Posted on Mar 17, 2016
SPC Computer/Detection Systems Repairer
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I've seen a new E-5 in my unit with the deployment OCP (the shoulders are Velcro pockets like the ACU not zippers, faintly faded, with a fuller only jacket zipper) without a deployment patch, or skill badges I.E CIB, AAS, Etc. he approached me for work and as we were talking he brought up how things worked at his last unit, and I asked him where he was deployed to and he said he wasn't (No right shoulder patch) but from what I understood those OCP's we're only given out to those who have been deployed to the Middle East the last year or so. Can anyone clarify on this? Thank you.
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SFC G2 Ops Mcp Ncoic
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Yes. He is. And it's way more comfortable than the new OCPs. In fact I might by buy some used ones, and I have deployed but deployed in FRACUs.
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1SG Aircraft Maintenance Technician
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FRACU or Flame Retardant Army Combat Uniform is authorized for wear in garrison per AR 670-1. There is no requirement to deploy to be authorized to wear. You can buy these through military clothing if you really want. However, I wouldn't waste my money on that.
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SFC Richard Giles
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Is this SGT your FLL? If he is there is a time and place for everything. If he is not the 1st place you need to go to is your FLL to ask questions like this.
Just some advice for you..... A crusty "Gunny" once told a long time ago don't put yourself in the spotlight for doing or saying things you know nothing about. But if you must have the spotlight on you make sure it is for a good reason.
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SGT Team Leader
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Why not just ask that Sargeant? He could have squared this question.
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CW3 Maintenance Technician
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Army Surplus store be my guess
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SPC Crew Chief
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In Germany we did a field rotation to Poland where all soldiers were issued ocp
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SGT Human Intelligence Collector
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Yes he can wear them. I remember being issued DCU's and then not deploying that year and then the very next year getting ACU's.

Also those other NCOs on this site trying to rip you a new one for asking questions is a prime example of how not to act when you are a leader
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SGT Recruiter
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This is a stupid question for a stupid reason. Get back to work.
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SSG Team Leader
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My question is Why the fuck is this Private asking this question about a NCO if it was wrong the squad leader or Platoon SGT would say something to the NCO this private needs to stay in their lane
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SGM Erik Marquez
SGM Erik Marquez
9 y
Its called trust but verify..And i have ZERO issue with the question being asked.. It shows a young SM looking to understand what right looks like.
So ask, research, decide and move on.
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SGT Motor Transport Operator
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I was supposed to deploy twice while in the 82nd. I drew RFI twice..... But even though I didn't deploy, after the new regs in july 15. We were able to wear our deployment gear when ever we wanted. We never got in trouble or asked why we wore them. If anybody questioned us, we showed them the regs.
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SPC David Gray
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What is PvP I'm old school
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SPC Signal Support Systems Specialist
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Deployment patches are not required anywhere in regulation. It is the individual soldier's decision if he wishes to wear it or not. I had an oic, a captain mind you who didn't wear one.
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SFC Maintenance Supervisor
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I'm am going to be nice as I can be. Why are you questioning a Sargeant (E-5 pay grade)? Was this NCO, that means a Non-commissioned officer. I started my career only about 3.2 decades ago, that is three X ten plus two. I have children that are older than you. My children are fairly versed in AR-670-1, DA Pam 760-1. So my first deployment was 1991-1992 my last was 2005-2006. Until last year I wouldn't wear a combat patch (the one you earned to wear on the right sleeve). I also earned the right to wear the combat action badge. Not for guarding the defac, because of multiple combat insidents. I would wear them because I found it not necessary to let everyone know where I've been or what I've done. If you need to know you can ask my ex wife or my kids. The'll tell you how much it sucked for there dad to be gone. How much it sucked to know did my dad get killed today. This is one of the core problem with soldiers today, I don't have to justify shit to you. I make my uniform it doesn't make me. I made my rank/grade it doesn't make me. My rank is more than just a pay grade, it doesn't mean how smart I am. Instead of questioning a person who could be a mentor to you learn from him. My job is to train and mentor soldiers to take my place. Young soldier you sound like a BNP, here is a suggestion. Pull your head out of your forth point of contact. Shut the hole under your nose. Open the two holes over your nose. Open the two holes on the side of your head. Use the input information that comes from the four holes to input into the grey matter between your ears. If you do this you might be a good soldier, a good leader and if your luck a good NCO.
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SPC Infantryman
SPC (Join to see)
9 y
With all due respect, that seemed a little unnecessary to repeatedly insult the soldier's intelligence simply because of a question. A "good" leader would answer the question properly and move on with his day knowing he helped - not make an essay sized paragraph mostly demeaning the solider.
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MSG Pat Colby
MSG Pat Colby
9 y
If that's "as nice as you can be", you need to 4187 your ass out. Leadership isn't a popularity contest but you don't have to be a jerk about shit. Your sentence structure is atrocious and it would be wise for you to learn how to spell SERGEANT.
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SSG Platoon Sergeant
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Currently UCP, OEF-CP, and OCP are authorized to wear. Since the military owns OCP the only way to get it is from issue or AAFES. If he bought some online at any Hooah shop it would be OEF-CP since they are not authorized to print or sell OCP.
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SGT Doug Turner
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Yeah, he can wear them. It's not an uncommon question, I got out in 13 and still train guys on deployment orders. A lot of guys are wearing deployment uniforms they get issued and then they get dropped from the deoyment roster last minute due to the numbers game.

The end game is simple. This SGT is a young NCO. Some have experience and some do not. But now they have earned the trust of the Army to lead troops and join a proud group of Non-commissioned Officers. The NCO Corp is a bit of a self policing group. If he was out of reg, I can promise you he never would've gotten to the point he was standing in front of you. Another NCO would have discretely pulled him aside and corrected his deficiency NCO to NCO.

I encourage you to keep asking questions and learning the right way. Learn the regs and adhere to them and you'll make a fine NCO one day.
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SGT Squad Leader
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Ocp, scorpion, ACU all authorized for wear right now. He may have picked up a set from a buddy. Mind your bearing and use your judgement when dealing with this NCO.
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2d Lt Cyberspace Operations
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They're working to phase out ACUs. ROTC cadets get issued OCPs now.
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PO1 Hector Maldonado
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1. The question asked was whether the particular uniform was authorized. Since the person asking is a PFC, then I would gather this is more clarification than accusatory. Instruction could have been given, either by explaining the regulation, or giving him direction as to where to find it.

2. Since this is a "ecumenical military personnel" site, the use of enlisted rank was less disrespect and more giving the crowd info as to the rank. As much as I try, I will FUBAR your titles every time I try. I will ask, and try to learn. To drop a duece on this youngster because of an assumed faux pas went way beyond. If he is talking to an all Army crowd, that's different, but this isn't it.

3. Instruct your troops instead of crapping all over them. This isn't a college fraternity house with useless hazing and embarrassment rituals...it's the US military, where people many times put their ass on the line. Treat him like a younger brother, mess with him a little, but insure that instruction is given and recieved. If y'all get this crazy over a uniform issue, can you imagine what the answers would be to some REAL shit?
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PO1 Harry Champagne
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JUST A BIT OF INFO ON THE NAVYS ENLISTED RATING SYSTEM.E-4 THRU E-6 ARE CALLED PETTY OFFICERS E-7 THRU E-9 ARE CALLED CHIEF,SENIOR CHIEF,MASTER CHIEF ( PETTY OFFICERS.)
E-4 THRU E-6 ARE SOMETIMES CALLED BY THERE RATING EXAMPLE AN E-6 PO-1 CAN BE CALLED HM-1 ( MEDIC IN ARMY LINGO.)
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Buying used FRACUs were cheaper than the OCPs at clothing sales. I got two pair, both jacket and pants for $80 at the surplus store. The OCP itself for one pair can cost over $90 at clothing sales.

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