Will I need to get uniforms and boots prior to DCC?

2020-05-28T12:49:03-04:00

I was given a packing list, however, my recruiter hasn’t been in office and the closest post exchange is pretty far. I’m going active duty and have been getting mixed answers. I wouldn’t want to get the incorrect uniform, and was told they would be issued during DCC, but some say the sizing may or may not be available? Will I also be issued name tape?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 12:57 PM

2020-05-28T12:57:45-04:00

Ma'am, everything I am finding states you will get issued uniforms when you get to your course. That being said, since your recruiter is not in the office, I recommend you try emailing them as they are probably working remotely. Also, if you have a point of contact email/number for the course, I recommend you reach out to the school to see what they say.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 28 at 2020 1:39 PM

2020-05-28T13:39:22-04:00

Unless it has changed, you will not get issued any uniform items, will be provided a stipend at some point, and off to Clothing and Sales. There really should be a day set up in the DCC to help you with this.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 2:02 PM

2020-05-28T14:02:29-04:00

If you are within 6 hours of a US army base then go try on and get at least a couple pairs of combat uniforms, a good pair of boots (break them in before DCC), a couple pairs of physical fitness uniforms at least. When I was at DCC we got like an hour in clothing and sales and thanks to Sill being not only a BCT site but also having multiple AIT programs and other school houses a lot of common sizes were sold out.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 28 at 2020 2:54 PM

2020-05-28T14:54:31-04:00

You’ll be wearing OCP combat uniforms daily. I can’t see you being issued more than 4 sets. If it is a stipend situation, you’ll be making trade offs. As and Blues are pricey. I’d get yourself 4 sets. Order the name tapes and US Army tapes so they match. Leave two sets Velcro. Get the rest sewn on. Get a nice set of boots, like Danner TFX for walking and standing...a lot.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made May 28 at 2020 3:56 PM

2020-05-28T15:56:13-04:00

Like someone else mentioned, if you are close to a post, I would go and try things on. Females now have their own field uniforms and I do not think I have known a female yet that did not need her dress uniform altered. I recommend you go and buy two sets of field uniforms (one boot), (some call them OCPs, ACUs, multicam) and one dress uniform. You are looking at $250 for one complete field uniform (with boots) and probably $300 for a dress uniform. Before you go to a Clothing and Sales, ensure you have what you need to be able to buy there as you have to have privileges such as a military ID. You can also try ordering online at https://www.shopmyexchange.com/ but you also have to get in that system. My neighbor who gave me my first salute had to sponsor me at first and if you need it, message me. Be prepared to shell out some $$$ but don't worry, the uniforms last a long time for a new critical care RN.

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Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 6:01 PM

2020-05-28T18:01:18-04:00

What are you direct commissioning as? Legal, Clergy, Cyber...etc?

I went through DCC and had to procure my uniforms ahead of time. There was no issued uniforms. It all came out of pocket and a small uniform allowance was paid out to us months later. More than a thousand less than the actual cost of the uniforms. I found that it was nice to have those completely ready to go ahead of time. Sewing, name tapes etc. Especially in the COVID environment where you may not be able to get it done at DCC.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 12:21 PM

2020-09-14T12:21:41-04:00

You will Not be issued OCPs at the DCC. You will make a trip to UCS early on, or at least ASAP after COVID quarantine. You can buy uniforms there. Nobody in your class will wear OCPs until everyone gets them.

Do yourself a huge favor and FIND a post to visit. GO to UCS and try on uniforms. Buy two sets of OCPs with Velcro. Buy your rank tabs as well. Then, once you have figured out which of the pants and coats fit you best, go on to shopmyexchange.com and use their uniform builder to order two more sets with sewn tapes and rank.

You can’t order boots online and expect a good result. You might get lucky and get one, but don’t expect one.

You will need PT uniforms for DCC as well.

I wish you the best. Please PM me if I can help in any way.