Should I update my Class A's for a lateral promotion?

2017-04-25T01:21:53-04:00

In short, I have been holding an E-5 slot since January, and was laterally promoted from Specialist to Corporal while awaiting BLC in September. My unit will not be performing a Class A inspection until December, nor do I think I'll need my Class A's until then. Should I update the rank to CPL or leave it until after BLC and the official promotion?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 1:23 AM

2017-04-25T01:23:16-04:00

Update them

Response by SGT Charles Napierala made Apr 25 at 2017 1:38 AM

2017-04-25T01:38:34-04:00

You need to wait for the actual promotion, your ERB to populate, or until you receive orders. Nothing looks more dicked up than a Specialist wearing gold-trimmed dress pants when they're not yet an NCO. A unit is more forgiving to a soldier that has their dress uniform turned into alterations awaiting an updates than they are a soldier that's wearing a rank they haven't yet been appointed.

Similar to ACUs--you don't pin on the rank until you have your promotion orders.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 1:40 AM

2017-04-25T01:40:17-04:00

You're no longer a SPC. You should wear your current rank. It would be embarrassing to have to wear SPC as a CPL if you need that uniform. ASUs are not only worn at inspections. You never know what may come up. If the unit saw fit to make you an NCO, own it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 2:13 AM

2017-04-25T02:13:05-04:00

If you can get your 4187 for proof of promotion then go ahead and buy the pants, sew on the rank and buy the shoulder boards. It's a lot of money so don't do it without the 4187. Don't worry about BLC, that's the easiest part.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 3:14 AM

2017-04-25T03:14:02-04:00

Your Class A's should always be inspection ready, so in saying that I would have to agree with SSG Johnson. If you have your DA Form 4187 or promotion orders by DA then you need to get your rank sewn on.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 4:08 AM

2017-04-25T04:08:46-04:00

I concur, update your ASUs. Even though its a lateral promotion, your ASUs reflect your Rank, not your Pay Grade, which are/can be two different things. Think of the same situation where a Master Sergeant becomes a First Sergeant; its the same pay grade (E-8), but different Rank.

You want to be ready, in the event you need your ASUs for a last second tasking between now and September. I've previously been called on for a Funeral Detail that I was not expecting. It happens.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Apr 25 at 2017 5:36 AM

2017-04-25T05:36:06-04:00

NO! I think you should leave it be so your supervisors will have the opportunity to exercise their leadership when you fail to wear the correct rank at the Soldier of the Quarter board, or surprise inspection, or community relations event that pops up.....

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 25 at 2017 7:51 AM

2017-04-25T07:51:11-04:00

If I only had a nickel for every time someone said "Oh, I don't need my service dress uniform for months so I'm not putting my new rank on...." and then got caught in a very awkward situation of not having a uniform ready to go....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 8:12 AM

2017-04-25T08:12:09-04:00

Update it.
There are more changes than just rank. You need shoulder boards, different pants...
There aren't too many things more embarrassing for a brand new NCO than getting caught out of uniform. People will be watching and as we all know, surprises happen.

As far as cost goes, the most expensive item is the pants, but you'll need them when you pin on SGT anyway.

Response by SFC Patrick Stevenson made Apr 25 at 2017 9:06 AM

2017-04-25T09:06:52-04:00

You never know when you may be called upon for a formal function. Corporal (Hardstripe) is something to be extra proud of. Your uniform should always reflect CURRENT status. Otherwise you end up having to make excuses about why you are out of uniform.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 9:43 AM

2017-04-25T09:43:49-04:00

Update your rank on your ASUs.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 25 at 2017 9:58 AM

2017-04-25T09:58:29-04:00

Well, look at it this way. What would you say to the PFC in your team that has been recently promoted to SPC, when you inspect his Greens to see if they are squared away? Would you chew his ass because he decided to wait til august and the formal inspection is in Sept? What would you say to him then when yours isn't correct and you are doing the same.

Lead from the front, do what is right even, when no one is there! I kinda of think you knew the answer to this before you asked, just wanting to justify the not wanting to spend the money to do it again for your 5. Not busting yer BA-11's just saying.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 10:04 AM

2017-04-25T10:04:40-04:00

As everyone else has said, update now. If cost is an issue, you can buy the gold braid for the pants and have it sewed on.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 25 at 2017 11:33 AM

2017-04-25T11:33:20-04:00

No...you do not use the Class A uniform any more. Update you current uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 11:37 AM

2017-04-25T11:37:33-04:00

You were promoted to CPL right? Update your uniform. You're not a SPC. Just because you get paid the same doesn't mean your rank didn't change. Go get CPL rank on your uniform. Otherwise you're going to fail your inspection. Also you have to have your ASUs updated for BLC too. I think they make you wear them at graduation and you have to do an inspection. We had ours inspected in WLC when I went in 2007 but I don't know if we wore them at graduation. We did have a ball at the end of the course and had to wear our Class A's to it. They checked them out before the SGLs.

Why wouldn't you want to put the stripes on your uniform? What do you wear on your ACUs?

Response by MSG David Rogers III made Apr 25 at 2017 12:05 PM

2017-04-25T12:05:28-04:00

I concur with everyone else. Update your uniform within one day of every change. It may cost a little extra, but it is about doing what is right. By the way.... Congratulations on your promotion, and good luck in BLC!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 12:19 PM

2017-04-25T12:19:40-04:00

Honestly, I think if you are even asking that question then you are not ready to be an NCO.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 25 at 2017 3:06 PM

2017-04-25T15:06:53-04:00

You should update it ASAP. Congrats on your promotion.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 4:35 PM

2017-04-25T16:35:57-04:00

I think the word official promotion is something to be considered hear, do you have promotion orders in hand, do they specify the successful completion of BLC, have you gone to your PSG, FSG to find the correct answer, case in point, I was promoted to HM3(e-4) navy while in transit to FMSS, myself and another corpsman, we were not allowed to put the rank on until after the ceremony

Response by SGT Victoria Belbusti made Apr 25 at 2017 5:08 PM

2017-04-25T17:08:18-04:00

You need your ASUs at BLC. With the correct rank.

Response by CPL Paul Hoffman made Apr 25 at 2017 6:39 PM

2017-04-25T18:39:29-04:00

Whether the promotion occurred at the DA level or at the unit level, update the uniform to reflect the current rank.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 25 at 2017 10:10 PM

2017-04-25T22:10:54-04:00

Ah, Yes... Of course you should. SSG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Apr 26 at 2017 5:51 AM

2017-04-26T05:51:06-04:00

Don't be that guy! Get it right.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 27 at 2017 7:16 PM

2017-04-27T19:16:10-04:00

As an NCO your uniform should always be up to date and ready to be worn within a day's notice. You never know if you might need to sponsor a Joe for a board or perhaps some detail comes down that you have to wear it. When I was still in they were still doing monthly payday activities as well, do they not do that anymore?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 8:16 PM

2017-04-27T20:16:15-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member if you were active I would say without a doubt update as soon as you received paperwork and promoted to any rank you update your uniform as you never know when you'll need it. As a reservist/national guard you should as well, because you may be called for funeral detail or asked to do something. September is a bit away.

Response by CPL Mike Kivler made Apr 27 at 2017 8:29 PM

2017-04-27T20:29:54-04:00

Does your DD-214 say corporal, if not leave as is.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 9:37 PM

2017-04-27T21:37:46-04:00

Definitely update now i am currently in BLC and they will inspect your ASUs slick to make sure its clean and address any adjustments that need to be made

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 6:12 AM

2017-05-01T06:12:33-04:00

I would update for sure. Never know what may come up.

Response by CPL Pennell Jester made May 9 at 2017 4:14 PM

2017-05-09T16:14:55-04:00

Wait until you have the official promotion in hand, anything can happen in the mean time. If you get a surprise Class A inspection you would be impersonating an NCO until you are officially pinned..

Response by CPL Robert Ray made May 9 at 2017 5:40 PM

2017-05-09T17:40:09-04:00

Update, Update, Update!!! I had a similar thing happen to me back in the day... ended up having to fly home due to a death in the family and was so glad I wasn't still sporting my sham shields on my Class A's. Unfortunately, shortly after returning, I got injured and ended up with a medical instead of another stripe. :-(

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 12:47 AM

2017-05-10T00:47:54-04:00

The best thing to do is send the question through your chain of command. Depending on how by the books and/or dress right dress your leadership is they may require you too. Risking it isn't worth the push ups. That's what leadership is there for

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2017 12:32 PM

2017-05-16T12:32:48-04:00

That's a pvt question lol

Response by CPL Paul Balares made May 22 at 2017 11:35 AM

2017-05-22T11:35:02-04:00

Go ahead and change it, that's what I did!

Response by SGT David Holt made May 22 at 2017 1:03 PM

2017-05-22T13:03:58-04:00

I would say put the Corporal rank on. It pays to be prepared.

Response by SGT Jeffery Parsons made May 23 at 2017 6:06 PM

2017-05-23T18:06:47-04:00

Update all uniforms ASAP. You will be showing that you take the "Lateral Promotion" (hopefully with orders) and the increase of responsibility of the NCO Corps seriously.

Response by SGT Derek Minnich made May 23 at 2017 8:55 PM

2017-05-23T20:55:16-04:00

Always keep up to date!

Response by CPL Steven Skeen made May 29 at 2017 12:27 AM

2017-05-29T00:27:27-04:00

With that mentality you may not be ready for the next level. A top notch soldier has everything by the book. It's the things you do when noone is looking that counts.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2017 6:41 PM

2017-06-08T18:41:42-04:00

I will add to this, that if you get the gold braid sewn on rather than buying completely new pants, go to someone who knows what they are doing. Personal experience, it looks really jacked up if it's done wrong. Also, if you plan to make a career out of the military, you are going to stay an NCO, unless you commission, so do it right the first time. Definitely worth the money

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 7:07 PM

2017-08-09T19:07:30-04:00

yes

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 9 at 2017 10:42 PM

2017-08-09T22:42:08-04:00

Always keep your stuff up to date and tailored. You never know what is going to come up.

Response by CPL Eric Amsden made Aug 23 at 2017 9:55 PM

2017-08-23T21:55:21-04:00

Yes the marks where the old rank was will be seen.

Response by Jason H made Jan 23 at 2018 2:40 PM

2018-01-23T14:40:00-05:00

you shouldnt need to ask that question if you were in jrotc you would know that. its amazing they let you into the army with the pea size brain you have

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 8:49 AM

2020-01-15T08:49:31-05:00

This being a question speaks volumes. Good luck

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jul 29 at 2020 11:04 PM

2020-07-29T23:04:49-04:00

If it’s official and you have the paperwork to show it get them changed. You never know when you might need to wear your Class A. You might get assigned a funeral detail or be asked to wear it at a wedding like I was recently. My niece got married at Camp Pendleton and my mom and sister like seeing me in my uniform and asked me to wear it. I think they really wanted to watch all those Marines salute me

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 31 at 2021 7:59 AM

2021-05-31T07:59:58-04:00

You must always update your uniform, not an option, nor is there an excuse should you not and someone in your COC sees them.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2021 7:56 PM

2021-05-31T19:56:12-04:00

You should 100% keep your Class A’s up to date with anything that has been updated on your military records IE rank, awards, and service related skill badges. I am being awarded the rank of Corporal soon and the day it happens I will take my class A’s to be re sewn and get a pair of NCO slacks.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Jul 2 at 2021 12:24 PM

2021-07-02T12:24:56-04:00

The Boy Scout motto comes to mind. "BE PREPARED." Yes, update your Class A's.

A "war story" comes to mind. One of my uncles during WW2 was in Patton's Army - infantry. During an unannounced inspection, as the General was going down the line, soldier-to-soldier, he noticed that some of their uniforms, my uncle's included, had a different shade where they had removed the rank.
To each man, including my uncle, he'd ask them their rank. When my uncle, and the others would reply ... well, to my uncle he said, "No! You are now a PRIVATE!" My uncle was a SGT or SSG.
Despite the General's actions, their Company Commander ketp them in their leadership roles and after a month or so, they all got their stripes back. Thereafter, my uncle kept a fatigue shirt with his rank for any formal formation. Otherwise he and his fellow NCO's still had not patches on what theiy'd wear in the field.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jul 2 at 2021 12:54 PM

2021-07-02T12:54:54-04:00

You Class A uniform should always be ready to wear at all time and with current up to date insignia and rank displayed. Its not always predictable when that uniform may be needed and like any other uniform or equipment You have should be ready for immediate use. It should only be a matter of putting it on, not having to update things that should already have been done.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2021 1:26 PM

2021-07-02T13:26:02-04:00

You always want to ensure your uniform reflects your current rank, years of service, etc.

Response by CPL Steve Hubbard made Dec 3 at 2022 5:51 PM

2022-12-03T17:51:51-05:00

Sgt., you know full well your class a uniform should always be ready and updated.