Just wondering...

[C/ B3RRY NJROTC]

Which do you prefer, ACUs or Class As?

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

The thing is, both these uniforms have different uses so there really shouldn't be a preference of one over the other. BUT I like Class A's due to the fact that it shows my achievments in the program. Also at the fact that Class A's show a more sohpistocated side of the military that many see and respect. I like ACU's too, due to the fact that it virtually is maintenence free i.e no brass to shine, not shoes to sine, and no ironing needed.

[Drill for life]

Class A's. I hate every other uniform we wear. I hat Class B's because my shirt is so tight (So i look great) and you can see my sweat and it takes a long time to square it away. I like/hate ACU's because they serve no purpose and they look horrible but on the other hand they are easy to square away. I love Class A's because they look great and they are easy to square away.

[C/CLN]

Class A's. I hate every other uniform we wear. I hat Class B's because my shirt is so tight (So i look great) and you can see my sweat and it takes a long time to square it away. I like/hate ACU's because they serve no purpose and they look horrible but on the other hand they are easy to square away. I love Class A's because they look great and they are easy to square away.
You hate Class B's because you look great [in them]?

[C/ B3RRY NJROTC]

The thing is, both these uniforms have different uses so there really shouldn't be a preference of one over the other.

Ok, so which one is used to travel in, like flying home from BCT travel?

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

Ok, so which one is used to travel in, like flying home from BCT travel?

I wouldn't know because I have never been to BCT nor have returned home from BCT, but if I were to take a shot, Class A's because I think that's what you graduate BCT in and it makes sense to go home after you graduate. But then again you can always wear ACU's because over my summer vacation trip going to Washington State I saw many soldiers dressed in their ACU's on my flight to and fro, though I am not sure where they came from or are going.

[C/ B3RRY NJROTC]

I wouldn't know because I have never been to BCT nor have returned home from BCT, but if I were to take a shot, Class A's because I think that's what you graduate BCT in and it makes sense to go home after you graduate. But then again you can always wear ACU's because over my summer vacation trip going to Washington State I saw many soldiers dressed in their ACU's on my flight to and fro, though I am not sure where they came from or are going.

I just got back from California and I flew and all the soldiers that I saw were all dressed in their ACUs. But my BF asked me which uniform he should wear home and I didn't know what to tell him, I didn't even know that you had a choice in which uniform you could wear in travel. I like both uniforms and can't decide on which to tell him to wear so I just wanted to get some different opinions. I don't wanna choose one and have it be uncomfortable on a long flight or something like that so that's why I started this thread.

[Drill for life]

You hate Class B's because you look great [in them]?

I hate that my armpits are always wet even when I put on loads of anti-perspirent and put Scotch guard on my white T-shirt and the sherbet (Class B) shirt.

[Wiiman741]

I really prefer Class A's they're so much more sophisticated and ,well, classy!
You get to show all of your achievements and awards. ACU's are ok though.

[SlightlyCatholic]

You get to show all of your achievements and awards. ACU's are ok though.

ACUs let you show your skills where it matters. What matters more, a shiny combat medic badge on class A's or saving a battle buddy in the field with your ACUs because you've been trained in emergency medicine?

[armysc_25b]

It's difficult to impossible to compare two uniforms which serve two different purposes. Shoot, sometimes it's difficult to compare uniforms which serve similar purposes (BDU's to ACU's, ACU's to ABU's, etc.). This is just one of those questions that has no base to work off of, therefore illogical to debate. But, that's just my opinion.

[C/ B3RRY NJROTC]

It's difficult to impossible to compare two uniforms which serve two different purposes. Shoot, sometimes it's difficult to compare uniforms which serve similar purposes (BDU's to ACU's, ACU's to ABU's, etc.). This is just one of those questions that has no base to work off of, therefore illogical to debate. But, that's just my opinion.

I didn't mean for this thread to be a debate. I just wanted to know which uniform you like better and why. Or if anyone knows which uniform is used for airplane travel?? :)

[armysc_25b]

Or if anyone knows which uniform is used for airplane travel??

Technically, for reasons of OPSEC, you're not supposed to travel in uniform. That said, when I came home on leave for Christmas in AIT (note I say nothing about after BCT), I flew in BDU's. Those deploying fly in the uniform they are expected to be in. When I flew to Korea and back, it was civilian attire.

[C/ B3RRY NJROTC]

Technically, for reasons of OPSEC, you're not supposed to travel in uniform.

Really?? When I flew to and from CA I saw a ton of soldier's in uniform at the airports. My BF said that military in uniform flies first class for free so I guess that could be the reason.

[C/CLN]

I was wondering what the opinions of Army people are on the tonnssssssssssssssssssss of accouterments on a typical Army dress-type uniform. Do you guys like them or does it seem a bit ridiculous?

[Drill for life]

Thats why the Class A's are nicnamed the "christmas tree". My jacket looks like the tree at Macy's..

[armysc_25b]

Really?? When I flew to and from CA I saw a ton of soldier's in uniform at the airports. My BF said that military in uniform flies first class for free so I guess that could be the reason.

Nope. Our tickets are booked coach. Now, if the airline decides to give us a free upgrade to first class, that's another story. Like I said, technically you shouldn't fly in uniform unless en route to a combat zone since you won't be bringing civilian attire with you typically.

Thats why the Class A's are nicnamed the "christmas tree".

Where do you come up with these nicknames for uniforms at? A bunch of the ones you use, such as "christmas tree" and "sherbet" I've never heard, and I've been hanging around some form of military community for 8 years now.

[ang1sgt]

Really?? When I flew to and from CA I saw a ton of soldier's in uniform at the airports. My BF said that military in uniform flies first class for free so I guess that could be the reason.

In 24 years of service I was NEVER bumped to First Class. Of course most times I flew in Military Aircraft.

There is no POLICY on this, but they can and do on occasion bump Military up to 1st Class if possible. If it is a full plane, it is not going to happen. On the East Coast, most planes are so packed full, that a bump is not going to happen.

Just that I would clear up that possible misconception.

[Drill for life]

Where do you come up with these nicknames for uniforms at? A bunch of the ones you use, such as "christmas tree" and "sherbet" I've never heard, and I've been hanging around some form of military community for 8 years now.


That's what I've heard them called.

[AirPower3P0X1]

Each uniform has its own time and place. My utility uniform (my ACU's in college or my ABU's/BDU's now) was always my favorite (it took me leaving JROTC to realize that practicality defeats wearing all of your ribbons and badges and whatnot- and now that I think of it, all that stuff was really a pain to put on, both in USNSCC and JROTC).
It is what I wear on a day to day basis, it's far more practical (regardless of jacked up camo pattern), durable, and what I need to accomplish my mission. My dress uniform in no way helps me in accomplishing my mission. It would look rather amusing to be running around the missile complex in Interceptor, k-pot, and a M4 or 240. I hope I didn't just give my leadership any ideas :(
Do I just spiffy in service dress? Yep. I look just dandy, but the only time I'll ever really wear it is if I have to go see my commander because I'm in trouble, my BTZ board, blues inspections annually or semi-annually at most, or if (when) I end up in a desk job at some point (later) in my career and have to partake in blues Monday. Oh, or if I make a trip back to Cadetland or to OTS for my commission.
Take pride in your dress uniform (so many troops don't, because they view it as just a hassle), but in the end, it's your cammies (in whatever form you wear) that you wear to get the job done. Don't get me wrong, I love my blues (and loved my A's when I was in college), but they don't help me in my mission whatsoever.

[C/ B3RRY NJROTC]

Nope. Our tickets are booked coach. Now, if the airline decides to give us a free upgrade to first class, that's another story. Like I said, technically you shouldn't fly in uniform unless en route to a combat zone since you won't be bringing civilian attire with you typically.

Hmm...Ok then. Well thank you :)

[C/SSGT Seifer]

While ACU's are more practical, I like Class A's. I like showing my achievements and standing tall. Also, no matter what I do, I just can't get the wrinkles out of my ACU's, it pisses me off because than I look like a soup sandwich. The only thing I don't like about Class A's is the lack of range of motion, the jacket is just so restricting, when you raise your arms the whole jacket goes up with it. I can't wait to transition to Dress Blue's. I'm gonna look extra good once I buy a beret instead of that huge cap.

I was wondering what the opinions of Army people are on the tonnssssssssssssssssssss of accouterments on a typical Army dress-type uniform. Do you guys like them or does it seem a bit ridiculous?
Actually I don't have a problem, except with the extensively large and complex Advanced Placement Chord, its like a jungle growing out of your shoulder. By the way, its not like Air Force JROTC doesn't have a lot of accouterments, I have seen people with ribbons from their chest to their shoulder, they're so packed they look like an airplane trying to do a 90 degree turn!

Thats why the Class A's are nicnamed the "christmas tree". My jacket looks like the tree at Macy's..

To be honest, I've never heard this. I've heard it being called a pickle suit, I don't personally use that name though.

[C/CLN]

Ribbons are easy to put on, though =p.

[Billyd]

they're so packed they look like an airplane trying to do a 90 degree turn!

That is such a good visual. I am going to have to remember that one.

[armysc_25b]

While ACU's are more practical, I like Class A's. I like showing my achievements and standing tall.

Even with a dress uniform, it is impossible to "show off" everything I have done. There are things I've done that don't present themselves in the form of a ribbon (unless otherwise recommended by someone), and there are things I do on a daily basis not because I'm "hunting for ribbons" but because I try to do my job to the best of my ability on a consistent basis.

Also, no matter what I do, I just can't get the wrinkles out of my ACU's, it pisses me off because than I look like a soup sandwich.

A) The uniform is intended to be wash & wear, so if it has wrinkles, oh well.
B) Either don't dry it completely and let it hang dry, or as soon as the dryer is done hang it up. Can't say that it leaves a wrinkle free uniform every time, but it's better than digging it out of the bottom of a heap of clothes (or a duffel bag, in the case of a couple of my older uniforms)

The only thing I don't like about Class A's is the lack of range of motion, the jacket is just so restricting, when you raise your arms the whole jacket goes up with it.

That's why you have to size it properly. I can't say I have that same problem in either my A's or Blue's. Maybe your jacket is a size or two too small?

I can't wait to transition to Dress Blue's. I'm gonna look extra good once I buy a beret instead of that huge cap.

I like the look of that huge cap with the Blue's (check out my photo album for a picture). And it'll still be authorized for everyone but PVT-SPC anyways, just not the "primary" headgear option.

[C/SSGT Seifer]

That is such a good visual. I am going to have to remember that one.

Thanks, I try.


...A) The uniform is intended to be wash & wear, so if it has wrinkles, oh well.
B) Either don't dry it completely and let it hang dry, or as soon as the dryer is done hang it up. Can't say that it leaves a wrinkle free uniform every time, but it's better than digging it out of the bottom of a heap of clothes (or a duffel bag, in the case of a couple of my older uniforms)



That's why you have to size it properly. I can't say I have that same problem in either my A's or Blue's. Maybe your jacket is a size or two too small?...

Thank you for the advice on the wrinkles, it may also have to do with my ACU's being a size to big so it just kind of hangs. I'm getting a smaller size once the school year starts again.
Also, I did fit my Class A jacket. I told my AI that it was snug and he still thought it was perfect. Even a recruiter who saw me unbuttoning the jacket was like, "Wow, you don't even need to change the sleeves!" So, I was just like, "Whatever," and rolled with it.

Just a quick question about Blue's I'm understanding that JROTC units can't put the gold stripe on the pants, why is that? Since my school started using Blue's for Color Guard we have always used the golden stripe, why do we need to change it all of a sudden?

[armysc_25b]

Just a quick question about Blue's I'm understanding that JROTC units can't put the gold stripe on the pants, why is that? Since my school started using Blue's for Color Guard we have always used the golden stripe, why do we need to change it all of a sudden?

No idea, I haven't seen the guidance on how JROTC programs are to wear the uniforms.

[Saint Marc]

Back in the day I was a cadet 3 discs whatever that is. Captain?
Anyway we wore greens and those silly orange, grey and green ribbons along with the blue star. I remember us getting that star was a big deal. I might still have it someplace. Anyway I got busted for punching the guide on bearer in the face my senior year to SSG. He deserved it though. My last week in JROTC I pulled the sleeves off my greens and wore it in. I got chewed out, but still got a B in the class and my letter getting me E-3. Before I punched Robert though I was really into uniforms and looking good. Couldn't believe I got busted either. I think they should have promoted me. Oh well I still had my letter jacket and a good looking girlfriend who thought I was cool. Being in JROTC made being cool hard sometimes. In my day it was full of nerds and bad boys. Our cadet commander was a bad boy Col.'s son. This guy was named Greg and went on to kick for OU I think. He'd roll in in greens with a full beard and punk out the cadre.
I liked Greg.

[SlightlyCatholic]

Back in the day I was a cadet 3 discs whatever that is. Captain?
Anyway we wore greens and those silly orange, grey and green ribbons along with the blue star. I remember us getting that star was a big deal. I might still have it someplace. Anyway I got busted for punching the guide on bearer in the face my senior year to SSG. He deserved it though. My last week in JROTC I pulled the sleeves off my greens and wore it in. I got chewed out, but still got a B in the class and my letter getting me E-3. Before I punched Robert though I was really into uniforms and looking good. Couldn't believe I got busted either. I think they should have promoted me. Oh well I still had my letter jacket and a good looking girlfriend who thought I was cool. Being in JROTC made being cool hard sometimes. In my day it was full of nerds and bad boys. Our cadet commander was a bad boy Col.'s son. This guy was named Greg and went on to kick for OU I think. He'd roll in in greens with a full beard and punk out the cadre.
I liked Greg.
So what you're saying is that you weren't a candidate for the Good Conduct or Personal Appearance awards? Quite the story you have...

[armysc_25b]

So what you're saying is that you weren't a candidate for the Good Conduct or Personal Appearance awards? Quite the story you have...

Good Conduct awards are overrated. I only got it 2 of my 4 years in AJROTC. Then again, I've always been known to have a mouth and tell someone exactly how I feel in a colorful language (unlike former members of this forum, I actually want you to understand when you're getting a verbal a... butt-whippin').

To be honest, if it weren't for having NCO's that I can bounce my frustrations off of, I probably wouldn't have a Good Conduct Medal now. Never been able to deal with stupidity all that well...

[SlightlyCatholic]

Good Conduct awards are overrated.

I don't doubt that. It seems to me that the GCM is more of a "Good at not getting caught" medal than a medal for good conduct.

[Saint Marc]

I got those awards before so I didn't miss out on one, then again getting a ribbon for behaving is sort of gay when you think about it, well when I do anyway. I got them on active duty and in nearly 11 years I never had NJP. I did some stuff though, but maybe the stories were so good or the pranks so crazy that the really messed up stuff I slid by with and the other petty garbage was looked on as just that. Plus I was lucky my first 6 years, I was in real units. Real units don't sweat the small crap like POG units do. The further in the rear the more petty was my experience.
Slightly Catholic you seem like such a follower sometimes. Get a skateboard and parking lot some skate clothing, spend some time around a 7/11 drinking Big Gulps and rail sliding talking trash to punks. Learn to draw anarchists symbols on your Chucks or Vans and mean mug the cops when they stare at you like you are some kind of criminal for riding a board with wheels. That is how I learned cops hate freedom. Skateboarding represents freedom, raw freedom only surfers previously enjoyed until Dr. Fu gave us the magical stick with 4 wheels. And those who worship control hate the sidewalk surfer. Yep start skating man, get a girlfriend and start getting a healthy attitude for authority. Even in the military I had a sticker on a footlocker I'd take to the field that said "Authority Sucks". Had a SGM once call me out for it. He reminded me I was authority and I reminded him that my subordinates hated me and thought I sucked for being their NCO too. He shut up and my 1SG just told me to keep my locker out of sight.
Just grow a pair man. Break a forum rule, go a mile over the speed limit, walk outside without a cover on in uniform. You need therapy, I'm here to help.
I'm trying to keep you from becoming a tool.

[SlightlyCatholic]

Slightly Catholic you seem like such a follower sometimes. Get a skateboard and parking lot some skate clothing, spend some time around a 7/11 drinking Big Gulps and rail sliding talking trash to punks. Learn to draw anarchists symbols on your Chucks or Vans and mean mug the cops when they stare at you like you are some kind of criminal for riding a board with wheels. That is how I learned cops hate freedom. Skateboarding represents freedom, raw freedom only surfers previously enjoyed until Dr. Fu gave us the magical stick with 4 wheels. And those who worship control hate the sidewalk surfer. Yep start skating man, get a girlfriend and start getting a healthy attitude for authority. Even in the military I had a sticker on a footlocker I'd take to the field that said "Authority Sucks". Had a SGM once call me out for it. He reminded me I was authority and I reminded him that my subordinates hated me and thought I sucked for being their NCO too. He shut up and my 1SG just told me to keep my locker out of sight.
Just grow a pair man. Break a forum rule, go a mile over the speed limit, walk outside without a cover on in uniform.

So I'm a follower because I don't act like a British punk band member from the 1960s? Why don't you consider yourself a follower? You seem to have been swept up by the skater movement. Did Tony Hawk's picture reside on your wall? Or were you more of a Pink Floyd kind of guy?

You need therapy, I'm here to help.
I'm trying to keep you from becoming a tool.

Well, if I took "therapy" seriously and followed in your footsteps, I guess my first course of action would be to find the nearest Army officer and tell them that their NCOs and soldiers are pieces of crap. After that, I could call the White House and tell them that democracy isn't worth our time...and before I hit the rack, I could shoot a few witty jokes to my friends about American POWs in Iraq. You've laid quite the precedent here in your posting.

Is that what you mean by not being a tool?

[Saint Marc]

No, you miss the point. I think there is a healthy medium where people need to be between rebellious and obedient. No I wasn't in to Tony Hawk posters, I had a Confederate flag on the wall and posters of military tanks and aircraft.

I was in my old home town yesterday and went into my aunts cafe, I saw the same cop in there who put my first set of cuffs on me. Funny thing is he was married to my cousin at one time. He was looking okay, but his crew looked like ex-cons in uniforms and you know they probably were but just not convicted yet.

As far as the British punk comments, it was the late 70's and 80's. Yeah perhaps punk did inspire me to question government and authority, but look at your black hip hop rap today. It says sell dope, join a gang, steal, inflict as much harm to yourself as possible and when caught don't resist, just go to prison and serve as a proud soulja. Football hooliganry any day over that.

Good conduct awards are for ribbon counters.
Just remember this message from the ministry of love. Freedom is slavery, war is peace (freedom bombs) and ignorance is strength (follow the parties and the president though he isn't naturally born).
Tool on bro.

[Saint Marc]

Now back to the cadets on ribbons and medals. Look guys you know how the military veterans hate posers right? Well look at this, so the military gives you chest fulls of meaningless ribbons that only military men know the meanings of. I've seen and have had civilians look at my tack of b/s and think I was some kind of badass. I told them the truth and sometimes that is hard because many of the cool looking ribbons and medals are actually just being there awards and have war titles. Sort of imo promotes the military phonies we bash.
Lets explore my rack of crap. AAM x2, I got one for treating casualties both real and fake in a field exercise, gay I got the other for winning the soulja of the week, month, quarter and so on boards. I got a NAM for being professional in my duties as a change of duty station award,gay. Navy and Army good conduct awards, get real. I got a ribbon for graduating boot camp and one for PLDC, again gay. National Defense twice, just for being in during one of the ministry of peaces wars is going on. Today wars are undeclared and America is and has always been at war with Eurasia. Thus everyone gets one. FMF ribbon, sea service overseas service all PX incidentals. Armed Forces Expeditionary again sounds cool, but again a mass award for just being there.I valued my marksmanship badge over all of these. Oh and the Red Newman, nice medal, I figure I earned it, but again those I coached and mentored if I was a general I'd had them in the stocks instead of uniform. Oh and the War on Terra medal for being on active duty the day Cheney and Wall Street conducted their little ponzi stunt.
So my point is medals, ribbons and rank mean little to me because I've seen how recklessly they are awarded and how we create awards just to pacify the medal collectors. Don't get me started on coins.

[SlightlyCatholic]

No, you miss the point. I think there is a healthy medium where people need to be between rebellious and obedient.

That depends on what you're obedient to or rebelling against. I would posit that we're all products of a movement...even if that movement is simply the antithesis of another movement. Hegel's work may be of interest in this matter.


As far as the British punk comments, it was the late 70's and 80's. Yeah perhaps punk did inspire me to question government and authority, but look at your black hip hop rap today.

I don't claim ownership for black hip hop. I personally think it's talking with some background music. The lyrics are sometimes creative, but usually only succeed in grasping frantically at the definition of " quality music".


Just remember this message from the ministry of love. Freedom is slavery, war is peace (freedom bombs) and ignorance is strength (follow the parties and the president though he isn't naturally born).
Tool on bro.

2 + 2 does equal 4. 6079 Smith W out.

[Saint Marc]

I just spilled my guts on another thread, I wear a size 11 UK I think and always in good leather with a thick sole. Get a pair and lets go for a walk. Time all you guys get to know me better. Then we'll get to the good stuff.

[C/SSGT Seifer]

No offense to you Saint Marc, but I don't think it is really, "Okay," to be telling high school students to be rebellious and do things that could get them arrested. This looks extremely befitting coming from a veteran. Again, no offense, but just like you, I'm telling it how it is. Plus, who are you to call a person you don't know a, "tool?" Just saying.

[Zach]

Personally, I prefer class A's.

[Sandbagger]

Just a quick question about Blue's I'm understanding that JROTC units can't put the gold stripe on the pants, why is that? Since my school started using Blue's for Color Guard we have always used the golden stripe, why do we need to change it all of a sudden?

The Army Blue Service Uniform is worn with a gold stripe on the trouser leg. (see: AR 670-1) The new Army Service Uniform (ASU) which replaces the Class A uniform has 2 versions of trousers: stripes for officers, warrants and NCOs; no stripes for privates and specialists.

From what I understand, TRADOC has not approved regulations for cadet wear of the ASU. This would mean that the only blue uniform cadets will wear is the old Blue Service Uniform. Thusly, everyone gets a stripe.

Now- normally the regulations of the parent service would apply but in this circumstance you see that there are rather seperate rules for how a cadet in ROTC wears class A's (different ribbons, garrison cap, no officer accouterments, etc..) and now a US Army Officer wears class A's. Therefore, you would think that there would be similar differences between a cadet and officer's wear of the new ASU.

but I digress... [/rant]

It wouldn't be the first time that uniform regulations went a bit whacky while the army tried to play "catch up" with a new uniform. last I checked, ACUs STILL aren't in the newest edition of AR 670-1

[Cadet 1Lt.Bisbee]

Class A's I likem better becuase you look more like a Soldier or Cadet.
1st you have all your Ribbons -Medals-Rank showing
2nd just plan looks bad ass