How will my hyphenated last name appear on my name tape?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 23:48:01 -0400

I'm enlisting next Wednesday and I have kind of a dumb question. I have a hyphenated last name and I wanted to know what determines what appears on my name tape. My brother is in and his has the first part of our last name on his OCP name tape but on his dress uniform he has our full last name. Would it be possible for me to get the last part of my last name on my OCP name plate and have my full name on my dress uniform?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 2:05 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 02:05:04 -0400

I would choose the version that is least tempting for Drill SGT's to be imaginative with your name.
I don’t remember exactly how the name tapes were made at basic (don’t remember if we filled out a form for embroider or if they went off our ID cards). But given the choice I’d pick the least tempting name to stand out.

I’ve seen a Rambo, and a Sherlock at basic training, and I’m glad I wasn’t in their company let alone actually them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 9:00 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 09:00:48 -0400

I can't remember how it's supposed to go in Basic in regards to name tapes/plates and hyphenated names. I've seen hyphenated names (as long as they weren't too long a name) and I've seen folks with only one part of their hyphenated name. It's possible they will ask you down in Reception how you want it done....or they could very well make the decision for you.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 6 at 2020 9:02 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 09:02:29 -0400

Both names without the hyphen will appear. The hyphen itself isn't allowed on nametapes, they just treat both names like one long name...

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 6 at 2020 1:03 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 13:03:15 -0400

What do you want to be called? One name on your ACU and done different on dress uniform will get you called a variety of names. You only have one listed here. So you need to decide what you want to be called as strangers will call you what they see written on the uniform you are wearing.