Deploying and the soldiers have to buy IR Flags?!

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 20:51:27 -0400

Deploying in the near future and it is mandatory for all soldiers to buy their IR Flags... Umm Supply maybe? How is this a actual decision for soldiers to buy something not issued for RFI?

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 24 at 2014 9:01 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 21:01:44 -0400

Should be something that is an issue item, when I drew my RFI they were part of the issue, if they are not issued, the yeah supply should get them. Should be on the unit's dime and not the Soldiers'.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 24 at 2014 9:44 PM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 21:44:16 -0400

Yes, my same experience, I was issued mine when I deployed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 10:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 22:29:13 -0400

I have never had to buy a IR flag, however did have to buy a couple extra ISAF patches since we're only issued two unit patches and one ISAF. Sounds like something is an error some where because you should of been issued them at RFI or told they were on back order. What I suggestion is get with your buddies in other units and talk to the Supply Sergeant and at least get you soldiers the IR flag. Also get with your BN or BDE S4 to see if there is a way to resolve the issue.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 24 at 2014 10:43 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 22:43:39 -0400

Who is this coming from? I'd verify the source first. I've never heard of such a thing. Talk to your S4.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 10:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 22:58:15 -0400

It only takes one to refuse. If they are paperwork, they ask for Courts Martial, it will be out in the open and in public purview. Not the way it should be.

From the regulations I have read doing other research, you cannot force Enlisted to have anything that is not originally issued or they are given an allowance to get.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2014 3:58 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 15:58:16 -0500

If it was not issued to you, they cannot make you purchase it. If it was issued to you and you lost it at your own fault, then yes, you will replace it at your own expence. RFI must issue it to you, if not you will get it issued in country. Your supply will be able to get them if RFI was out. Plus where are you going to buy them anyways, the army surplus. Not only are those not IR, its illegal for them to sell the real ones last time I checked, along with IBA or IOTV and the plates, among other items.