Nametapes sewn on trouser pockets (Army)

2014-02-08T13:33:58-05:00

I have been noticing a trend lately. I ETS'd from the Army less then 60 days ago. I was on deployment until July of this past year. I noticed since the beginning of OEF XIII that a lot of the LT's have been sewing their names over their back trouser pockets the way marines do. Prior to that I have not ever seen this done to the ACU/OCP uniform. Regulations do not explicitly forbid this, but AR 670-1 does specify where the name tapes go, and the back of the trousers is not mentioned. Which leads to my question as to why this seems to be popular among todays LT's. Do they teach this at OCS/ROTC nowadays?  I haven't seen any enlisted or CPT's and above do this so I think this may be new..

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 1:41 PM

2014-02-08T13:41:33-05:00

I was wondering the same thing, I just got done with WLC, and one of the 11B SGTs in my class had the same thing done to his trousers. I personally think it's a good idea.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 1:44 PM

2014-02-08T13:44:35-05:00

I know downrange it can be an issue when it comes to laundry and making sure you get your stuff back, so that's a good way to handle that I guess.  The only other thing I can think of is for recovery operations for remains (Torso separated from lower body).

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 8 at 2014 1:57 PM

2014-02-08T13:57:31-05:00

Pre ACU many did this. I did as well for BDUS and DCUs .  Before KBR, there were Shower, Laundry, Clothing Repair Units (SLCR pronounced slicker) in Supply and Service Companies. Your 21 pieces of laundry went into a mesh bag. The whole bag went into a deuce and a half sized washer and dryer with the rest of your units bags. Some times things got separated. Easier to get your XL-L pants back if there is a name on them. One also wrote their battle roster number or "mechanic number" ( first letter of last name with SSN last four) on your skivvies and tee shirts. Risk accepted with socks. Definitely not new. Probably has more to do with field expedient laundry contracts than some new high speed trend. There is a practical reason for it. This was the explanation a QM LTC also gave me in 1990 when I asked. Lived it in OIF I.<div><br></div><div>Back in the OG 107 and BDU days ROTC Cadets used to have patrol Caps with name tapes sewn in the back and cat eyes like some elite infantry unit SOPs at the time. Got to the 11th ACR and it was not SOP there. Was told I was not in the Ranger Bat and Had to strip them off. Things change.</div>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 2:17 PM

2014-02-08T14:17:43-05:00

Easier to keep up with your clothes in the wash in Ranger school! Did these Officers happen to be 11Bs or tabbed?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 7:14 PM

2014-02-08T19:14:29-05:00

Almost all of us who go to Ranger school get the Nametapes sewn on there, as it is one of the easiest ways to track your clothing.

That is the most logical answer I can think of, since all us 19 and 11 series bubba's going were doing it.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 8 at 2014 9:09 PM

2014-02-08T21:09:31-05:00

This was mostly done so you didn't lose your clothes when they got turned in for field laundry. We also used to write our name and last 4 on our T-shirts for the same reason.

Of course the old joke was the Navy did it so they would know who they were "fraternizing" with when they were at sea.... ;o)

Response by SGT Ben Keen made May 9 at 2014 3:44 PM

2014-05-09T15:44:11-04:00

I had name tags right above my right pocket on my BDU and ACUs pants. My first team chief told me to do because it was a directive set from the PSG and I never saw anything in the old AR 670-1 that said not to. I think its a great idea. Keeps things organized.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 6:49 PM

2015-03-06T18:49:30-05:00

As a 2LT who recently graduated from OCS, the first time I ever saw a name sewn onto the pants pocket was during ABOLC. He was the only person in the troop who had it done, and he had just graduated Ranger School prior to coming to ABOLC.

I think it's more of a Ranger School habit than anything else.

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Mar 6 at 2015 6:53 PM

2015-03-06T18:53:18-05:00

Soldiers have been doing it for a long time. I know at least since the 90's as that's when I joined. And I'm sure for much longer than that. There are many reasons for it. One main reason is do that you can ensure that you always get your own trousers back when you send your uniform to get cleaned.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Apr 7 at 2015 7:54 PM

2015-04-07T19:54:17-04:00

I had this done while deployed, for laundry purposes.

But when we came back to the states, within a week, I had a CSM rip me a new one for having it done.

We can't win.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 6:14 PM

2015-04-11T18:14:10-04:00

LT just doing what they do. Their own thing.