one will come in July. I’m nowhere near overweight or fat. I have gained weight and size since my initial issue which was almost 8 years ago. Had I gotten a clothing allowance back in July this wouldn’t be an issue. And I’m asking this “ ridiculous question” because I’m new to a give duty and don’t know much. I’m asking for suggestions so if in the future a private asks me the same I would know how to guide them. I know there’s a yearly stipend to handle this situation. I appreciate you jumping to conclusions and making it seem like I didn’t know about it, wasted a yearly stipend, and not being aware of my weight gain and uniform issue.
(1)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
I stand corrected. Apologies. That said, after 8 years, you’re now in a position where you’re uniform doesn’t fit, and you have 8 weeks to fix it.
So, “Options are lose weight, tighten your budget, splurge and put it on credit, get a second hand jacket at a thrift store, or squeeze into your old one.” Those are really the only options. Consider it a hard lesson learned in being prepared.
Honestly, your NCO failed you. It doesn’t matter if you’re active, guard or reserve. Even if you don’t have a dedicated Class A day, that one weekend a month should still carve out 30 minutes for everyone to put on the blues to make sure they fit. Moving forward, maybe incorporate this into your tool bag. Even if your unit doesn’t have a Class A day, do regular inspections of your joes. A really good way to fix problems is to do so before they actually become problems.
Best of luck
So, “Options are lose weight, tighten your budget, splurge and put it on credit, get a second hand jacket at a thrift store, or squeeze into your old one.” Those are really the only options. Consider it a hard lesson learned in being prepared.
Honestly, your NCO failed you. It doesn’t matter if you’re active, guard or reserve. Even if you don’t have a dedicated Class A day, that one weekend a month should still carve out 30 minutes for everyone to put on the blues to make sure they fit. Moving forward, maybe incorporate this into your tool bag. Even if your unit doesn’t have a Class A day, do regular inspections of your joes. A really good way to fix problems is to do so before they actually become problems.
Best of luck
(1)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
Much appreciated. That is great advice and I will definitely do that going forward. You’re absolutely right. The occasional uniform inspection would help prevent these types of issues. And I also agree with that my former NCOs failed. Because of this I’m paying the price. I would never want to leave any of my privates high and dry like this. I appreciate your input. SGT (Join to see)
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google