When I realized it was a 1SG with a black rigger belt on exiting the NCO Induction ceremony, I bit my tongue. It was my second day in the Connecticut Army National Guard and while offering a tactful correction is the duty of an NCO, I wasn't sure my words would be professionally received. Perhaps a gutless failing on my part, or prudent new-guy-on-the-job move.
However:
ALARACT 004/2008
Subject: MILITARY UNIFORMS AND ACCESSORIES WEAR OUT DATES
1. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MESSAGE IS TO ANNOUNCE THE WEAR OUT DATES FOR UNIFORMS AND ACCESSORIES ITEMS WORN BY MILITARY PERSONNEL.
2. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE A WEAR OUT DATE OF 30 APR 08 FOR AC, USAR, ARNG. THE WEAR OUT DATE FOR ROTC WILL BE APR 09.
A. BATTLE DRESS UNIFORM
B. DESERT BATTLE DRESS UNIFORM
C. T-SHIRT, BROWN
D. BOOTS, COMBAT, LEATHER BLACK
E. WOODLAND AND DESERT CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN CAPS
F. OLIVE DRAB GREEN NAMETAPE AND U.S. ARMY
G. SUBDUED OLIVE GREEN, SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIAS AND SUBDUED SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIAS-FORMER WARTIME SERVICE
H. BLACK RIGGER BELT
I. BELT, WEB WITH OPEN-FACED BLACK BUCKLE
J. JUNGLE BOOTS (GREEN AND BLACK)
3. THE BLACK KNIT CAP AND BLACK MICRO FLEECE KNIT CAP FOR AC, USAR, AND ARNG WILL HAVE A WEAR OUT DATE OF 30 SEP 2009.
4. THE COAT, COLD WEATHER, WOODLAND CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN (FIELD JACKET) FOR AC, USAR, AND ARNG WILL HAVE A WEAR OUT DATE OF 30 SEP 2010.
5. THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE ARMY G-1.
