Wearing the ACU's

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

Raider team was issued ACU's wednesday and I was wondering if the sleeves on the ACU blouse could be rolled up like BDUs'. Also along with this thread I would like to see who will be attending the Brigade Raider Challenge at Manchester HS this coming saturday, please comply with forum rules and not list your specific group name.

[PhilK]

No. The sleeves stay down on the ACUs.

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

Doesn't that suck in hot humid conditions then?

[PhilK]

Doesn't that suck in hot humid conditions then?

No. Next question.

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

No. Next question.

I just noticed that the reenforcements on the knees and elbows are like pockets, is this normally for padding or some special suppose to be secret pocket, sir?

[PhilK]

I just noticed that the reenforcements on the knees and elbows are like pockets, is this normally for padding or some special suppose to be secret pocket, sir?

You can get "pads" that can serve as knee pads and elbow pads, but I have never met anyone who used them. Usually you wear exterior knee and elbow pads. This also prevents you from putting holes in your uniform.

[army_grunt_11B]

I just noticed that the reenforcements on the knees and elbows are like pockets, is this normally for padding or some special suppose to be secret pocket, sir?

Padding. Granted if you get ACU's, Don't put padding in them.

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

One last quick question, when doing land nav the collar is suppose to be "popped" or on the up position correct? and under "normal" conditions it is to be down? Thank You sirs for you replies.

[PhilK]

One last quick question, when doing land nav the collar is suppose to be "popped" or on the up position correct? and under "normal" conditions it is to be down? Thank You sirs for you replies.

That is up to you, I have never worn my collar up. To me, it is more of an anoyance then anything else.

[army_grunt_11B]

In BCT during ftx, we were told to wear the collar up, but outside of that, its a team choice, i prefer it down, as it looks low-speed up.

[Drill for life]

It's called a Mandarin Collar(????) it's supposed to worn up when you have your vest on. That's what my AI told me. Make sure your IR tab is closed, you can't let it be seen. THere is a pocket in the PC cap also.

[army_grunt_11B]

Make sure your IR tab is closed, you can't let it be seen. THere is a pocket in the PC cap also.


On the left side, the tab needs to cover it, its not a matter of life and death, but it should be up. On the right, fold it underneath when your wearing the US flag. If you dont, the flag wont lay down right, or at least we got smoked in BCT if we didnt fold it underneath.

If you need pics I can snap some to understand what I mean.

Also that pocket in the PC, is called a map pocket. Don't put anything in it. Other wise you will look low-speed when you wear it.

Also make sure the hook and loops are closed on everything,

[PhilK]

It's called a Mandarin Collar(????) it's supposed to worn up when you have your vest on. That's what my AI told me.


And as someone who has actually worn the ACUs with a vest....I left the collar down because it wouldn't stop a bullet and it would rub my neck raw.

[Drill for life]

That is how I have seen it done. I have not seen AJROTC students issued a American Flag for the ACU's. So don't we just treat the right pocket like the left pocket.

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

I just thought about this issue too much and now I confused the heck out of myself, The trousers are to be tucked and bloused into the boots correct?

[PhilK]

I just thought about this issue too much and now I confused the heck out of myself, The trousers are to be tucked and bloused into the boots correct?


Correct. They are to appear bloused.

[armysc_25b]

The pants aren't required to be tucked in. You can utilize a commercial blousing band or the strings on the pants to accomplish this as well. The blouse has to fall within regs still, but the method is pretty much to your choosing. The method I use now, I do for comfort reasons.

[army_grunt_11B]

Off Topic- How do you do yours? During BCT we had to just tuck in, and well that gets annoying, as my boots are tight already. I tried the boot straps (thin little rope thingy) that I used in JROTC when I wore BDU's, and that just comes undone when I pull my beret out of my pocket, or rather when I do anything that involves reaching in and out of the side pockets.


Thanks in advanced for the Info.

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

Thank you sir's that was one of the things that I over thought on and completely forgot the "correct" answer. Now I can wear my uniform correctly and proudly this saturday at competition, Thanks Again.

[PhilK]

Off Topic- How do you do yours? During BCT we had to just tuck in, and well that gets annoying, as my boots are tight already. I tried the boot straps (thin little rope thingy) that I used in JROTC when I wore BDU's, and that just comes undone when I pull my beret out of my pocket, or rather when I do anything that involves reaching in and out of the side pockets.


Thanks in advanced for the Info.

I use these (http://www.rangerjoes.com/boot-blousersblousing-rubbers-elastic-p-29.html), and tuck the pants into my boots. I have done that since Basic and I prefer it.

[soccermark23]

I use these (http://www.rangerjoes.com/boot-blousersblousing-rubbers-elastic-p-29.html), and tuck the pants into my boots. I have done that since Basic and I prefer it.

I use the same ones, and they are awesome. I would recommend them to anyone.

[army_grunt_11B]

Ill have to order a pair. I dont mind tucking in after a while, but its kinda annoying when I first lace up, As my pants are way to long (to have prop done, I have to tuck in past the ankle pocket lol)

[armysc_25b]

Off Topic- How do you do yours?

I use the green blousers (the little rope thingys) and put it over the top of my boot just above the 2nd eyelet. Since I have such small ankles and have to tie my boots tightly to accomodate, it hurts to tuck my laces in since they dig into my leg in an extremely uncomfortable way. So doing it as I do, it presents the bloused appearance and allows me to wear my laces out of my boot without anyone noticing.

I've done the tucking in thing, and tried different things for the blouse (the velcro straps tucked into the boot like the MAJ does, tied off above my boot, and I've even thrown the blousing cuffs in for a little bit), and to me what I do now is the most comfortable option I've found.

Ill have to order a pair. I dont mind tucking in after a while, but its kinda annoying when I first lace up, As my pants are way to long (to have prop done, I have to tuck in past the ankle pocket lol)

Ever thought about going to a shorter length? My first set of ACU's, I got short length pants, and as they started to shrink I had a problem with them staying tucked in (which is what led me to start using the blousers) so I moved up to regular length pants and that issue disappeared. I'd assume it'd work the same way going down in length as well.

[army_grunt_11B]

I dont have the money for it, Guard doesnt give us uniform allowance for the weekend warriors.

I have ordered one pair of pants off aafes, but they havent made it here yet, so i will see how they fit.

[PhilK]

I dont have the money for it, Guard doesnt give us uniform allowance for the weekend warriors.

I have ordered one pair of pants off aafes, but they havent made it here yet, so i will see how they fit.

Contact your Supply Sergeant and request to DX your pants for the right size.

I had a Specialist that was given ACUs that were about two sizes too big and she managed to get them exchanged.

[army_grunt_11B]

Contact your Supply Sergeant and request to DX your pants for the right size.

I had a Specialist that was given ACUs that were about two sizes too big and she managed to get them exchanged.

Rgr that sir, will try that tomorrow.

Off- Topic- What boots are you AD guys wearing? My Altima's are starting to look like crap and need to replace (pretty sure I got boots that where pre-issued, got them in November of last year when I first enlisted and started RSP, and went to bct with them)

[armysc_25b]

Off- Topic- What boots are you AD guys wearing? My Altima's are starting to look like crap and need to replace (pretty sure I got boots that where pre-issued, got them in November of last year when I first enlisted and started RSP, and went to bct with them)

I have 4 different pairs of boots I'll be found in commonly. Reason for so many is due to the problems I had for a long time with wearing out the heel of my sole due to feet problems, but they're clearing up for the most part.


Belleville 795V Cold Weather Boot - Next level up in terms of cold weather gear than the issue cold weather boot, I find them to be much more comfortable, and with Belleville's "signature" (well, at least you find it on most of their boots) cushioned midsole, it seemed perfect to me!
Belleville 390DES Hot Wwather Boot - Belleville does a good job with these hot weather boots, and IMNSHO they seem to be the most popular set of boots based on how many personnel wear them. These are moreso for ruck marches, & field training, though they're good in the shop when higher up comes in for inspections looking for steel toe boots (these look just like the steel toe, just don't actually have the toe).
Altama 5877 Ripple Sole Boot - Deciding it was time to get a pair of boots that were clean looking, these were my first venture into the ripple sole. Aside from the boot being a little tight on my feet due to my orthotic insoles, I've had no complaints about the feel of these boots
Altama EXOSpeed Tactical Boot - These don't look like your standard issue boot, nor do they feel like the standard issue boot, but they scream comfort from the minute I put them on till I take them off. I've worn these boots basically on a daily basis since getting them, and can honestly say that aside from my Belleville 390DES's, these are the best boots I've owned.

[army_grunt_11B]

I got issued the 795v's for winter issue. I like them and they held up during the rainy days at Benning, just a little snug when pulling on and off at the ankle and foot area.

I will have to look at trying the 390DES's or the Exospeed boots, Which would you buy, if you could only get one? Reviews are high on both, and seen both in use.

Also never tired the ripple soles how good are they?

[pingjocky]

Also never tired the ripple soles how good are they?

Depends on the type of environment in which you wear them. I can't speak to desert or jungle wear, but I wore the bottoms off a pair of Altama Ripple Soles in about 6 weeks marching recruits around RTC. It was all concrete and asphalt wear. Pretty comfy while they had soles on them...

R/
Pingjocky

[army_grunt_11B]

Ouch yea, I think I will pass on the ripple soles then, Looking for something that will last with maximum duribility.

[pingjocky]

I don't know if they're authorized for you Army types, but I've been wearing Bates Durashocks for about the last 7 years or so. I love them. They're lightweight, steel toe, and speed laced. Since I've been wearing them, I've only had thee pairs, so they last a long time, and take a shine well. They're good boots for what I do, but there are lighter boots out there, and like I said, I don't know if they're authorized for you guys.

R/
Pingjocky

Edited to add: As I was...I've had 4 pairs of the Bates...sorry.

[armysc_25b]

The Bates Durashocks are good to go. One of the guys in my shop has them, and I've seen them for sale in Clothing Sales at a few locations.

[Drill for life]

I have a pair of boots from Wellco. I wear them with ACU's,BDU's and DCU's(I wear black with BDU's and olive drab). I love them they are way more comfortable thatn Black bate boots(my BDU and Olive drab boots).

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

Rgr that sir, will try that tomorrow.

Off- Topic- What boots are you AD guys wearing? My Altima's are starting to look like crap and need to replace (pretty sure I got boots that where pre-issued, got them in November of last year when I first enlisted and started RSP, and went to bct with them)


I am not AD but I was issued these Altama EXOSpeed Tactical boots and they were amazing this past saturday in the Raider Challenge we attended. Also the 5k was a breeze, and when we finished me and our C/CSM who were the only two that were given these boots to wear had virtually no blisters, etc, and the rest of the cadets (w/ out Altama EXOSpeed's) had throbbing feet, and one had a killer blood blister after the 5k.