Can I be ordered to buy things?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 13:01:35 -0400

I have everything that i was ever issued. it is all in serviceable condition. My chain is saying that I must purchase more ID tags than I was issued. is this lawful? Can they lawfully order me to buy ten pairs of boots or to buy a uniform every month?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 5 at 2019 1:17 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 13:17:06 -0400

Look George- yes they can if they deem you need more than issued, particularly if you are getting a clothing allowance. What are they using them for- we had to place 1 in each pair of field boots we had- most the time they survived mines you know. We had to have name tags on rucks, PC's, etc. cause if you had to dump them, you damn shore wanted to get your's back. Stop whining- ask a question and then buy the damn tags

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Sep 5 at 2019 1:20 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 13:20:38 -0400

As I have always understood it, officers may be ordered to purchase whatever is needed for their service, but if the Army wants an enlisted soldier to have an item, then they must issue it to him.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Sep 5 at 2019 1:36 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 13:36:32 -0400

Negative. A unit cannot force you buy anything additional beyond what the Army says you need to have. However, if any item is deemed un-serviceable, the CoC can then have you replace the item prior to receiving your clothing allowance. Is it a lawful order to do so? Probably, but that would be a JAG question.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Sep 5 at 2019 1:56 PM

SFC Michael D. — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 13:56:40 -0400

When I was in an Infantry BN, 9th ID. The Medics had the ID tag machine and would make extra tags so that you had to put on your boots. Just in case of any mishaps causing the removal of the head. There shouldn't be a charge for that. If you were getting ready to deploy and didn't have your dog tags, believe me they would make you a set right there on the spot. You might take an ass chewing for not having them but they would get you another set. The Army issued you one set and unless you want them for your boots, that's the only set you need. The speach I always gave my trainies was "you ID Tags should be as important to you as that gold chain you have around your neck and your ID card should be as important as your drivers license". I still had one or two every cycle lose one or both. I'd simply send them up to personnel to have them reissued.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2019 2:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 14:08:33 -0400

There is a big difference between boots every month and a set of dog tags. Dog tags are 80 cents for the set and a couple bucks to get them stamped. You get a clothing allowance just for stuff like this.
T his is not the hill to die on.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Sep 5 at 2019 2:36 PM

MSG Gary Eckert — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 14:36:24 -0400

From an AG perspective, I don't want you purchasing ID Tags. The ID tags are required to contain specific information to be used for casualty reporting and the quality control for that is to have them made by the Army. I know it has been a while since I was on active duty so the process may have changed, however, your Commander should be able to send to the RAPIDS facility (ID Card issuing agency) a list of ID tags that are needed in his Command and they will be provided at no charge to the unit and certainly no charge to the individual. Don't mistake this answer as a answer to whether you Command can make you purchase something. That answer is situational, although, the answer is generally, yes.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 5 at 2019 2:53 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 14:53:29 -0400

My advice is don't get murdered over a pair of dogs tags. You make a stink about this and the CoC will have you policing the cantonment area for the rest of your life. Consult with you unit's E4 mafia. I'm sure they can set you up with some tags. You may need to reach out to someone at your BN's HHC as there is more than likely a tag machine somewhere in their control.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2019 3:03 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 15:03:03 -0400

I had the ACU vortex and didn't have the rank sleeve. My NCO told me that it was part of the uniform. Also missing cat eyes for my ACH. Just a couple bucks while at AT just to cover it. He was right so it was an easy purchase but I didnt think to look into claiming it. I wasnt strapped for cash either so i didnt worry. Not everyone can just spend maybe 10-20$ on the spot for an expense they weren't planning, we all have different backgrounds. Best to do is exactly how others before have stated, and if in doubt bring it up with your FLL and discuss the situation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2019 3:17 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 15:17:59 -0400

Have they ordered you to purchase 10 pairs of boots, or a new uniform every month, or is this just about the ID tags?
The unit should provide the ID tags.
As others have pointed out, in my words, though: Don't make yourself a pop up target.
Soldiers shouldn't have to purchase items that should be provided solely because the responsible person likely failed to make it happen, with regard to ID tags, or anything else.
I've never had two pair of ID tags in 21 years, so I don't get what's driving that requirement.
As an aside, there will be times when you may be asked to join, donate to, purchase, etc., especially once you become an NCO. Sure, they can't order you to do so, and if you can't afford to, you shouldn't. Keep in mind though, that when you see others getting those rare school slots, desirable high profile details, or other opportunities considered good, your team player reputation will be part of their thought process.
Figure out where they are made and what it takes to get them made.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2019 3:32 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 15:32:57 -0400

I am a firm believer of not buying anything that the army can. I would tell all of my soldiers that too, especially when they wanted new things (rucks, etc) if they would actually use it on their own time then go for it, but dont spend money on the army.

Now, something as little and cheap as dog tags, eh I personally would do it. But then you set the precedence of buying stuff.

I would ask S1 if they have a machine, or to point you in the right direction of who does.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Sep 5 at 2019 4:04 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 16:04:39 -0400

All of you folks saying the unit will give you dog tags are blowing my mind... because I was never issued more than one pair, and somehow was told I needed a good number more at various times, and I had to buy each of them.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Sep 5 at 2019 4:32 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 16:32:39 -0400

Pick a hill to die on. Make sure it's a good place to leave your corpse!

Can they order you to purchase something not required/issued by Uncle Sam? Probably, depending on circumstance/needs of the Service, etc. Do you REALLY want to paint a target on yourself over a $2 item though? If it were $200, then sure, raise hell (I would have). Don't piss away a good reputation as a dependable Soldier over chump change. As you progress into NCO status, there will be tons of things you'll be asked to "ante up" for. Those aren't mandatory either but you'll sure see your life become a lot harder if you don't participate.

I'd contact my S3 or S1 shops. I'd almost bet a beer there is a tag machine somewhere in the Battalion they could make the tags at no cost to you. We used to get blanks by the thousands and made new tags just because we could in my old Squadrons.

Response by SSG Doug Terrel made Sep 5 at 2019 7:19 PM

SSG Doug Terrel — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 19:19:45 -0400

First question, they should have given you two if the requirement was two. However, if the unit doesn't have access to a tag maker (like 2SCR in Germany in 2006), the question becomes whether or not you're gonna go down swinging and be known as "that guy" over $2.00.

Second question, if you are being irresponsible with your annual clothing allowance and cannot prove that you have been a good steward of the tax payer dollar, the unit can pretty much do corrective training as they see fit, within reason. If they actually told you 10 pairs of boots, I'd go to inspector general, but likelihood is that you were exaggerating on that part.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2019 10:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 22:26:14 -0400

I think it has been said enough, but I'm going to say it again. Not the hill to die on. ID tags cost about as much as a bottle of Pepsi. If it were an expensive bag, pouch, head lamp, knife, belt, etc. I could see making a stink about it.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2019 11:21 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 23:21:08 -0400

As was mentioned, you can inquire with S1 about how/where your installation makes tags. Perhaps there is an implied task here. They are focusing on the desired end state and expecting you to figure out and decide how to get there. Your support channel may have simply told you the easiest and most direct route.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2019 5:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 05:40:02 -0400

Don’t know if they still do it but we had to get another set for our packet when we would deploy. Not sure what they did with them after that. Never did see them again when we got back. If you are real worried about it claim it on your taxes for next year along with anything else you have to buy.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Sep 6 at 2019 7:47 AM

SSG George Holtje — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 07:47:22 -0400

Are you being serious about 10 pairs of boots and a new monthly uniform? Is this about having a parade uniform that keeps getting dirty because you head to the motorpool after inspection.

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Sep 7 at 2019 4:25 PM

Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 16:25:35 -0400

Have never heard of something so outrageous!!!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 9 at 2019 2:50 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:50:48 -0400

They're not asking you to spend your money. They're asking you to spend your clothing allowance, which is given to you specifically for uniform related expenses just like this... There's a difference.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2020 3:18 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 03:18:45 -0400

That's new to me, weird.

Response by SPC Clayton Ellzey made Jul 2 at 2020 11:40 AM

SPC Clayton Ellzey — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 11:40:57 -0400

From one E4 to another What's the big deal.
It's a time n place to look like Joe ragnar for example Graf but in garrison if your not in motor pool rock a new uniform and boots .