Why do you turn in obsolete items on your CIF records when it's time to PCS/ETS? Why must I pay for them if they're missing?

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:03:11 -0400

Can anyone explain why you must turn in obsolete or "end of life "items on your cif records such as a wool scarf the black fleece when it's time to pcs/ets? Why must I pay for them if they're considered obsolete and they're missing?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 16 at 2014 7:05 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:05:33 -0400

Steel mess kits, Mickey Mouse boots, wool blankets, shelter halves... And the Army keeps rolling along...

Because it is the government. No further justification is need according to them :-)

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 16 at 2014 7:06 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:06:22 -0400

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member That does seem ridiculous. Maybe the government is selling all of them to friendly nations?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 16 at 2014 7:11 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:11:59 -0400

Can I have an OH-58D from the bone yard?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 7:18 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:18:24 -0400

SFC Mark Merino actually hit the nail on the head. We sell that old stuff off to our allies. Many of them still use the old stuff that we no longer use. I go to know the CIF guys in Germany pretty well and actually asked that question. And they told me exactly that.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 16 at 2014 7:39 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:39:37 -0400

Simply put, your signature was an agreement to return it.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Sep 16 at 2014 7:46 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:46:29 -0400

One of the things I did when I first signed for the issued equipment was "Not inspect it", before walking away. While CIF would like to rush you out the door, the second time "I inspected every piece of equipment in the list by detail and made them change what was worn out on the spot". If I lose it its on me, but I took well care of the equipment. If the equipment is obsolete and I signed for it, it goes back. Lets just say if its not in my CIF records with my signature I'm not paying it for it. Same was with my TK 101 tool kit. If I had a screw driver missing and I never signed for it, I'm not paying for it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 8:51 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 20:51:07 -0400

In my opinion the Army shouldn't ask for any individual equipment back they are not going to reissue. Think of all the costs to inventory sort and ship that stuff just to get rid of it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 8:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 20:58:28 -0400

I hear you. I'm less concerned about potentially missing items than I am about having so much to have to keep accounting for. I've tried to go in and turn in and have removed from my records several choice items that i haven't used in years and has been replaced by other gear. I've been through RFI 3 too many times. Quite literally i have 3 tan t-shirts and 3 pairs of green socks. I know exactly when they showed up. The question is, why do i still need them on my 5 page clothing record? I've got roughtly 12 pairs of boots on there of 4 different styles, 5 sets of black silkweight underwear, and 4 sets of tan. Luckily my BDU's were never on there. My DCU's keep switching from ETS transfer y and n.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 9:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 21:15:43 -0400

In the Army National Guard, YOU CAN.....keep it.... in most cases... depending on what it is...

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 9:24 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 21:24:00 -0400

My opinion is this, if you have items the army wants back, then turn it back in. They have issued you an item for use, and unless there really isn't a need for the item, then give it back. I have my feelings on some items that I've been issued that I've not wanted to turn in because of future use in my career. i.e. the "marsh mellow suit", or the level 7 layer of the ECWCS Gen III. I had to turn those items back in, which I feel is something we shouldn't because thats still an item that has future use in its life. I feel the army can waste time and money on small things like that, because in the situation that you keep the item and over time you have lost it or it becomes damaged, you still pay for it, either way, the army gets it's money.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2014 2:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 14:26:01 -0400

Because they were issued to you, you signed for them, and are expected to maintain them. Just because they arent issued to us anymore doesnt mean that they are yours for the keeping. The military re-purposes old out of date equipment to support many different endevors, from other nations' militarys, issue to civilians, you name it. Where do you think the Iraqis and Afghans got all those K-Pots?

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Sep 17 at 2014 5:30 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 17:30:08 -0400

After 27 years and 21 flying ones, they will want my plastic kneeboard and aviator glasses back! I think i lost the sunglasses (TOP GUN style) in the Gulf of Mexico, but oh well, I will buy some at the local store and turn in I guess, cause the depreciation after 20 plus years still doesn't allow for me to keep them!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2017 12:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 12:17:30 -0500

anyone on Fort Hood knowing the going rate of the black fleece. I have 2 on my hand clothing record but only have possession of 1.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Jan 28 at 2017 12:26 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 12:26:59 -0500

Probably because you signed for them originally and it was you responsibility to protect them and make sure they are serviceable-That being said it's often much easier to purchase the item at Army/Navy Store or other source for turn in-Hope it was not a "sensitive item"!!