Can the 1SG, or anyone for that matter, make soldiers purchase the OCP uniform for a COC before the wear out date of ACUs?

2016-05-03T07:43:31-04:00

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made May 3 at 2016 7:50 AM

2016-05-03T07:50:11-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member ,
There was an ALARACT message published that gives guidance to leaders on how to support the OCP transition, in which Soldiers can wear any of the three patterned uniforms and commanders will not require for Soldiers to purchase specific items or uniforms. Hope this helps.
http://soldiersystems.net/2015/06/02/us-army-issues-alaract-ocp-transition/

US Army Issues ALARACT For OCP Transition - Soldier Systems Daily

The US Army has finally officially issued the long awaited ALARACT for the OCP transition. The ALARACT in its entirety can be read below, along with the uniform issue waves.

Response by SSG Dan Willmont made May 3 at 2016 8:18 AM

2016-05-03T08:18:42-04:00

Unless that 1SG out ranks the SMA, no he cannot.

Response by SSG(P) Ell Pizarek made May 3 at 2016 8:40 AM

2016-05-03T08:40:41-04:00

If you are planing on leaving the military prior to this date, and don't plan on purchasing the uniform, then I would recommend you talk with your COC. If you respectfully let them know that you understand that they are wanting the unit to all be in the same uniform, but you plan on leaving prior to having to buy the new uniform. Perhaps you could offer to be on the side lines taking pictures. Should you go in and state that you are not going to have to be in the OCP and they can't make you, then your life will get a lot harder. I went through this many times in my years.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2016 9:31 AM

2016-05-03T09:31:07-04:00

No they cannot. But Seniors will use the phrase " I highly recommend that you do this" In other words buy the uniform or you are on my sh*t list. If you are planning to stay in then it wouldn't hurt to but at least one uniform to be able to participate in the CoC and other functions that require uniformity. Especially as an NCO you should want to do what is necessary. But if you are planning on exiting the service before the wear out date then you shouldn't waste the money.

Response by SSG Calvin Grant made May 3 at 2016 10:01 AM

2016-05-03T10:01:35-04:00

As long as you have not received your clothing allowance then you can't be made to purchase the new uniform.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2016 10:38 AM

2016-05-03T10:38:05-04:00

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made May 3 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-05-03T11:05:55-04:00

Seems like if the command wants everybody in the same uniform, they could designate a uniform everybody already has...ASU.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 3 at 2016 2:09 PM

2016-05-03T14:09:22-04:00

Not to my knowledge, I thought the SMA out ranked a 1st Sergeant!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2016 2:17 PM

2016-05-03T14:17:22-04:00

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2016 2:18 PM

2016-05-03T14:18:16-04:00

NO!!! Thhat was put out several times in the MilPER messages that were published surrounding the new pattern. CoC CANNOT force a soldier to purchase the new pattern. That is what Clothing Allowance is for. Once the Clothing Allowance posts, then the SM would be wise to purchase it. But the CoC cannot force a soldier to purchase the new pattern with their Base or Supp pay.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 3 at 2016 2:34 PM

2016-05-03T14:34:39-04:00

No. However, "back in the day", when LES's were handed out by PSG's once a month, if you got your annual clothing allowance that month, you got a clothing inspection. Anything that was deemed "unserviceable" or missing was put on a list, and you were counseled on a counseling statement to replace those items by a certain date for re-inspection. That was the 1SG's policy, as he found a legal "loophole" to make people purchase new uniform items by ensuring the clothing allowance was being used as it was intended for.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made May 3 at 2016 5:12 PM

2016-05-03T17:12:22-04:00

No they can't and this is coming from the SMA.

Response by SFC John Hill made May 3 at 2016 9:54 PM

2016-05-03T21:54:18-04:00

The Service Member cannot be ordered to buy (with clothing allowance) a "clothing bag" item (not to include unserviceable/missing CTA) before the Wear Out Date of of the item that is being replaced, then the SM must comply with the Mandatory Possession Date for the new item.

Response by CW3 Stephen Mills made May 31 at 2016 10:39 AM

2016-05-31T10:39:47-04:00

No, the uniform is an authorized uniform prior to the wear out date. I wore greens until the wear out date just because I liked them.

Response by SGT Darryl Dykes made Jun 3 at 2016 3:13 AM

2016-06-03T03:13:54-04:00

Yes You must be in uniform with rest of your unit.

Response by SGT Darryl Dykes made Jun 3 at 2016 3:15 AM

2016-06-03T03:15:25-04:00

Yes. You must be in uniform with your unit.

Response by SGT Darryl Dykes made Jun 3 at 2016 3:16 AM

2016-06-03T03:16:52-04:00

Yes. You must be in uniform with your unit.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2017 10:13 PM

2017-07-12T22:13:16-04:00

Make or strongly encourage?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2019 8:07 AM

2019-09-21T08:07:38-04:00

What is the rank of the soldier

Response by PV2 Bob Ondown made Sep 21 at 2019 1:02 PM

2019-09-21T13:02:27-04:00

Sounds like the 1SG is brown nosing for SGM promotion.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2020 8:39 AM

2020-12-08T08:39:50-05:00

BLUF: Yes, if the uniform is stained or serviceable.

If you refer to AR 670-1, para 2-7, it is the Soldier’s responsibility to replace uniforms as needed. Para 3-6 describes that ” Personnel must keep uniforms clean, serviceable, and roll- pressed, as necessary. Soldiers must project a military image that leaves no doubt that they live by a common military standard and uphold military order and discipline.” Therefore if his/her chain of command was the uniform is unprofessional or needs replacement, than the Soldier should replace the uniform. Additionally, enlisted soldiers receive a clothing allowance to assist in the enforcement of the standards/requirments outlined in AR 670-1.