Black Rigger Belt: Still A No Go

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.

Army Publications

The Army Publishing Directorate (APD) is the Army’s centralized publications and forms management organization. I tell my Soldiers to do a Google search first and get a general idea of what number AR or FM they are looking for, then go to the APD for the freshest and official copy. Some of the publications require them to log into Army Knowledge Online (AKO).

AR 670-1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia)  is by far the most referenced publication by an NCO when correcting young troops. Ambitious specialists should know grooming standards for both males and females (hair, nails, uniform, keys on belt,  etc.).

TC 3-22.20 (Army Physical Readiness Training), published AUG2010, is the new Army physical fitness manual incorporating wholesale changes in organized PT.

I Love Me Book (folder)

In this digital era, the Army runs on photocopies. Never give anyone an original document unless ordered. Then make sure you have a copy.

An “I Love Me Book,” is a collection of documents you don’t want to ever lose.

Enlistment/Reenlistment contract, college transcripts, certificates of training, orders, awards, certificates of wartime service, etc. While many of these documents will be in your OMPF (Official Military Personnel File) or iPERMS, many will not be uploaded. If you don’t want to repeat the installations’ 40-hour Drivers’ Improvement Program, your “I Love Me Book” is a perfect place to keep your completed DA Form 348.

A three-ring binder with page keepers is a good start. Get a portfolio with a zipper and pockets and you can store your challenge coins, passport, Social Security card, spare ID tags and keep spare documents in the pouch and say “I Love Me” in style.