I'm just looking for a little input on this idea. What if the Coast Guard took the Uniform Allowance that we all get every month and set it aside as a credit to each member at UDC? If you don't use it that month it carries over into the next month. If you get underway and don't use your Uniform Allowance for a few months you'll have a nice little credit at UDC to invest in a couple new uniforms or uniform items. When they give us extra money for the new parka for example, it can just be credited to our account. As it is now the money is put into the paychecks, gets lost in everyday expenses and doesn't get used in the way it was meant to be. This way the money that is allotted to each member will be used to buy uniforms items only and will be returned directly back to the Coast Guard. We won't hear the excuses that "uniforms cost too much" or "I'll buy new boots on payday". I guarantee the Coast Guard forks out alot more money in Uniform Allowance than what they get back through the UDC or Exchange. This money would fall into the "if you don't use it, you lose it" category. Once a member is discharged, whatever is left in the account gets put back into the Coast Guard uniform funds.
I would like to hear some feedback on this as to why this would or would not work.
From the pen and ink days, you got a chit from the supply officer to go to small stores to draw new seabag items as the issue items wore out. I don't recall for sure, but believe no uniform allowance $$ was drawn. It was on the way out as I came in, and as an SA, didn't pay that much attention to it. Hope an old timer pipes in with a better explanation.
As all your required uniform items are stocked at the UDC. That seems to be a very smart idea.
The days of the tailor made blues/seafarer dungarees are long gone. No real source of civilian made uniform items for enlisted anymore.
Well, I qualify as one of the old ones but do not recall how it worked. For some reason I was under the impression it was part of our check. I don't think I got anything from small stores once I was out of boot camp. Bought tailor made everything after that.
Found it in my Coast Guardsmans Manual ! To summarize :
If your uniforms are below minimum, draw a requisition from your petty officer, fill in what you need, turn in to division officer.
Go to small stores on your issue day, draw what you require, the chit is returned to supply and deducted from your pay record.
1964 Coast Guardsmans Manual
If each service is not going to provide, after initial outfitting, an issue in kind for replacement, each Secretary can determine a monatary uniform allowance to be paid to maintain the minimum issue.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mastersmate,
I think it would "work" but I dont think it is the best idea. The current process works just fine. If everyone only got UDC credit... then no one would buy things from the local exchange... and if they did it would be "out of pocket" And since it takes a good 10 days to get anything from the UDC its just not practical. Most people go the the exchange and buy uniform stuff b/c they need it and just realized they didn't have it ... or it was in poor condition. Also you wouldn't be able to buy the boots of your choice due to the fact that the UDC only has superboot! and I dislike that boot. On another note our uniform allowance is also for the upkeep of our current uniforms. Tailoring our pants and bravos if we happen to enjoy too many sweets, to get them nice and pressed for that rare occasion we actually wear it... etc. So like i said... it could "work" but its definitely not best. If anyone is like me I would end up still purchasing stuff at the exchange or lucky bag... and then be forced to "waste" my UDC credit on like a 7th ODU or something like that.
Does the exchange "mark up" the cost of those uniform items it gets from the Uniform Center ?? - or - Are they uniform items, manufactured by outside vendors, to CG specs and then sold in the exchange ??
If they are government issue and government issue price, shouldn't be that big of a logistical project to keep the account current at the Uniform Center.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mastersmate,
Masters Mate_ The Exchange sells the items for the same price you can get them at UDC so that wouldn't be an issue. Right now you can order directly from the UDC and have it allotted directly out of your paycheck. The uniforms are contracted out to one specific company. "Look alike" uniforms from other companies are not authorized.
Brechty - I understand where your coming from but the last time you were at the exchange to buy uniforms did you specifically spend the $41 a month of your uniform allowance that you meticulously saved up just for your occasional trip to the exchange or was it basically an out of pocket expense to you? If your like most other people that extra money just gets rolled up into your monthly personal expenses. If you had that money credited to the UDC it wouldn't have to budget it into your monthly expenses when you went to buy new uniforms. If your at the point where you can't wait the 10 days to get your uniforms from UDC then you've probably waited too long to get new uniforms anyway.
I too like to buy more comfortable boots. I did buy a pair of the Superboots and I only where them for inspections because they kill my feet, otherwise for personal comfort I wear a pair that I paid for out of pocket.
There was a msg out on monday that discussed civilian CG employees now been entitled to a uniform allowance under certain conditions.
I've never worked with CG civilians...anyone know when a civilian employee would be wearing a CG uniform (other than coveralls)? I really hope this isn't so the GS club can go out and buy suits and ties.
surfmonkey, thanks for the inquiry and yes for example I would say that I have spent well over my uniform allowance in the recent year... New boots, 3 new uniforms with everything sewn on, the fleece, new full trops uniform, new ribbons and rack, new unit hat, total that up and i'm pretty sure that covers it.
Basically i'm an adult... i dont need some bs udc credit plan to help me manage money and ensure I have good in-service uniforms. and if that is the case why stop there... why not get a deal with a local supermarket... and ensure we spend all of our food alowance.. on food! and show proof that we spend all of our BAH on just that, a roof over our head?
All in all the uniform allowance is there to ensure all service members have no excuse not to have nice sharp presentable uniforms. If someone at your unit does not, then get on them explain to them what that allowance is for and then maybe help them manage that allowance.
I've never worked with CG civilians...anyone know when a civilian employee would be wearing a CG uniform (other than coveralls)?
Obviously I haven't seen the message. Is it possible they were referring to members of the Auxiliary? They are civilians and sometimes augment with active duty folks.
If your having trouble managing your uniform allowance with it being in your paycheck then start an allotment to a savings account for only uniform allowance. It would add up pretty good over time. When you swipe your debit or write a check, just go online to transfer the money you spent out of your uniform savings account into your checking or whatever account.
I don't do this but have been thinking about doing it. My wife deals with all money and in her eye's the uniform allowance is just like BAH, if it's in my paycheck it's just that my paycheck. So I never have $ for uniform stuff.
Also sucks come PCS time and you go some where with 1/2 the BAH and you lose that "income". Hope the wife learned from the last time that happened...
Is it possible they were referring to members of the Auxiliary?
Maybe...don't know much about the auxiliary either...I know they get free gas for patrolling, and probably a box lunch now and again, but I don't know about uniforms...
Maybe...don't know much about the auxiliary either...I know they get free gas for patrolling, and probably a box lunch now and again, but I don't know about uniforms...
I know they wear them but was under the impression they paid for them out of their own pocket. Maybe an Auxie can educate us.
