If you’ve outgrown your service uniform are you supposed to get measured and then go to your S4 for replacement or buy it yourself?

2018-11-10T11:05:52-05:00

The ASU I was initially issued in BCT almost 8 years ago is too small on me so I went and got measured again. When I took the new sizes to Supply they tell me that I can only get the pants with the NCO stripe but not the coat. The coat is the most expensive part of the uniform and I refuse to pay for it myself. I don’t get my clothing allowance til July and I’ll need the complete uniform by January. Any suggestions?

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Nov 10 at 2018 11:42 AM

2018-11-10T11:42:14-05:00

you receive a clothing allowance - that is your answer. To be absolutely clear and not in anyway misconstrued, you receive a clothing allowance yearly specifically to replace your uniform items. you get it annually, but it is to be used for uniforms at any point during your service. So, you will purchase a new ASU coat, and you are damn lucky that your S-4 did not tell you to pound sand for the pants.

My advice, I am fairly certain that there are military thrift stores around your post, utilize them in order to purchase a coat a little cheaper then C&S.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2018 12:05 PM

2018-11-10T12:05:05-05:00

What did you spend your last clothing allowance on? As The SSG stated, that's what it's for...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2018 12:10 PM

2018-11-10T12:10:07-05:00

Wasn’t July like 3.5 months ago? So you just got a clothing allowance? Did you just get bigger in those 3.5 months?

Options are lose weight, tighten your budget, splurge and put it on credit, get a second hand jacket at a thrift store, or squeeze into your old one.

You’re an NCO. What would tell a PVT with the same question?

(*note, this is a semi ridiculous question. There are lots of Army situations that just ‘happen’ and you deal with them the best you can. Not being prepared with your ASU shouldn’t be one of them. There’s a yearly stipend to avoid situations just like this. Unless you experienced hulk rage or started drinking frozen Haagen-Daas for every meal, how could you have gotten since the last clothing allowance a few months ago, and why weren’t you tracking 3.5 months ago that your ASU was getting a little snug if you were just naturally growing out if it?)

Best of luck

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2018 12:40 PM

2018-11-10T12:40:21-05:00

Let me clarify this question further so people don’t make assumptions and send me crude remarks:

I’m new to active duty having just switched back in July. I have not received any clothing allowances because my first one doesn’t come in until July. So therefore, that yearly stipend will not be available in time. My last issue was in BCT which was almost 8 years ago. I have not gained an immense amount of weight and size in 4 months, however gradually over the span of 8 years I have.

So with those factors added in, what can I do to avoid having to pay that ridiculous price for an ASU coat?

If your comments are aimed to belittle me talk down on me, and not help me, then please refrain from commenting. Thank you.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2018 2:05 PM

2018-11-10T14:05:56-05:00

If the change isn't terribly drastic, a quality tailor may be able to let the coat out. Worth at least a look.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Nov 10 at 2018 2:31 PM

2018-11-10T14:31:00-05:00

If you're TPU and don't get the clothing allowance, you would go through unit supply (most like not S4). Typically what I've seen is units making arrangements with local shops to reimburse the cost of tailoring. In your case, I would assume you would use the military clothing store on post (been many years since I've been to McCoy, so I can't say how equipped they are).

If you are AGR, you are expected to pay out of pocket (hence the clothing allowance). One caveat being that you may have been authorized DX or additional issue as part of accession on to active duty. Check your in-processing paperwork if that is the case, but don't be surprised if you are outside the window for it.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 10 at 2018 6:09 PM

2018-11-10T18:09:38-05:00

You buy it yourself, with the clothing allowance. Thank you for your service.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 10 at 2018 8:34 PM

2018-11-10T20:34:02-05:00

You refuse, and are open to be hammered by every senior NCO/officer that see's you. You have had 8 years of clothing allowance, and a smart person, would have planned ahead. You might be able to find something cheaper at a surplus/pawn shop. Keep your attitude and you might not have to worry about getting new uniforms.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2018 3:23 AM

2018-11-11T03:23:21-05:00

I am in the same boat as you, just came on active duty after being in the reserves for 4 years. With that being said, it is now on you. Active Army doesnt do the same uniform process that we have in the reserves, so regardless if its 1 year or 1 month until your allowance hits, you gotta foot the bill for it. Good news is you can find a used set on line and itll last just as long. Good luck

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Nov 11 at 2018 2:18 PM

2018-11-11T14:18:50-05:00

The ASU Jacket is between $123 and $198 according to the AAFES website, which isn't too outrageous if you have a civilian job or a family member/friend to help you pay for it. I would even consider checking out eBay or an Army-Navy surplus store for a secondhand uniform.