What is the scoop here?

First we were told the ODU's are coming so get 'em while their hot, then the next months meeting were told, naw, we're belaying that order.

Guess now's the time to add that I'm in Flotilla 11-7, Hudson, Fl.

What are the other flotilla's doing??
Anyone else going to the ODU's?

In my flotillas, new members get them as the de facto working uniform. The older members either get them as the old WBs wear out or sooner - it is a personal preference thing.

The answer to the question What is the first uniform I should purchase? gives the official answer.

quote:

The first uniform that should be purchased depends on what area of the Auxiliary you wish to concentrate your time in.

For most, it will be the ODU uniform.

quote:

Originally posted by Jack_Smith:
What is the scoop here?

First we were told the ODU's are coming so get 'em while their hot, then the next months meeting were told, naw, we're belaying that order.

Guess now's the time to add that I'm in Flotilla 11-7, Hudson, Fl.

What are the other flotilla's doing??
Anyone else going to the ODU's?

We all wear ODU's on the left coast. We even have ODU shorts per spec. Question for you though...if you don't wear ODU's, what do you wear?

--M

Here on the west coast we have been wearing the miserable ODUs for over a year now. Hot, bulky and uncomfortable, another brilliant move by the powers-that-be. At least we can wear comfortable boating shoes and not the clod-hoppers.

quote:

Here on the west coast we have been wearing the miserable ODUs for over a year now. Hot, bulky and uncomfortable, another brilliant move by the powers-that-be. At least we can wear comfortable boating shoes and not the clod-hoppers.

Here on my part of the west coast we've all been wearing the significantly more comfortable, more flexible ODUs for over 18 months.

But don't get too comfortable. The ODU MKII is on the way at some point.

quote:

Originally posted by Ancora:
Here on the west coast we have been wearing the miserable ODUs for over a year now.

Everyone is well aware of how hot and uncomfortable the ODU is when compared with the older working blue uniform. Of course the specs say we can continue to wear the working blue until they wear out.
But guess what? The wear out date for your working blue can be extended indefinitely! Lighthouse Uniform Company is still selling new working blue uniforms, so why ever buy that horrible ODU uniform in the first place?

quote:

Originally posted by NJAuxie:

quote:

Originally posted by Ancora:
Here on the west coast we have been wearing the miserable ODUs for over a year now.

Everyone is well aware of how hot and uncomfortable the ODU is when compared with the older working blue uniform. Of course the specs say we can continue to wear the working blue until they wear out.
But guess what? The wear out date for your working blue can be extended indefinitely! Lighthouse Uniform Company is still selling new working blue uniforms, so why ever buy that horrible ODU uniform in the first place?

The really sad part is the terms they used for the transition. They should have said "continue to wear the working blue whilst serviceable or until 12/31/07" or something to that effect. We have some really scarey examples of what people consider serviceable and if someone says something to them, they get all "discrimination, discrimination..." boo

oh well.

--M

Bah... the ODU's aren't any more uncomfortable than BDU's so I'm not exactly sure why everyone is whining.

The velcro they used for the pockets on the trousers is horrible though.

You're forgetting that there is a lightweight version of the BDU that is much better in warm climates. No such option for the ODU.

quote:

Originally posted by RiverAux:
You're forgetting that there is a lightweight version of the BDU that is much better in warm climates. No such option for the ODU.

Shorts and T-Shirt version of the ODU...pretty lightweight.

--M

Uh.... lightweight version of the BDU as in the standard (Enchance Hot Weather) 50/50 NYCO ripstop as opposed to the heavier 50/50 NYCO version? The lighter ripstop material is what the ODU's are made out of.

My BDU's aren't any lighter feeling than my ODU's. You might be thinking of those 100% cotton BDU's that haven't been issued in years which are definitely thinner, but they stink at blocking the wind and also don't really dry while you're wearing them.

quote:

Shorts and T-Shirt version of the ODU...pretty lightweight.

Which is not approved everywhere.

quote:

Originally posted by RiverAux:

quote:

Shorts and T-Shirt version of the ODU...pretty lightweight.

Which is not approved everywhere.

True, but if you don't ask you'll never have it.

--M

True, but if you don't ask you'll never have it.

There is no need to ask. The ODU shorts are t-shirt are an approved uni. You can wear it without asking for permission. The only trouble spot is if the OIA bars the wearing of them. You know:

quote:

He who has the Gold makes the rules.

That's what I thought, but then there was a blurb someplace that the local command had to have an affirmative policy for the wearing of the Hot Weather version. I checked the uniform manual and it is silent on the authorization. So. Wear away!

--M
(YMMV, check with your local uniform police...)

The Gold side does make the rules, to the deficit of the Auxiliary. Our Sector commander orders us to wear the "Gumby" suits when the water temp is below 60 degrees. We refuse to wear the suits so our patrol "window" has become smaller. The Sector commander,will not authorize hot weather uniform so we are saddled with the ODUs in hot weather, making our patrol "window" even smaller. Even with our twelve month boating season, we will be active for only three months thanks to the Gold side.

The Sector commander,will not authorize hot weather uniform

As Hal said, authorization is technically not required. For reference from: COMDTINST M1020.6E

quote:

4.D.5. Hot Weather The Hot Weather uniform is authorized in locations where humidity and high temperatures cause physical discomfort for personnel performing outdoor activities. The Hot Weather uniform is similar to the standard work uniforms described in Chapter 3 except the standard Working Blue utility trousers or ODU trousers are modified into shorts hemmed 1-4 inches above the knee. White socks with black, low top safety boots, or brown boat shoes shall be worn. Local prescribing authorities may authorize use of the Coast Guard blue crew neck T-shirt stenciled with the words “U. S. COAST GUARD” across the front left chest in white 3/4-inch tall block-style letters. When T-shirts are authorized, then all must be stenciled identically to promote unit identity and professional appearance. The Hot Weather uniform is considered an optional work uniform and falls under the same guidelines as the Working Blue or ODU uniform for traveling to and from work.

RE:Gumby. We have that rule too but at least we can get waivers, so we go year round (and there are days 2 Gumby suits would be nice ). WOOT!

--M

quote:

Originally posted by Ancora:
The Gold side does make the rules, to the deficit of the Auxiliary. Our Sector commander orders us to wear the "Gumby" suits when the water temp is below 60 degrees. We refuse to wear the suits so our patrol "window" has become smaller. The Sector commander,will not authorize hot weather uniform so we are saddled with the ODUs in hot weather, making our patrol "window" even smaller. Even with our twelve month boating season, we will be active for only three months thanks to the Gold side.

The requirement for appropriate hypothermia protective clothing is mandated for Auxiliarist by the Ops Policy Manual E.15. It is a mandate for a very good reason in my opinion. Your "Expected Time Before Exhaustion or Unconsciousness" in 50-60 degree water is 1-2 hours on average (and it can be lower depending on particular circumstances) and a survival time of 1-6 hours. Based on this your frustration seems misplaced. We've all been through the training and read the reports... the "it won't happen to me" mentality leads to fatalities. I fully respect your solution by not patrolling when your comfort is compromised, that's your decision and it is a far better one than disregarding the requirements. I would take issue with the "...thanks to the Gold side" comment. You have the option and you refuse - curtailing your own operational season.

Our operating season when we are out of Anti-Exposure coveralls can be as short as 5 months due to river temperatures - I guess I've just gotten accustomed to it. Waivers are allowed at the OIA discretion, but when requesting one we all should have a reasonable argument as to why the conditions merit the waiver. An argument that it is a stupid requirement is probably a poor place to start. We fully adhere to the policy that when the OIA does give a waiver the PPE must still be carried so it can be worn if conditions or mission requirements change. I'd feel very dumb if I couldn't take a SAR call because someone on the boat didn't bring their coverall.

E.15.b discusses waivers "The OIA may waive, on a single sortie basis, the wearing of hypothermia protective devices in accordance with the Rescue and Survival Systems Manual, COMDTINST M10470.10 (series), if the degree of risk of hypothermia is minimal (e.g., nonhazardous, daylight operations in calm water). The coxswain may request a waiver from the OIA when there is concern about the adverse effects of “thermal stress”. If an OIA waives the wearing of hypothermia protective devices, Auxiliarists are required to carry them aboard the facility."

Ok, I'm not in the Aux but I have been looking into it and have a few random questions:
First, where do you get the uniforms? I read somewhere that anywhere that sells them is fine and somewhere else that there's an approved place.
Next, do you have to get them tailored like the standard AD and Reserve uniforms that are really unflattering on us women?

Are you talking about "normal" Aux uniforms or the special cold weather jumpsuits? Regular uniforms are bought through the CG Uniform Distribution Center, though some smaller items are obtained from District stores. The cold weather dry suits & overalls are usually issued by the CG to CG Aux units, though I suppose you could buy one for your personal use.