Based on the current AR 670-1, are coyote brown backpacks authorized?

2019-04-09T09:06:20-04:00

Backstory: I recently switched from the Marine Corps to the Army, and I’m about to finish AIT. Since the day I came into the Army I’ve been carrying my books, notes, etc. in a solid coyote brown assault pack (USMC issued) with no problems until today when I was told that it was not authorized according to the regulation. I’ve read the section in the AR that specifically talks about it (Section 3-7 paragraph F) as well as any applicable memorandums and looks like my bag should be authorized for wear. Does anyone have any insight to help me better understand? I also attached a picture of the actual backpack that was deemed to be unathorized.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Apr 9 at 2019 9:24 AM

2019-04-09T09:24:32-04:00

670-1 Sec 3-7 paragraph F sections 1&2
f. Bags, handbags, purses, and backpacks are authorized, but must adhere to the following criteria:
(1) Hand carried bags will be conservative and professional in appearance. Bags (to include civilian gym bags, civilian backpacks, or other similar civilian bags) must be carried only in the hand if they do not meet the criteria outlined in
paragraph 3–7f(2). DA Pam 670–1 provides additional descriptions and wear occasions for handbags.
(2) If Soldiers choose to wear a shoulder bag while in uniform, the bag must be black or match the camouflage pattern uniform being worn, and may not have any commercial logos. The contents of the bag may not be visible; therefore, see-through plastic or mesh bags are not authorized. Soldiers may carry authorized bags by hand, on one shoulder using a shoulder strap, or over both shoulders using both shoulder straps. Soldiers may not wear a shoulder bag in such a manner that the strap is draped diagonally across the body, with the bag resting on the hip opposite the shoulder holding the
strap.

Note where it says bags must adhere to to the criteria, and that the bag must either be black or match the camouflage pattern of the day. Yours is flat brown and does not match the pattern.

Who specifically was it that called you out on the discrepancy? My advice would be to seek out your Drill Instructor and seek their guidance. At worst you have to replace the bag with one that falls into specs.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Apr 9 at 2019 10:09 AM

2019-04-09T10:09:18-04:00

Easy there Devil Dawg....in your position as an AIT student, I wouldn’t get into a pi$$ing contest on the finer points of AR 670-1. Buy another bag....

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2019 10:36 AM

2019-04-09T10:36:25-04:00

Buy some green or black dye and continue to march.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2019 11:29 AM

2019-04-09T11:29:39-04:00

In my experience as a Reclass there is usually some over zealous instructor or Drill who is oblivious to the uniform regulation and making incorrect spot corrections on anything that looks out of place. One instructor told me that my Ranger tab didn't go on the upper pocket sleeve of my ACUs. A Drill Sergeant told me I wasn't authorized to wear my Ranger tab because I wasn't in a Ranger unit.
Unless you're personally vested in the item, just put it to the side for now, leave a small wake, and break it back out at your unit. Arguing over uniform items while you're a student is a fight almost never worth winning.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 9 at 2019 2:39 PM

2019-04-09T14:39:41-04:00

If you hand Cary and it is subtle with no logos you should be good. If you want it on your shoulder it needs to meet the standard, Black or matching the uniform pattern. In any case it is always better to do what you are told in training. I would ask the NCOIC for clarification and go with that. Thank you for your service.

Response by SPC Jackson Stevens made Apr 9 at 2019 3:35 PM

2019-04-09T15:35:39-04:00

In AIT: Rule #1 The Instructor, etc, is always correct!
Rule #2. If the Instructor is wrong refer to Rule #1
This is not worth the fight, because you could win the battle at the cost of losing the war.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Apr 9 at 2019 3:50 PM

2019-04-09T15:50:21-04:00

I would like to pass along the following piece of advice, based on my observations concerning former USMC members that joined the US Army. Rather than being a face in the crowd, they had to be THE face in the crowd. When all is said and done, people join another branch of the service rather than stay in the USMC for two reasons; a better quality of life and for opportunities the USMC would not or could not offer. As an example, airborne school. Difficult to obtain in the USMC, but very doable in the army. Welcome to the army and it is my wish you have a successful army career.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2019 9:37 PM

2019-04-09T21:37:30-04:00

Welcome to the Army BS if you can go Warrant. Be the bigger person
Edit

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2019 2:16 PM

2019-04-12T14:16:26-04:00

Yes

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2019 11:11 AM

2019-10-28T11:11:28-04:00

Anyone know if the reg prohibits messenger bags? Since they rest on your back and not hip but all it takes is an asshole that hates them to interpret the placement as on your hip.