Do I have to sew my name onto my Rucksack and assault pack?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:12:33 -0500

I was wondering if I am obligated by any regulation to sew my name onto my rucksack and assault pack? I'm still going to do it myself, I just wanted to know if I am obligated to do it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2022 5:28 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:28:29 -0500

What did your leadership tell you when you asked this question?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 11 at 2022 5:35 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:35:29 -0500

If it's unit standard, yes. But you're not obligated to do it yourself. You can have alterations do it if you aren't the best with needle and thread.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jan 11 at 2022 5:54 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:54:47 -0500

You are obligated to follow orders of your chain of command if they tell you to do it.
How's that for a regulation

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2022 6:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:24:43 -0500

If sewing nametapes is unit SOP, then yes. If not, them no. But, it's also good idea to to see IOT prevent theft

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2022 8:30 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 20:30:45 -0500

If it’s in the command’s SOP or standards handbook (which it probably is), yes.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 11 at 2022 11:20 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 23:20:04 -0500

Why no Specialist- when ordered you can just throw your unmarked shit into the Deuce and half, or ground it, so it can be transported to a different location for you, or palletize it to oversea travel. Then when you can't find it or there are several unmarked ones- and folks say it theirs- you can fix it thru a Statement of Charges out of your next paycheck!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2022 12:05 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 00:05:12 -0500

Are you obligated to? Not usually no, clothing allowance and uniform mandates not withstanding, but it could also be a unit SOP. For example, the various units under the 101st sew patches and insignia to their ACH cover and rucks. Does any regulation cover it specifically? No. Is it still done? Yes. Explore your unit SOP regarding this issue and others with your NCO chain as well as any concerns about personal cost. Another example might be the sewing of your name tape onto the rear of your trousers, you won't find it covered in 670-1 yet it's still done by many Soldiers.

The only issue I have ever seen with things like this is unnecessary cost, now in theory getting a name tape sewn on shouldn't cost much but ask around about the best and most cost effective tailor that is used among your unit unless you're confident in your own sewing skills.

Uniform allowance and personal cost aside, it's a smart thing to do. It's important to be able to quickly ID your gear among the sea of others, but also make it less likely to be stolen by some jerk or some poor schmuck just trying to get his gear back. That said, only one thief in the Army? My backside.

Not every unit requires it of course, some units just have you stencil your name on your gear and that works well enough too. Though of course the sewn name tape looks better, at least in my opinion.

Maybe you'll find an answer that you can backup by reg that says you don't have to, if you do tag me because I'd be interested to read it, but I can tell you there are better and more important battles to pick with some salty stripe wearer or brass polisher that this.

Good luck to you, hope it comes cheap and looks clean.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 12 at 2022 1:15 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 13:15:40 -0500

Your command must follow the regs. But since there is no real reg covering name tapes on equipment, then if falls under what the individual command orders. Some commands have gotten permission to modify the following of the regs for certain reasons as well. Sort of like how certain BCTs put their patch on the side of their kelvars.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Jan 12 at 2022 8:22 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 20:22:51 -0500

What does your chain of command say? Have you read the unit standard operating procedure (SOP)?

Response by SGT Jonathan Persons made Jan 12 at 2022 11:12 PM

SGT Jonathan Persons — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 23:12:09 -0500

You don't have to do it, but remember this.

Every rucksack land assault pack looks the same when coming off of a plane. Putting your name on it will make it easier to grab yours when you are digging into the pile.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jan 13 at 2022 7:39 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 07:39:32 -0500

If it is SOP (which it appears it is), then yes. Per AR 600-20, it is a lawful order which you must follow.

BUT

Technically, the unit is required to provide the markings. Most units try to say that is what clothing allowance is for. And it probably is NOT worth the fight to push it. But, technically, that is NOT part of clothing maintenance and therefore not part of the clothing allowance. If you REALLY want to push up, you can force the unit to buy you the name tapes (and cat eyes / etc. for other unit markings). But, again, it is almost DEFINITELY not worth the fight.

As for sewing, they cannot make you get it professionally done. You can do it yourself to save cost. (Alternately, they should not PREVENT getting it professionally done if you do not want to take the effort.)

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 13 at 2022 2:53 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:53:18 -0500

I see below you confirmed that name tapes on rucksack falls within unit SOP. You also said you were going to do it anyway. So what's the concern or question?

Units will have SOP's at times that work for the unit but may not be covered or mandated by DOD or US Army order/policy. Which is why the unit created the SOP in the first place.