Is there a regulation against putting your rank on your bag?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 06:29:42 -0500

When I joined the guard, we were given these multi cam backpacks (not assault packs) that had a spot for our nametape. Some people have put their rank on the outside of them. Is there a regulation against that since they’re technically personal bags?

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Nov 26 at 2018 7:03 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 07:03:17 -0500

Was this something that your recruiter gave you when you joined or did your unit give it to you? If it was issued by your unit have you checked with your supervisor about this? What does your unit's SOP say about it?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2018 8:54 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 08:54:22 -0500

AR and DA PAM 670-1 comprise of 398 pages of what you WILL wear and what you MAY wear. If the reg had to state every instance of "WILL NOT wear" it would be thousands of pages.
If you cannot find it stated as "will wear" or "may wear", then it is against regulation to wear it.
Rank on a backpack is not stated as "will wear" or "may wear" in either publication

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2018 9:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 09:33:35 -0500

There is no regulation that will cover what you are allowed to wear on your personal time. As long as it is not offencive, you may wear whatever you want. Since you are in the National Guard this rule is even less strict then it would be on active duty.
If you are wearing a personal bag while in uniform then the regulations are fairly specific about what you may wear and how it will be worn. If you are unfamiliar with the regulation, then you should pull up your Google box and open DA PAM 670 - 1 and AR 670 - 1. Regulations are the bases of everything we do, so you should familiarize yourself with them early on in your career

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2018 2:33 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 14:33:21 -0500

I would probably not worry about it, unless the unit asks that you take it off. I mean, it's not like you are putting corporate logos or something inappropriate on it. Also, the medium rucksack I was issued has a big velcro area that people were putting US Army/name/unit patch/rank, or a combination of the 4 on it and it was not an issue.

Response by 1stSgt Jeff Blovat made Nov 26 at 2018 8:58 PM

1stSgt Jeff Blovat — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 20:58:40 -0500

Saw them a lot in active duty. Especially on TDY. Good way to ensure no one steals your stuff.

Response by 1stSgt Jeff Blovat made Nov 26 at 2018 9:00 PM

1stSgt Jeff Blovat — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 21:00:31 -0500

How about this old Air Force dog?

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2018 11:54 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 23:54:04 -0500

Defer to your leadership while in uniform but while worn In civilian clothes, you'll be fine. One of your minor responsibilities as a Guardsman is recruiting & retention, talk to your local recruiter and be prepared to sell anyone who asks aboit your bag on joining the guard.