Is it frowned upon for a leader to continue to wear the old uniform until the wear out date?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:05:25 -0500

Simply put-

Is it wrong/frowned upon for a leader (NCO or Officer) to wear the Universal Camouflage Pattern(old ACU) uniform until it's wear out date as opposed to switching to the Operational Camouflage Pattern(new OCP) ?

Why or why not?

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Feb 15 at 2016 8:08 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:08:40 -0500

If it is still authorized, NO

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 15 at 2016 8:09 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:09:33 -0500

Wearing the old uniform shows troops that they can continue to wear the uniform, and don't need to "rush out" to buy the latest and greatest thing as soon as it is available.

Buying the new items shows troops the correct way to wear it, and that they should be looking towards the future, and should be planning to replace.

When the Marines swapped to MARPAT, the suggestion to us was "Buy a set every other month until you've got a full issue. Alternate them and use your oldest gear in the field until wear out."

Response by SGM William (Bill) Baker made Feb 15 at 2016 8:11 AM

SGM William (Bill) Baker — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:11:15 -0500

Professional leaders should always lead from the front and set the standard.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 8:16 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:16:17 -0500

No. That's why there is a wear out date. Get the new uniforms when you are ready. I for one am getting them peice by peice.

As put out by the SMA. You shouldn't be forced to get the new uniforms.

I see a lot of senior leadership still wearing ACUs. So don't feel bad. Just make sure you have the OCPs ready for when the wear out date gets here and not rushing to get them.

Response by PO2 Gary Lyall made Feb 15 at 2016 8:22 AM

PO2 Gary Lyall — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:22:04 -0500

If they take the lead the rest will follow.

Response by SGT Kieshe Mahnke made Feb 15 at 2016 8:27 AM

SGT Kieshe Mahnke — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:27:25 -0500

I have the new OCP uniforms, but have been told by the State CSM that we cannot wear them unless they were issued to us. A lot of people were not happy because officers were already wearing them. I feel if you have the financial means and choose for yourself to get them, you can.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 8:38 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:38:31 -0500

Wrong...no
Frowned upon....don't care

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 15 at 2016 8:50 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:50:45 -0500

typo

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 15 at 2016 8:51 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:51:18 -0500

When it comes to dress right dress I am sure it will have some repercussions.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 8:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:52:30 -0500

It is about wearing it properly and keeping everything serviceable. There is no need to change now and a NCO or any soldier may change back and forth from ACU to OCP and back until the wear out date for the ACU's

Response by CSM William Payne made Feb 15 at 2016 8:54 AM

CSM William Payne — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:54:31 -0500

No it's not. But remember unlike enlisted Soldier officers aren't issued new uniforms but are paid a clothing allowance to replace old, unserviceable uniforms. So they should naturally migrate to the new uniforms as the the old ones need replacing. Believe me they should know when a uniform is unserviceable. I had a major back in the BCU days that wore some that were so faded they could have been used as snow camouflage.

As a senior NCO, especially in a BCT environment , once the trainees started wearing the new uniforms it was time for my NCOs to make the switch.

Example, it's hard for a drill sergeant to set the example and detect and correct wearing old green Class As and his Soldiers are all dressed in ASUs. You may be technically correct but in my personal opinion it sets the wrong example.

When we converted to the 2nd generation or the improved PT uniform and you showed up in the gen 1 which were basically modified sweats, you looked like a trainee that hadn't recieved their improved PT uniform issue yet.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 8:54 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:54:44 -0500

I think if you have the means to buy the new uniform it should not be a issue.

I have not bought it yet since all of the uniforms and patches and boots are in stock yet in my local exchange.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Feb 15 at 2016 9:15 AM

COL Jon Thompson — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 09:15:40 -0500

There are two parts to my answer. No, it is not wrong to wear the old uniforms until the wear out date. I think there was a bunch of professors at West Point that wore the Army green uniform until the last possible date. However, as the wear out date approaches, I think it becomes more important for an officer to have made the transition. There is a transition period for a reason and the Army expects leaders to use that time. Since OCP is still relatively new, right now it does not make a difference. However, I think leaders that wait until the last possible minute are perceived as being resistant. I know when the Army did transition to the Army Service Uniform, officers in my USAR unit were strongly encouraged to get them, especially for DA photos. The chain of command could not do anything but it did look bad, especially considering some of the green uniforms did not fit right anymore (but that is a different story).

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 9:16 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 09:16:21 -0500

I'm only a SPC so most people won't care what I have to say but honestly, isn't it fiscally irresponsible to just buy them because "you can"? Isn't that setting a negative example for your soldiers? I mean, the responsible thing to do would be to maximize the usefulness of the uniform(s) you already have, right? It doesn't set any other type of standard by switching before your soldiers anyways. It's not like I'm only going to buy something because my 1SG wants to wear it. I'll wear it when the regulation states I should or when I no longer have a use for my "old" uniform. Whichever comes first.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Feb 15 at 2016 9:25 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 09:25:43 -0500

It depends upon the command climate of the particular unit, I remember being pressured to stop wearing BDUs prior to the wearout date, as I had recently completed a PCS move from Ft. Stewart to Ft. Knox, the leadership was pressuring everyone to wear nothing but ACUs because we were training OSUT and IET Soldiers whom had only been issued ACUs. Same when I was a SR Instructor at ABOLC, I was one of a small handful of NCOs who did not purchase the ASUs, as I was getting close to retirement, I refused to purchase them as I was not going to spend the money on something that I would only wear a handful of times, some looked down upon me, but by that point I didn't care and tactfully let them know why I was not going to purchase them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 9:34 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 09:34:05 -0500

I will give opinion on this. I wouldn't fault anyone for not wanted to go out and buy the new uniform. But being leaders we should always trying to set the example. As for me, I got the new unifroms. I am one of the few in my unit that has them. By having them I can display the proper way the uniform is to appear. I don't mix anything on mine. I have the Coyote Brown boots, belt, and shirts also. I have the ability to purchase them with little. I wouldn't want to put that hard ship on anyone. I recall the BDU wear out wasn't this long. I just think it would be a little difficult for someone to actually still be wearing the UCP up until the wear out. I would really expect most of the to be wearing them in a wear. Just natural wear out and replacement should be going on.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Feb 15 at 2016 10:00 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:00:54 -0500

In my humble opinionon: No. Their is a wear our date in place which provides enough time for folks to replace their ACUs as they become unserviceable without rushing into the Clothing Store. Additionally it supports the DA's message with regards to the aforementioned.

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Feb 15 at 2016 10:08 AM

SGM Billy Herrington — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:08:31 -0500

No. I really don't care what anyone else thinks. There is an ALARACT directing the wear out date and even mentions not being forced to buy it. I have two brand new ACU's never worn hanging in my closet. When they wear out, or the wear out date occurs I will wear OCP.

I'll never understand the mentality of some wanting to try and guilt or force someone into wearing something that has guidelines for implementation.

Everyone wants to be a star bellied sneech

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 10:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:09:57 -0500

My personal opinion is that it is fine for a leader to continue to wear the old uniform to the wear out date. There is no need for younger soldiers to rush out and get the new uniform right away. Having a leader wearing the new uniform can cause pressure to get it themselves.

That being said, a leader should also not procrastinate in getting the new uniform. A good leader should also incorporate wearing of the new uniform more as the wear out date approaches. This reminds their soldiers that the change is coming.

Don't be that leader that is still wearing the old uniform with a full platoon standing behind you wearing the new one.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 10:27 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:27:01 -0500

Leaders rushing out to buy them sends the wrong signal to subordinates. Lower enlisted should absolutely be patient and wait on a deployment issue if possible. On another note, lets be honest about what the OCP pattern represents versus the ACU pattern. OCP = Deployment. ACU does not. Those who have not deployed but rush out to get the new uniforms send an even worse signal. To me, that signal says this to me: "I am so certain that I will not deploy before the wear out date, I'm willing to spend close to $200 of my own money. I'm so ashamed of myself for having not deployed since they started issuing OCP for deployments, I'm going to try to fake the funk and buy some so I don't stand out as a non-deployer." That's what all this uniform business says to me. Haters, what say you?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 10:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:35:09 -0500

Use your clothing allowance to party and buy video games. It's the only way to quickly get promoted.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 10:42 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:42:26 -0500

I don't believe so. The wear out date is there for a reason. Some soldier's will wait for the yearly clothing allowance. A uniform doesn't show what someone is made of or what skill set they possess. However I can see a new Joe seeing someone in their first unit wearing ACU's and it standing out as an "experience marker" to them because of it being an "old uniform" then.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 10:47 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:47:57 -0500

BLUF, it 'should' not happen. As a Leader, you want to lead by example. You don't need to go out and buy four new sets right away; perhaps one set to let the Troops know that you are slowly integrating into the new uniform. I would not frown upon a Leader who choses not to wear the new uniform. Personally, I want my Troops to know that I will not and cannot expect them to do something I am not willing to do so myself. I have purchased three sets throughout the integration process. Enlisted personnel are provided clothing allowance; for this reason, when Troops receive their clothing allows, theoretically speaking, they 'could' slowly integrate themselves into the new uniform.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 11:23 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:23:50 -0500

what LTC matthews said, wear both. NO ONE has all the money it would take to make a major purchase for new uniforms ALL AT ONCE. That tells the lower enlisted who make peanuts for pay that they 'need to get their gear NOW.' Get the new ones as they can afford it.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Feb 15 at 2016 12:25 PM

CSM Michael Chavaree — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:25:55 -0500

Depends on the unit I guess, I have the new cammies but wear the old ACUs in the field and on jumps, I dont care who wears what, As long as the uniform looks good.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 12:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:26:05 -0500

After wearing ACU's for 6 years I have accumulated all kinds of uniform and kit items in UCP, it would be foolish to start wearing OCP because it is new. Up until about 3 years ago some of my items were still in tricolor woodland.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 15 at 2016 12:26 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:26:15 -0500

So long as it is serviceable presentable and authorized. Function over form.. At the same time lead by example.. so the leader should have a set of the current uniform on hand, so to lead by example.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 12:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:36:56 -0500

I see no reason why it should be frowned upon. We only get our clothing allowance once per year and junior leaders with families to support might be strained by buying all those uniforms at once. Of course it does depend on your chain of command/support channel.

Response by COL Mike Humphrey made Feb 15 at 2016 12:39 PM

COL Mike Humphrey — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:39:42 -0500

No its not wrong, that's why there is a wear out date.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 15 at 2016 2:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 14:34:45 -0500

Depend on whether he/she is a good soldier and NCO.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 4:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:08:25 -0500

It's not wrong, but it sure is frowned upon. I'm retiring though, so frown away!

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Feb 15 at 2016 7:07 PM

1SG Nick Baker — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 19:07:23 -0500

I wore the old uniforms, as long as they were serviceable. My choice would be the old jungle fatigues. Camouflage is no good if you are moving. If you are an E-6 and below keep wearing them.

Response by SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu made Feb 15 at 2016 7:33 PM

SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 19:33:30 -0500

Imma wear them suckers until end date. I feel bad for the dude that just bought some new ACUs last year because he could've uses the money for something better.

Response by SSG Kurt Huffman made Feb 15 at 2016 7:49 PM

SSG Kurt Huffman — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 19:49:14 -0500

I'm personally going to go with what the SMA said about not rushing to buy them. Just get one with every clothing allowance over the years until the wear out date ends. Until then, continue to wear your ACUs or OCP pattern uniforms. Same can be said for the new PTs as well. Do what you can afford, but make sure you have them before the wear out date ends.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 8:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 20:09:25 -0500

It comes down to the type of leader you are and how you set yourself apart from others. It is good to have the new uniform on hand when doing day to day training so that the lower enlisted know what it looks like and how to wear it but when in the field use the old ACU's till they are no longer meet the dress code requirements witch you can read in AR 670-1. This also goes for days you do CLS and combatives. I wouldn't buy to much of the new uniform due to it has changed 4 times in the past 3 years. But at least have two sets on hand to that you can wear and give a class to the Soldiers so they know what to buy and the proper way to wear it. As far as being frowned upon, you lead the way you see fit so don't worry what others say or think. Everyone has their own methods to training Soldiers and setting the right example for others to follow.

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made Feb 15 at 2016 9:50 PM

SGT Robert Hawks — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 21:50:28 -0500

Yes you are the example that young soldiers look to plus you will catch flak from your chain of command even though you are within regulations to wear they will hold it against especially when it's time for your NCOERS so if you can afford it get the new and put the old up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 10:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 22:26:14 -0500

I dont think it speaks to your leadership ability at all. I know senior leaders who havent switched yet. The Army gives a wear out date on umiforms for a reason. They are expensive and most of us have to wait for the clothing allowance to come around anyway. Do it when your ready

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 1:45 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 01:45:31 -0500

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Feb 16 at 2016 2:49 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 02:49:04 -0500

I don't understand why anyone would want to willingly wear ACUs but then I also think the ACU and ABU are both nothing but huge wastes of money.

As far as it being frowned upon, I wouldn't be surprised if certain senior leaders were sort of peeved at people wearing the old stuff but senior leaders are also the ones I would expect to be wearing the old stuff, especially those close to retirement since it would be pointless to buy new uniforms if you're getting out soon.

Honestly though, who cares? If you are authorized to wear it and you so choose to continue wearing it then cool. I know when the AF switched from the BDU to the ABU there was plenty of people wearing BDUs up until the very last day. It shows seniority over the newer people who are issued the new uniforms.

I personally would jump on the opportunity to wear new uniforms if the AF switched to OCP because as I said before I think the ABU is garbage and a waste of money. Unfortunately I don't foresee us switching before my enlistment is up.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 3:41 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 03:41:08 -0500

I think there is a balance between the two. In my opinion rushing out to buy the newest thing as soon as it is released seems kind of showy and superficial. On the other hand, waiting until the very last minute seems cheap or lazy. Personally I fall more towarss the latter because I try to save money and my ACUs are still serviceable. Also, all my TA50 is still ACU and I think it looks tacky to mix camo patterns. There's my two cents (I apologize for errors, typed on my phone)

Response by SGT Stephen Comereski made Feb 16 at 2016 8:04 AM

SGT Stephen Comereski — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 08:04:26 -0500

Not if the rest of your unit is still wearing them. As a leader your supposed to be the example that junior enlisted can model themselves after, so as long as your uniform with the rest of your unit and the uniform in question is still in good condition, then go for it..

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 9:08 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 09:08:01 -0500

Absolutely not.
As the new ones looks sharper, the UCP ACU still is valid, and therefore legit.

Response by CW4 Anthoney Lowry made Feb 16 at 2016 10:13 AM

CW4 Anthoney Lowry — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 10:13:21 -0500

in the 25 years that I was in, I never understood why anyone would have to buy a uniform. I always felt that BDU's, ACU's, OCP's should be able to be DX'ed at CIF. I've been out awhile so how much does a complete set of the latest and greatest cost? $100-$150?

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 16 at 2016 1:44 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 13:44:32 -0500

It's not wrong to wear the old style as long as it's still an authorized item. Frowned on... think it depends on who's doing the frowning. Personally I always got the new items/ uniforms and started wearing them (I went through Cotton OG's, Permanent Pressed OG's, BDU's, and ACU's as well as three iterations of the PT uniform in 30 years). I'd rotate my serviceable old ones to field use and wear the new ones in garrison. I think it shows pride in your gear and support to the program to get the new stuff as it becomes available. However I'd never give anyone crap for wearing an authorized uniform. Drive on, wear whatever uniform you have correctly, with pride, and get new ones as you can afford them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 3:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:17:26 -0500

Officially: No. In reality: Yes. Part of a successful professional is investing in yourself. That includes switching to the new uniforms. That also means having at least 4 sets and 2 pair of boots. I would never tell or harass a junior leader that they needed to switch to the new uniforms. But I guess some Soldiers are 1/1s and some are not. At least have 2 sets to make them your garrison duty uniform. Leaders are professionals that lower enlisted Soldiers need to look up to, when a leader does not care, how can you expect his Soldiers to care either. A leader can influence in a positive direction just by appearance alone. As a leader we need to have Soldiers look up to us, want to be like us. I would be embarrassed if one of my Soldiers switched before I did.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Feb 16 at 2016 3:23 PM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:23:13 -0500

The Leader must represent current requirement and poses and wear the new OCP uniform

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 3:54 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:54:33 -0500

No its not wrong the DOD gave u that opition. Frowned upon maybe but as long as your stuff is serviceable and clean your OK in my mind. Not everyone can afford to go out and buy everything they need.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 9:33 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:33:14 -0500

As silly as it sounds, yes. I do not personally have an issue with a Soldier wearing a uniform until wear out date, but unfortunately, when wearing an older uniform style, one is perceived as not moving forward. I will keep a couple of sets of ACUs for motor pool Monday and the range until wear out date, but have started wearing the new OCP, especially since I an a battalion commander.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 11:43 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 23:43:06 -0500

The SMA says it is fine. Invest in the new uniform when you get your uniform allowance.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 11:09 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 11:09:57 -0500

No.
But I will pass on a little wisdom that I was told by my Drill Sergeant way back in 1993:
"If everybody else is doing one thing, and you are doing something else, you are probably wrong".

It is never a good plan to be a guy that sticks out as different. If you are not in a hurry to put on OCP, then wait until your unit hits the tipping point.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 11:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 11:15:22 -0500

I don't know how many of you are National guard but, unless you're an officer or AGR, you don't get a clothing allowance. So that means you go out of pocket to buy the uniforms unless you wait to have them issued.
I went out and bought a complete set of OCP. I heard several of my soldiers talking about, "Oh SSG Lockey got new unis, we gotta get em now." I brought them all in and told them just bc I got them doesn't mean that they have to. Don't go blowing up your star card, just to look like me.

So I guess Im saying that as a leader, I feel the need to look the part. Not saying that means if you don't get the new uniform and you're a leader that you're a shit bag. Its not the way. Its a way.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 2:54 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 14:54:37 -0500

No its definitely not wrong. Changing uniforms is a costly change especially if you don't get a clothing allowance. The only way I can see its frowned upon is if you are being boarded. I know of Seniors NCOs on boards that have moved Soldiers to the bottom of the pile for having dress greens instead of dress blues. Even though at the time the Greens were still technically authorized.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 17 at 2016 9:52 PM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 21:52:47 -0500

Good question. I would just say, a leader should lead by example on all fronts.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2016 12:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 12:48:57 -0500

I'm wearing my ACU's until I'm given the OCP. I'm not spending a dime!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 11:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 11:22:17 -0500

I agree that it's not frowned upon you are putting your soldier at financial bind to purchase and be like you but I do believe that if we set the standard they will follow

Response by MAJ Paul Bacak made Jul 25 at 2016 10:07 AM

MAJ Paul Bacak — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 10:07:14 -0400

Last week I attended a Change of Command at Fort Sill, OK. It was the new Post CG, not a Bn or Bde level COC. I was surprised to see that several members of the Post staff were wearing ACU in the COC formations while the majority of the formations were wearing OCP. It bears out the comments I've read here that what is authorized is authorized and the Post leadership was sending that message.

When the troops passed in review, NOT AN ACU IN SIGHT! Intermediate levels of the COC weren't getting the message or were simply too fearful of nasty grams from higher is my guess.

Of course it could be that that Snuffy simply wanted uniformity in uniform
for the new post CG.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2017 12:00 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 12:00:22 -0400

It is not wrong. Theres a reason for the "wear out date"

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 1:47 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 13:47:45 -0400

As long as it is authorized, do what you want. Personally, I got a brand new set of IPFUs while deployed in 2014. As a reservist, those uniforms are practically still new. I just bought my set of APFUs (about $200 for a full set without the long sleeves). However, I won't be putting them on until October 1, 2017, because that is when they are required. For the OCPs, I will probably switch to my multi-cams on October 1 this year so I blend in a bit better with all the OCP wearers, and buy the new uniforms shortly after that. I will probably wear my sand colored stuff with them though until required to buy the tan. I have a bran new set of sand boots after all!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2017 8:34 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 20:34:55 -0400

When my boss and my boss's boss starting wearing OCP I decided it was time. No one rushed to transition to the new uniform, and I think there was plenty of time for the Soldiers to purchase a couple sets.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2017 4:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 04:05:48 -0400

Let's look at it another way. When going before the E-7 board...
Would you wear the old greens even though they were still authorized?
Would you get a haircut even though your week old haircut was still "in regulation"?

Perception is 9/10 of the law. We are professionals and our uniform is our business suit.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 10:45 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 10:45:00 -0400

I am all about leading from the front but not if that means I have to deposit my paycheck at the clothing store because someone thinks its a good idea to change uniforms again. By the time the wear out date occurs, the uniforms purchased today will be ready to be retired anyway. I will start wearing the latest and greatest at a date closer to the wear out date. Should everyone get them now? I think it is a good Idea to get them incrementally so it doesnt break the bank account. Good question SGT!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 27 at 2018 11:02 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:02:44 -0400

Regs are regs- you can wear it till the dead date- but I would be selective on that- In the field is one thing, but formations, etc. I would be better to wear the new.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2018 10:04 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 May 2018 10:04:05 -0400

B, when we were in Schweinfurt, we had a payday activity event and all of us older NCOs wore our pickle suit one more time before the next month when they became out of regs. it was awesome. but we did it because it was in regs. unfortunately, most of everyone on post looked at us like we were crazy but whatever. long story short, either get the new stuff or get looked at like you're crazy. just be professional.

Response by MSG Wil Mendez made Sep 7 at 2018 12:15 AM

MSG Wil Mendez — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 00:15:20 -0400

Well said SPC... I continue to use my ACUs whenever I go to the field and sometimes when I am in garrison. I would not force my Soldiers to buy OPCs if their ACUs look good and are serviceable; they are still authorized till 30 September 2019.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 2:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 14:43:53 -0400

I think it’s defintley frowned upon, especially if your enlisted. Mainly because, enlisted personnel get a clothing allowance EVERY YEAR. So if a soldier knows that their current uniform is wearing out, then go buy the OCP uniform with your clothing allowance. Simple.

If you don’t, you kinda show that you don’t care about the future. I’m not saying go buy 10 uniforms at once. However, the Army has been selling the OCP uniform since 2015. If you can’t buy uniforms in that time frame, you probably need a budgeting class.

And for those who say, there’s a wear out date. I understand that, but in my opinion, if a leader is still wearing ACU’s and then switches it up right at the end, your setting your soldiers up to fail. Because we all know that there’s that one soldier who’s gonna wait till the last day to even buy them. And then that soldier is gonna need a AER loan jus to get buy. All because that what he sees his “leaders” doing.

Response by Edward Samsen made Sep 15 at 2018 9:39 PM

Edward Samsen — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 21:39:47 -0400

When USCG and USCG AUX switched to the untucked ODU uniform some years ago, Aux was instructed that they could weaqr the older tucked ODU uniform until no longer serviceable. In the past year, the command at my local Coast Guard station outlawed the wear of the older tucked uniform aboard the station....not just for those augmenting the active duty, for all with business aboard the station. I guess command did not realize that under the use of an auxiliarist, we do not wear out uniforms at the same rate as the active duty or reserves.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Sep 16 at 2018 3:38 AM

CW3 Harvey K. — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 03:38:28 -0400

My oldest brother was a career Marine, retiring as an E-9. I remember how he cherished the green T-shirts of the WWII and Korea era (recently brought back as issue by the Corps), wearing them with civilian clothing after the wear-out date, when he had to wear the white T-shirt that was standard issue during my time in the Corps.
P S --- I've purchased some of the new issue green Ts (I have one on now), and remember both my brother and the Corps.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Sep 16 at 2018 3:47 AM

CW3 Harvey K. — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 03:47:34 -0400

The principle I learned was that the military could tell officers to buy their own uniforms (and even supply their own "horse, saber and pistol"). But if they wanted any enlisted man to have any uniform or equipment, they had to issue it to him.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2018 11:11 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 11:11:55 -0400

I’m 50/50 on this question. Enlisted get annual clothing allowances, why not “phase in” a set or two each year until the mandatory wear fate. Too many times I’ve seen people wait until the last minute and then complain about spending the cash. That’s the reason the Army phases in the new uniforms, to allow Soldiers to build thier clothing bags. Officers usually don’t wait because the Army doesn’t give us a clothing allowance, so there is no reason to wait. The USAF just switched over and they don’t have a phase in date, once the OCPs are available they are expected to buy them.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Sep 16 at 2018 3:56 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 15:56:52 -0400

I worn my BDUs until the very last day. No need for them to go and spend their hard earned money right away on new uniforms. Always encouraged them to acquire them as they got their clothing allowances.

Response by Barbara Patterson made Sep 21 at 2018 6:08 AM

Barbara Patterson — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 06:08:44 -0400

WHEN A SCHOOL JRROTC S GEAR IS NOT UP TO PAR, WHO IS RESPNSIBLE FOR UPDATING THE STUDENTS UNIFORMS.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2019 10:12 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 10:12:05 -0400

I was that officer who always wore the "old" uniform right up until the last day. Was it frowned upon? yes. Did I get a lot of flak from senior officers? yes. Did I give a rat's ass? absolutely not. When I was a 1LT wearing BDUs 4-5 months before the wear out date, my COL was on me to get ACUs since I was the only one in his group not wearing them. Being younger and dumber, I told him if he wanted to buy me a set of ACUs I'd gladly start wearing them....and he actually did. Same guy was also on me because I was the only one of his officers that was not branched MP. I was commissioned as ADA and our guard unit had been involuntarily reclassed to MP. So though I was MP qualified I was still branched AD and just hadn't cared enough to do the paperwork.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2019 12:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 12:08:25 -0400

I think it depends on your command and other mitigating circumstances, especially for guard and reserve units. Despite issuing the new OCP/UCP uniforms, my old guard unit told us to keep our ACUs. This was due to the higher training optempo, including a NTc rotation. This allowed troops to reduce wear an tear on the newwer uniforms.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2019 4:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:23:24 -0400

Bottom Line is the uniform is still authorized to be worn until the wear-out-date. This is a clear case of the importance of perception though. Should leaders care? I guess that depends on the leader. I purchased OCPs as soon as they were available but that's because I despise the ACU.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made May 12 at 2023 4:50 PM

SGT Ruben Lozada — Fri, 12 May 2023 16:50:19 -0400

Good afternoon SSG Private RallyPoint Member. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this. Interesting question. It all depends on the NCO and what post that Soldier is stationed at.