Posted on Aug 14, 2016
Why should soldiers pay for their name and unit markings on their TA-50?
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Paying for name and unit marking on TA-50. When I was a Joseph and in processing Fort Polk (in the 90s), there was some place I took my uniforms and equipment to get my name, unit patches sewn on by Soldiers for free.
Maybe I'm speaking as a bitter old man that's been done wrong a few times in my career, but why the hell should Soldiers pay for name and unit markings on their TA-50?
Maybe I'm speaking as a bitter old man that's been done wrong a few times in my career, but why the hell should Soldiers pay for name and unit markings on their TA-50?
Sewing
Gear
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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Here's the sewing machine that I kept in my office. I worked for beer (after duty hours) sewing on US ARMY and Name tags, Wings, etc... Any Soldiers deploying got their fee waived. As long as I had a beer available I would keep working.
Worked with a MAJ that was deploying as the OIC to Germany for an RSOI Mission. Instead of asking politely for my services, he pretty much threw his uniforms at me. One set was starched and was to be used in the Opening formation in Country. I sewed BOTH his pants legs shut. When they returned 9 months later, the CSM bought me a case of beer because of the hysterical time. The MAJ was 20 minutes late to formation because he couldn't put on his pants. I found GREAT humor in knowing he had to find a knife to take out the stitching while 150 people were waiting for him. He was pissed and tried to bitch me out. I just laughed at him and told him it was Karma.
Worked with a MAJ that was deploying as the OIC to Germany for an RSOI Mission. Instead of asking politely for my services, he pretty much threw his uniforms at me. One set was starched and was to be used in the Opening formation in Country. I sewed BOTH his pants legs shut. When they returned 9 months later, the CSM bought me a case of beer because of the hysterical time. The MAJ was 20 minutes late to formation because he couldn't put on his pants. I found GREAT humor in knowing he had to find a knife to take out the stitching while 150 people were waiting for him. He was pissed and tried to bitch me out. I just laughed at him and told him it was Karma.
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I agree, they shouldn't have to. Sewing is not that hard to learn and it's a valuable skill that will carry you well into civilian life. You will be able to do a quick hem repair on your dress slacks or replace a button on that nice dress shirt.
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SGM Erik Marquez
The issue is not just sewing ( sew, have for dozen of years.. Made bags and pouches for tools, equipment , ruck and LBe long before it was a fad, and or done on large scale commercial basis. )
Many (most? All) require a embroidered Name tag sewed onto various items...
Once upon a time, you printed your name on your Helmet camo band and that was that, then some bright guy decided to have a small name tape made and sewed that on.,,, If I could go back and time and find that guy, I'd gladly slit his throat.
Many (most? All) require a embroidered Name tag sewed onto various items...
Once upon a time, you printed your name on your Helmet camo band and that was that, then some bright guy decided to have a small name tape made and sewed that on.,,, If I could go back and time and find that guy, I'd gladly slit his throat.
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TSgt (Join to see)
SGM Erik Marquez - Putting one's name or identifier on one's equipment is always a good move as you are responsible for it. And from my experience, embroidered nametapes are inexpensive ($2.65/ea) and can be re-used a number of times before becoming too frayed. Invest in some good quality needles and a spool of thread, your total should be in the neighborhood of $20.00, give or take. Most GIs I know, waste that much a month.
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If you look at DA PAM 670-1 para 19-3 d (1) it states "Commanders may not require enlisted Soldiers to attach embroidered grade insignia, unless it is issued and attached without cost to the Soldier. Wearing name-tapes or using other means to apply names to helmet bands is determined by the commander and is provided to Soldiers at no cost.
Para 19-24 b (3) states: "(3) How to obtain. Initial and replacement nametapes are provided at no cost to enlisted members and are procured from appropriated funds. If facilities are not available at installations for inscribing and attaching nametapes, contracting for such services with local vendors is authorized."
I haven't found anything for rucksacks and assault packs they’re OCIE and considering the previous quotes a reasonable person would likely accept that it would be the same way as the ACH helmet band.
Para 19-24 b (3) states: "(3) How to obtain. Initial and replacement nametapes are provided at no cost to enlisted members and are procured from appropriated funds. If facilities are not available at installations for inscribing and attaching nametapes, contracting for such services with local vendors is authorized."
I haven't found anything for rucksacks and assault packs they’re OCIE and considering the previous quotes a reasonable person would likely accept that it would be the same way as the ACH helmet band.
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