DCC: Buy before or when I arrive?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 10:33:42 -0400

I just received orders for DCC and I leave fairly soon. This school has a packing list and I am getting mixed reviews on whether or not I should buy everything before I get there or not. I was on AAEFES and I'm noticing the it doesn't have a sizing chart for most items and that some of the items I need are out of stock. Would it be best to buy what I can before hand or just wait for everything at once?

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Nov 1 at 2018 11:22 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 11:22:27 -0400

Hooah and Wait until you get to your DCC as they may offer special pricing. God be with you my friend.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made Nov 1 at 2018 11:35 AM

CPT Enrique M. — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 11:35:23 -0400

Question do you live near a base that has Army uniforms? if you do,I would just purchase it ahead of time.
The reason you get mixed reviews is that sometimes the clothing stores at bases where DCC or BOLC are located run out of uniforms because of the influx of students. Which can leave you without a uniform.
You can roll the dice and see if you can get special pricing but you run a high risk of not getting a uniform.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2018 2:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 14:22:27 -0400

Are these items that you can't buy at a used or military surplus store? I was able to buy used ocp uniforms in the earlier Style and they were half price compared to the new a ocp style and the pockets like the AC you and much easier to use than the current ocp pockets. I've been having a hard time finding shoulder boards for my ranking civil Affairs and one lady they're at the clothing sales said to order it directly from Vanguard

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2018 7:44 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 19:44:05 -0400

I definitely don’t recommend buying uniforms anywhere there are training schools. When I went to BOLC it took me about 2.5 months to buy the new PTs because they were always sold out between soldiers there for BOLC/ALC/CCC/AIT. If you live anywhere near an army base I would highly recommend stopping in and getting your uniforms ahead of time.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 2 at 2018 6:54 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:54:51 -0400

I would certainly buy your shoulder boards and regimental crest before going as those are hot items to find in a store at AMEDD training. Marlow White and Vanguard are a couple great websites and if you are thinking about doing this for the long haul, I love Marlow White uniforms.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2018 6:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 18:01:43 -0400

I like arriving with the packing list completed. If it is possible it is one less thing to do once you arrive. It’s good to show up squared away.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 9:28 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 09:28:10 -0500

I would wait and try the items you need at their exchange. When I was in BOLC I was missing a few things like a tactical headlight, gloves, etc. I used Amazon Prime to ship to the hotel. And congrats on finally getting your orders, how long did it actually take after you signed your contract? Did they give you a duty station to report to after DCC or do you need to do BOLC as well? Best of luck