sticker shock

cnelson2 · Jul 2, 2008

Hi Lifeafter40,

You will receive a one-time reimbursement for your uniforms-I think it's $400. I didn't find my size of t-shirts and boots at the Air Force Base (they carry army supplies) so I found everything including inexpensive boots online at The Supply Sergeant http://www.militaryclothing.com. My shipment was fast from Illinois, no tax and inexpensive ground UPS shipping-8 days to CA. One thing you need to try on first is the beret. The sizes seem to run big and they are difficult to tighten much with the cord.

Cnelson2

JDCitizen · Jul 3, 2008

Being Prior Service enlisted, I was a little taken back by the fact that I will have to procure all of my own uniforms as an Army Officer. I have checked out U.S. Cav, and U.S. Patriot, as well as "Ranger Joes". Does anyone have any other reliable places to get uniform items online? And those who have already gone through this process, did you do a one-stop-shop, or get pieces from several different places? I assume that uniform expenses can be written off my taxes....
Does anyone know the reasoning behind officers not getting an initial issue of uniforms? Is this some sort of tradition from bygone years or is there a more obvious reason for this?
I know it just goes with the territory, but I am curious as to the thinking behind this.
S

The direct answer I read at another site was because we will get paid more as officers. :chuckle I see it a give with one hand and take with another.

jbrecon2 · Jul 3, 2008

you will receive a one time uniform initial uniform allowance of 600 dollas when you go to oblc

cnelson2 · Jul 3, 2008

the u.s. army's handbook for newly commissioned officers is useful to get accurate numbers for all types of pay: http://www.usaac.army.mil/accw/div/training/wf/s1/2lt%20entitlements%20packet%2008.doc.

olderthandirt2 · Jul 3, 2008

Hi,

I just bought my gear at "Army and Airforce Exchange service". My captain in the CSH 396th advised me to buy there. It is cheaper than some of the other military websites and it had everything I needed (today at least!).

You have to login and create a password---but it is worth it.....fast, no tax or shipping either!

http://www.aafes.com/ (go to the drop down menu "departments"--for military uniforms)

hope this helps

cindy

lifeafter40 · Jul 3, 2008

Hi,
I just bought my gear at "Army and Airforce Exchange service". My captain in the CSH 396th advised me to buy there. It is cheaper than some of the other military websites and it had everything I needed (today at least!).
You have to login and create a password---but it is worth it.....fast, no tax or shipping either!
http://www.aafes.com/ (go to the drop down menu "departments"--for military uniforms)
hope this helps
cindy

OTD2... Thanks, I checked out the AAFES site, and it looks as though I have to have authorization to use the system. (I should have known that, since the exchange is only for Military personnel and their family).This is good to know though... I was under the impression (from prior service) that AAFES was higher priced than some of the popular web sites.... I will have to check them out better when the time comes.

I have quite some time before I reach that point, I was just trying to get a head start, and would like to start picking things up a little at a time, instead of dropping a couple grand all at once. (I figured up my clothing bag on US Cav. and my order was almost $1000. A few extra items, but not including Dress Blues, or PT Gear. I also learned as an enlisted soldier that I will not skimp on boots!)

S