Is it okay to wear the deployment OCP when you've never been deployed?

Hi, my name is rally point. I have a large social media platform within the military community. Instead of using this platform to bring people together or to post useful and helpful shit, we are going to make it a giant bitch fest. Cheers!

I have a pair that I wear and I have never deployed.

Buddy had a great new set from a deployment that wasn't used, it was my size, and I don't plan on shelling out for the new uniforms until 2019.

That being said, I know that although not required, it's kind of nice to know that if I know 99% of the people at a function or gathering will be wearing the new uniform, I won't stick out like a sore thumb so badly.

Some units receive OCP through RFI without deploying. This includes SOF units and GRF units such as the 82d.

Short answer: Yes. Already been approved waaay above your pay grade. Move out.

I am so ashamed of the high school bull this soldiers question started. At least he had the courage to ask, instead maybe we should answer his question so he can learn instead of cutting him off at the knees. Shame on all of you for taking offense.

Great responses. Every response I've read so far not only has taught this PFC respect, but exemplified what it is to be an NCO. Citing regulations, teaching respect for leadership, and more.

I mean it's a little lame to wear them without actually having deployed but it's authorized.

Honestly this is the wrong type of question to be asking on a military networking sight. Ask questions about how you can be a better solider, not how you can regulate other people's actions.

Firs of all PFC, it's not proper to call an NCO by their pay grade. Secondly, OCPs and multicam are authorized to wear, maybe he got them from a buddy who had extra sets or maybe he got them from a thrift store, it's not your lane to challenge an NCO about what he wears. You should have been dropped and smoked for being disrespectful.

Dear Snot Nosed PFC, have you ever been deployed? Then shut up!

Do you mean Multi-cam? If so, there's nothing that says he can't wear them. All three are allowed through the transition period.

Yes they are authorized reguardless of how they got issued or purchased in this case. Get busy being the best Joe you can be and don't sweat these things. Good luck

PFC,

My advice to you is to worry less about the NCO's uniform that he/she is wearing and more about the experience and leadership they are potentially bringing to your unit. Focus on their ability to perform and on the job technical experience that will in turn make you a better soldier.

-SGT Fullana

First off you need to read regulations, PRIVATE, before you begin to run your mouth. Second E-5 is a pay grade not rank. That sergeant earned their rank, they were recommended by their superior and you should recognize that. Third, why the hell are you on the internet asking when you could have approached that sergeant to fulfill your curiosity?

Goodwill is more than the name of a thrift store. He was truthful so let it go.

You can by OCP's on your own, they are not indicative of time overseas. A brand new private can buy and wear them if they want to spend the money.

SPC (Join to see) I've seen most of your replies. This is the bottom line. If the regulations say that it is authorized, then it is AUTHORIZED. Whether or not you believe that he should be wearing them. Research AR 670-1 and every other memo that has come down to make a determination. Your "opinion" does not count. Bonus tip: Wearing mismatched uniform items is authorized (i.e. full OCP uniform with ACU cold weather gear).

"Can I wear my green fleece or Universal Camouflage Pattern cold weather gear with the OCP?

Answer: Yes. There is no requirement for issued Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) such as Wet Weather gear, and Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) items to be of the same camouflage pattern as the uniform worn. Wear guidance for OCIE is established by the issuing command, and all items that have been issued are permitted for wear in accordance with locally established policies regardless of camouflage pattern."

Source: http://www.army.mil/article/156735/Frequently_Asked_Questions__Operational_Camouflage_Pattern_Uniform/

The OCP uniform was the standard uniform for Afghanistan from about 2010/2011 to present. Many Soldiers got out after they got back, sold them to surplus stores and probably gave them to buddies. I imagine he was given some from a Soldier who was deployed. The guidance put out by SMA doesn't state anything about having been deployed in order to wear it. It was an assumption that those who had it were previously deployed, but nothing stated they had to of been. Honestly I don't see it as a big deal. If he wears the uniform correctly and doesn't try to pretend he was deployed, who really cares. I wear mine everyday. I will buy the new one when I have too, but I have so many pairs of the OCP from previous deployments, I'll wear them until I can't. Long and short...is it authorized, YES, is it common, first I've heard of it, but it really isn't that big a deal.

Perhaps this is a question in which you should have asked the SGT right then and there. He/ she could have probably educated you on the spot. That is what NCO's are for; don't be afraid to ask in person.