Posted on Mar 17, 2016
Is it okay to wear the deployment OCP when you've never been deployed?
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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.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 218
I have a friend, who knows the perfect answer to your question. His name is AR 670-1. Get to know him well and stop worrying about retired O-6's and their beards. If you're still serving, you have bigger things to worry about. Another option is to go up to the guy who spent more time in the US Military than you have probably been on this planet, and legit ask him if what he is doing is authorized. Be respectful obviously, but just ask him and let him know that you were curious if it was ok for him to wear it like that? But these are all questions that you should either be researching yourself in the regs, or asking your NCO's, Not Rallypoint.
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If it is not listed on your ERB it is not authorized, that is why it is wise to look at your ERB every month. Even pending Article 15 will be listed, which is how I caught a bogus Article 15 on my ERB put on there by my !st SG in hopes he could find something prior to my retirement. It was pulled so I could retire under a medical discharge. Never leave anything to chance.
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Multicam was supposed to be phased out in 2018/2019, but we have people in my reserve unit with them still because the rollout of OCPs has been...well...not uniform...Other units got them too, particularly if they had people who needed fire retardant uniforms (think fuelers, drivers, etc.). Also, nothing illegal about buying them used on ebay because your supply people failed you.
They are also issuing a new jungle uniform, also available for purchase through AAFES. He could have had those, as they have the old style of pockets (but using buttons instead of velcro).
I also have made the mistake of underestimating soldiers and NCOs who did not show off their bling. We had an NCO with no deployment patches or anything, but was a whiz with everything both medical and comms (was a medic for an armored unit active duty). Also was in Mali and Israel, amongst other assignments. Probably the most valuable E5 we had, and definitely deserved more praise than he got, but he did not want to limelight all the bling brings. Nothing wrong with that.
They are also issuing a new jungle uniform, also available for purchase through AAFES. He could have had those, as they have the old style of pockets (but using buttons instead of velcro).
I also have made the mistake of underestimating soldiers and NCOs who did not show off their bling. We had an NCO with no deployment patches or anything, but was a whiz with everything both medical and comms (was a medic for an armored unit active duty). Also was in Mali and Israel, amongst other assignments. Probably the most valuable E5 we had, and definitely deserved more praise than he got, but he did not want to limelight all the bling brings. Nothing wrong with that.
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Was this person in a garrison environment or in the field or coming back from any FTX? If it’s garrison and walking around post ect then eh it can be sort of not in question of really the regulation per say, but just not taking pride in his uniform and sloppy neatness of dress. Nobody is required to wear a deployment patch or tabs or badges but a clean serviceable uniform is a different story. However being infantry when we know we’re going to be doing some field training, rucking for PT, tactical training, competitions, or going to be getting in some dirt or sweating hard, I tend to wear more of a “field” uniform not a technical term but it could be a bit faded, older Multicam uniform that could be stained or a combat top. Then after I’ll change into a clean presentable uniform.
Have pride in yourself and uniform.
Have pride in yourself and uniform.
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I have a question about the question. When did it become a "deployment patch". Been retired now about ten years. We called them combat patches.
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That is an extremely STUPID question. Why don't you wear a Purple Heart and a Medal of Honor just because you like the way they look and draw attention to you. IF YOU DID NOT EARN IT, YOU DON'T WEAR IT.
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If you do a quick check on the internet, you will see that OCP had $1.4 million in sales, not issue, since July when they went on sale. It seems to me that it means if you didn't spend your money at the local bars, you could buy them for yourself.
I have been retired for many years now and did not know what OCP was so I looked it up before making a statement. I typed in what is OCP in the Army and there was my answer.
I have been retired for many years now and did not know what OCP was so I looked it up before making a statement. I typed in what is OCP in the Army and there was my answer.
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Shame on him for making it to SPC/E4 and not knowing to look in AR 670-1. Most units still have a bulletin board with hard copies of important information on them, and I recall seeing charts of wear out got to have dates posted. And shame on the leaders who fail to teach their troops where to find the info they need; my mentors taught me everything they could and expected me to pass it on as I progressed.
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Suspended Profile
What is everyone else wearing in formation? Usually if it is an authorized uniform in 670-1, you can wear it, properly. Typically, some 1SGs like to have their units in one uniform - up to him and the Commander.
once these jackets get into the supply chain, they are going to be available anywhere. My primary focus would be on the fact that he did not attempt to capitalize on the rarity of the jacket by "patching" it. the same thing happened with the nylon flight jackets after Vietnam.
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As an "older vet", I would say..." If you haven't been there, don't even LIE about it. I've found that if you come across someone who has... you might just get you ass whooped ... big time. Be proud of your time and duty, but PLEASE don't blatantly insult those who have really "paid the price" and have true "bragging rights".Do'tinsult yourself and the uniform. Ego has its place...but not here.
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Let me say this to the guy who wants to wear a "SPECIAL" patch! I was a patient at Walter Reed and there are so many of our brothers there that lost so many of their body parts they told me their family thinks they are dead! Really! !! They don't need a patch! To me, they are all Hero's!
So if this guy wants to PRETEND he went somewhere ii.e (vacation to Mexico) let him, WE know what kind of a guy he is because (REAL Soldiers) don't need to show off where they have been! Thank you for all those that Don't need a Patch! And Thank you and Have a Safe & Nice Day! Even from Illinois! Bob
So if this guy wants to PRETEND he went somewhere ii.e (vacation to Mexico) let him, WE know what kind of a guy he is because (REAL Soldiers) don't need to show off where they have been! Thank you for all those that Don't need a Patch! And Thank you and Have a Safe & Nice Day! Even from Illinois! Bob
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enrich yourself by knowledge through research n regulations.
It will guide you to do the right thing and lead you to be a better leader.
It will guide you to do the right thing and lead you to be a better leader.
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Okay this was posted in 2016 it is now 2020 Now I am going to post how I feel about this whole thing bash me if you wish. It is unimportant at this time and I will likely not come back and read it anyway. I have considered leaving Rally Point for the same actions I see here. SGM Erik Marquez posted a very fine answer for a E-4 that was short, sweet, informing,. It also left the SM with the opportunity for self education not S^&* lawyer stuff. Now my big complaint is Unless you can show as many years of leadership as a SGM Has you may want to check your self, and quit whining for the sack or argument. Your civilian leadership courses cannot compare to Military leadership schools. Quit assuming that just because you disagree with some one else that you are right, also quit assuming all together. The Military has never ask NCO's at any level to hand carry SM's to the publications Library and make them read, So People like TSGT. Who chooses to coddle said SM in his leadership style makes a SNCO Wrong in his opinion. Pore way of thinking in my book while your coddling said SM you and half you unit will be compromised or Killed. People want to ask these question in here and get answers not watch the penis envy arguments after posts the internal fighting is stupid at best. I find looking as a individuals profile very helpful and one of the Major AF responders here's profile has no claim to Military Leadership. Pretty well sums it up for me, maybe when you get a little time and go get a education in Military leadership, Quit Assuming, and Learn and read a Post, and others above and below that post, just maybe then you can have the ability assess the situation in an adult Manner until then your just stirring S^&* to smell it stink. JMTC
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Lots of statutory info / answers here.
I’d appeal to this—if his previous unit of assignment was wearing that uniform, why would he not be issued / wearing it—-?whether he deployed or not?
I’d appeal to this—if his previous unit of assignment was wearing that uniform, why would he not be issued / wearing it—-?whether he deployed or not?
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SPC, the behavior of many NCO’s on this post does not represent all of us NCO’s. Take this has a learning experience on what not to be like In the future when you earn your stripes. Don’t be discourage and be the example you wish you had. The answer to your question is neither yes or no. It really depends, if the fracu’s have Velcro in the shoulder then they’re not authorized. If they have zipper then yes they are authorized. You do not have to be deployed to wear them, in fact some times soldiers get them because they only have a set of ocp’s and we all know fracu’s are way more comfortable to wear anyway.
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Some units won’t authorize the fracks to be worn in garrison. Even so, you don’t have to have been deployed to wear them. Same with deployment patches, skill badges, etc. you aren’t required to wear them. AR 670-1 is your friend in this case.
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