Is the iWOL jacket authorized for anyone to wear?

2019-10-29T03:19:13-04:00

I’ve tried to look through 670-1 to understand if anyone is allowed to wear this jacket. I can’t really find an answer. A lot of what i have read gives a really unclear answer. Some say yes, some say no, but I can’t find a straight answer. I saw one of the NCOs on shift wearing it and started to wonder if just anyone who feels like buying one can wear it, or is this up to commander discretion? I know it’s primarily issued to mechanics and pilots on flight lines. Thanks for any input.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2019 4:13 AM

2019-10-29T04:13:00-04:00

I believe it falls under the "when authorized by the commander".

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2019 4:14 AM

2019-10-29T04:14:41-04:00

You better double and triple check before putting out 580 clams for it. I'm not sure it's worth it

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2019 5:46 AM

2019-10-29T05:46:46-04:00

Only if you’re a fueler/aviator/aviation mechanic

Response by LTC Stephen B. made Oct 29 at 2019 11:47 AM

2019-10-29T11:47:32-04:00

You can wear the iWOL only when AWOL.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Oct 29 at 2019 12:41 PM

2019-10-29T12:41:04-04:00

Just one former Sailor's opinion... but why in the heck can't we just issue folks good stuff and authorize it for when it makes sense to wear it? I'm going to go on a little rant here that (sadly) won't help answer SPC McAda's question, but may hopefully get a few folks with some power thinking-please forgive. I "get" some things, like preserving specific, iconic, and largely symbolic "organizational" clothing for an elite set of individuals... stuff like berets, flight suits, spurs, cavalry hats, etc...etc. However, a helmet is a helmet, a shirt's a shirt, and a jacket is a jacket. I've got some IWOL stuff, and it's very, very nice. Massif is an industry leader, and the Marine Corps actually pioneered this style of intermediate weather wear with their Desert Combat Jacket (Man, do I wish that thing wasn't covered in EGAs!). OCP, Multicam...whatever you wanna call it is darn good camo too. I can't see a "professionalism" issue here because side-by-side with the OCP top... well, we ain't talking about "semi formal" here folks. Seems to me your average Joe or Jane should have enough sense to know when the weather warrants a GoreTex parka, their usual top, or something less bulky, lighter, and capable of going under plates. I imagine leaders should be able to issue an order for formations and other instances where it's important for everyone to look alike as well. Ok, I'll get back in my lane and be grateful I can wear fractal camo hunting if it floats my boat.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Oct 29 at 2019 12:54 PM

2019-10-29T12:54:46-04:00

With a name like that, I wouldn’t eat to

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2019 2:57 PM

2019-10-29T14:57:55-04:00

If you find a regulation that says we can’t, let me know.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2019 1:06 AM

2019-10-30T01:06:28-04:00

670-1 says it is part of the Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble worn by flight and combat vehicle crew members and selected other MOS. It's listed in the Aircrew Uniform chapter.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2019 10:07 AM

2019-10-31T10:07:34-04:00

It has an NSN so the Army is buying them for someone to wear

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2019 2:12 AM

2019-11-01T02:12:08-04:00

That jacket is often coveted by non-aviation units. Kept me nice and warm in the Afghan winter. Had plenty of folks asking me where they could get one. Unless you were issued one, I doubt your chain would support you freestyling. But I do have a question, have you actually seen one for sale somewhere? I have only seen them via RFI.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2019 5:01 PM

2019-11-30T17:01:16-05:00

Is that the OEF-CP?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2022 1:06 PM

2022-12-22T13:06:28-05:00

My unit was successful in convincing the CWO at the CIF warehouse to issue them for our entire battalion, with the rationale that all of them are combat vehicle crewman within a CAB. While aviators are much more successful in getting the FREE system, the regulation does authorize it for "combat vehicle crews." ref. DA PAM 670-1, para 6-13a, dtd 26JAN21.