Does anyone know of an MFR to allow AIT Instructors additional clothing allowance to purchase AGSUs to match the trainees for graduation?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 21:59:42 -0500

The AIT students are now issued AGSUs, the Drill Sergeants also receive AGSUs. The AIT instructors are the only ones who still rock the ASUs. My supply sergeant doesn’t know who to submit the memo to so I thought to reach out.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 15 at 2022 11:12 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 23:12:58 -0500

AIT instructors, like the overwhelming majority of the Army, will purchase the AGSU with clothing allowance over time.
Clothing allowance, in theory, is to replace the uniform piece by piece over time, as necessary.

We all know that in reality, it is purchased in chunks. But that is what the clothing allowance is for.

Drill SGTs are an exception, because they need to be able to demonstrate the uniform the new Soldiers are getting. It is part and parcel of the Drill SGT mission. Not so for AIT Instructors. If the only time the Privates see you in ASU is at graduation, then your uniform makes no difference to their development.

Now, if you are rocking Class Bs daily and Class As every Friday, you may have an argument. But I doubt that is the case.

Oh... and I bet your MOS-Ts are donning ASUs, too. At least some of them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2022 8:06 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 08:06:17 -0500

If you are not in a position where they are issued then you have to buy them. I am cadre at a BOLC. Just about all of my students have AGSUs. I had to purchase my own. It is tied to funding for some positions. My cadre here don't even get instructor pay.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 16 at 2022 10:55 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 22:55:46 -0500

Sometimes to stand out and above you need to spend some of your own money. I understand not the answer you were looking for but it is a reality. I wore dress blues to my SR prom (I was split op National Guard) and was the only private at events in them. If I enlist my son or any ceremonies of the such I will be in the current uniform, shaved, and Army proud even though I can wear ASUs for the rest of my life as a retiree. Looking Army sharp is important to me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2022 8:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 08:55:58 -0500

That may be a discussion to push up the chain of the S4/G4 channels. I would suspect, as CPT Private RallyPoint Member stated that as your position doesn't currently entitle you to them then you will not get them issued to you. However, if you are able to articulate to enough people with enough weight behind their rank that you wear your dress uniform more than at graduation and that you do, in fact, suffer more wear and tear on them than the students do due to the length of the tour, you may be able to impact some change in that regard for yourself and your peers. It may be a steep uphill battle but it is certainly one worth trying if you are passionate enough about it. I would certainly agree that instructors should be issued an additional dress uniform, not at their expense but at the government's, even if they wear them primarily at graduation as prior to graduation day there are multiple uniform inspections as well as throughout AIT there are several uniform inspections in dress uniform (at least there was for me) that require cadre to be in dress uniform as well.

I would recommend seeing if there is someone at the DS Academy/COE who assists the graduating DSs in procuring their new dress uniforms and seeing if they know what the process is to get something like that initiated. Best of luck!