My Platoon Sgt has ordered us to get name, rank, and a reflective E for eco troop sewn on ruck and FLC at our own expense. Can he force this?

PFC (Join to see) , you are marching into a fight you will not win. The order given by your platoon sergeant is not illegal, immoral nor unethical. Therefore, yes he can discipline you for failing to follow the lawful orders of a Noncommissioned Officer. While my answer is short and sweet, SSG(P) Lauren Manuel answered your question best.

If you itemize, you can write off 'uncompensated, job related expenses' on your taxes. This would count... as would any uniform purchases/ costs of alterations in excess of the clothing allowance, field gear paid for out of pocket-- knives, flashlights, etc.-- assuming the primary purpose of the purchase was for your job.

1. It is a legal order. 2. It will run you around $10. 3. It is a sound order- have you ever been told to drop rucks, throw them on the truck, etc.., which leaves your ruck with your gear outside your management? Then just how the hell are you suppose to find YOUR equipment once you link back up with it out of the 40-120, etc other rucks?? Especially if they tell you 10 min to find it ruck and be ready to move again? Damn son, in the 82nd Rangers, Corps- all rucks were marked with our Names and some ort of reflective designation.