Service Jacket Quesiton

[CadetProgramGuy]

What are the differences in the enlisted and officer service jacket?

Which one do I have to get?

[Eclipse]

Epaulets - none on the enlisted jacket.

You need the officer one.

[CASH172]

Unless you're a cadet which you're clearly not, and based on the info in your signature, you need a new style AF officer's service jacket. 

[CadetProgramGuy]

[more money] alrighty then!!  Thanks!! [/more money]

[pixelwonk]

don't forget the blue braid on the cuffs.

[CadetProgramGuy]

don't forget the blue braid on the cuffs.

I knew about the braid, but didn't know about the rest of the garb.

Thanks for the answers!!

[jimmydeanno]

I would try to find one at one of the base thrift stores - you can possible find one for as little as $10 versus the $185 for a new one.

[Pylon]

I would try to find one at one of the base thrift stores - you can possible find one for as little as $10 versus the $185 for a new one.

I tried that unsuccessfully for about a year and a half.  Thrift shops and eBay seem rife with enlisted service jackets, but the occassional and rare officer version was never in my size.

I think from AAFES, the full retail price tag is $145 but I could be wrong since I last looked at them over a year ago.  I ended up finding one for sale on the marketplace forum here at CAPTalk.

Good luck!

[SDF_Specialist]

The last time I checked AAFES, they said that CAP was no longer allowed to shop there. But that was two years ago. The Hock should have something cheaper than $185, and maybe even local Army/Navy stores. Try them first before you shovel out a ton of cash.

[Pylon]

The last time I checked AAFES, they said that CAP was no longer allowed to shop there.

CAP is most certainly allowed to shop AAFES, by AFI, for essential uniform items.  CAP members who are not also Armed Forces members or retirees cannot access AAFES online, but you can call, fax, or mail in your orders to AAFES or shop at a physical AAFES MCSS, too.

Benefit to ordering from AAFES sometimes - free shipping on almost all MCSS items, no tax, and no mimumum orders.

[AlphaSigOU]

I lucked out at Old Lincoln County and managed to snag a 48R USAF-style officer service dress jacket used for about $75. Must have been an ROTC/OTS turn-in because it still has the X1234 ID stamp in the lining. Sleeves were a little long but the tailor I use had no problem adjusting it to my sleeve length and replacing the sleeve braid.

Not sure if current officer-style service dress jackets have functional epaulets - the one I have doesn't. So I performed a little 'surgery' on the epaulets by carefully cutting out the epaulet at the button, reattaching the button to the epaulet and adding a small patch of velcro under the epaulet and at the shoulder. Voilá! I can now use standard CAP shoulder marks instead of those horrid wrap-around velcro ones! The TPU service dress jacket does have functional epaulets.

AAFES MCSS sells both the DSCP-issue shade 1620 and polyester double-knit shade 1625 service dress jacket, though I believe the shade 1625 polyester jacket may be discontinued at MCSS. (I may be wrong.) You can also purchase the double-knit jacket at Kel-Lac Uniforms (www.kel-lac.com).

One thing to be certain: make sure your service dress jacket, trousers and flight cap/service cap match the same shade and weave. Example: 1620 flight cap, service dress jacket and trousers. A quick primer on the shades/weaves:

1598/1608 - Old style service dress jacket for cadets, not authorized for seniors.
1620 - poly/wool, DSCP (Defense Supply Center Philadelphia) issue.
1625 - 100% polyester double-knit, slightly darker than 1620. Same shade as the TPU.

[SDF_Specialist]

The last time I checked AAFES, they said that CAP was no longer allowed to shop there.

CAP is most certainly allowed to shop AAFES, by AFI, for essential uniform items.  CAP members who are not also Armed Forces members or retirees cannot access AAFES online, but you can call, fax, or mail in your orders to AAFES or shop at a physical AAFES MCSS, too.

Benefit to ordering from AAFES sometimes - free shipping on almost all MCSS items, no tax, and no mimumum orders.

Well that's nice to know. Now I wish I could remember the name of the lady who told me that I couldn't.

[Cecil DP]

The last time I checked AAFES, they said that CAP was no longer allowed to shop there.

CAP is most certainly allowed to shop AAFES, by AFI, for essential uniform items.  CAP members who are not also Armed Forces members or retirees cannot access AAFES online, but you can call, fax, or mail in your orders to AAFES or shop at a physical AAFES MCSS, too.

Benefit to ordering from AAFES sometimes - free shipping on almost all MCSS items, no tax, and no mimumum orders.

Well that's nice to know. Now I wish I could remember the name of the lady who told me that I couldn't.

To be specific, CAP can shop in the MCSS for uniform items. You can't purchase any other items (IE, Gas, clothing, electronics, etc) without a Military Support Authorization or a Military ID card.

[jimmydeanno]

Not sure if current officer-style service dress jackets have functional epaulets - the one I have doesn't. So I performed a little 'surgery' on the epaulets by carefully cutting out the epaulet at the button, reattaching the button to the epaulet and adding a small patch of velcro under the epaulet and at the shoulder. Voilá! I can now use standard CAP shoulder marks instead of those horrid wrap-around velcro ones! The TPU service dress jacket does have functional epaulets.

That's weird, I've never seen an AF new style service coat without functional epaulets.  Don't they have buttons?

The velcro ones are designed for the light-weight jacket because those should be sewn down.

I paid $185 for mine 2 years ago, but included in that price was the alterations and braid attachment.  The enlisted version was $50.00 cheaper and didn't include any alterations (plus it doesn't have epaulets).

[AlphaSigOU]

Not sure if current officer-style service dress jackets have functional epaulets - the one I have doesn't. So I performed a little 'surgery' on the epaulets by carefully cutting out the epaulet at the button, reattaching the button to the epaulet and adding a small patch of velcro under the epaulet and at the shoulder. Voilá! I can now use standard CAP shoulder marks instead of those horrid wrap-around velcro ones! The TPU service dress jacket does have functional epaulets.

That's weird, I've never seen an AF new style service coat without functional epaulets.  Don't they have buttons?

The velcro ones are designed for the light-weight jacket because those should be sewn down.

I paid $185 for mine 2 years ago, but included in that price was the alterations and braid attachment.  The enlisted version was $50.00 cheaper and didn't include any alterations (plus it doesn't have epaulets).

They do have the standard buttons, but no button hole on the epaulet. It's possible the jacket may be a converted enlisted service dress jacket, considering the ID stamp is still visible. (Remember those de-McPeaking kits?)

[Psicorp]

Keep an eye out on Ebay...I found an Officer Service Coat about six months ago, looked new, for $45.

Yes, we can order through AAFES...that's the best place to get a Service Cap.

[CadetProgramGuy]

Actually I can get things through the AAFES website, being prior service, and a contractor for the Army.

And yes the Offocer coat price is $185.

I have people looking into Airman's Attic's and Thrift Stores for me.

Thanks!!

CPG

[Camas]

AAFES MCSS sells both the DSCP-issue shade 1620 and polyester double-knit shade 1625 service dress jacket. One thing to be certain: make sure your service dress jacket, trousers and flight cap/service cap match the same shade and weave. Example: 1620 flight cap, service dress jacket and trousers.

Is the 1625 AF service dress jacket a new item? I never knew this actually existed. Found it on the Kel-Lac webpage. I was under the belief it was only available in the 1620 wool/polyester variety. Also, CAPM 39-1 table 2-1 page 51 states that all shades and material of flight caps are authorized.  No mention of service caps though. Correct me if I'm wrong; I'm sure someone will.

[AlphaSigOU]

Is the 1625 AF service dress jacket a new item? I never knew this actually existed. Found it on the Kel-Lac webpage. I was under the belief it was only available in the 1620 wool/polyester variety. Also, CAPM 39-1 table 2-1 page 51 states that all shades and material of flight caps are authorized.  No mention of service caps though. Correct me if I'm wrong; I'm sure someone will.

It's the rule in the RealAirForce® (codified in AFI 36-2903) that flight caps/service caps, service dress jackets and trousers must match the same shade and weave. Try surviving your first inspection at 'maggot school' (ahem, Airman Leadership School  ) or other AF PME - you'll get sent to the MCSS to get a cap of the proper weave and shade. But then, that's a school situation...

I've seen people wear shade 84 or 1084 flight caps and service caps with more modern uniform shades in CAP. The mismatch in shade and weave is obvious. (84s and 1084s date back to the days of silvertan khakis.)

Nobody's gonna send you or I to the hoosegow if we don't have a perfectly matched set, considering many wind up getting uniforms from surplus - including myself. But if we take the extra effort we'll look better in uniform.

The 1625 service dress jacket wear was deleted from the latest revision to AFI 36-2903, so it's possible that they've been pulled from MCSS.

[Pylon]

And yes the Offocer coat price is $185.

That's weird.  Does the price vary per person?

I just logged on and saw it for $158.  See attached.

[MIKE]

^ 1337 h4xz0rs?    How'd you manage to get access to AAFES online?

My service coat was still cheaper at $25... and I have some $4 trousers that don't fit anymore.

[Hawk200]

It's the rule in the RealAirForce® (codified in AFI 36-2903) that flight caps/service caps, service dress jackets and trousers must match the same shade and weave. Try surviving your first inspection at 'maggot school' (ahem, Airman Leadership School  ) or other AF PME - you'll get sent to the MCSS to get a cap of the proper weave and shade. But then, that's a school situation...

I've seen people wear shade 84 or 1084 flight caps and service caps with more modern uniform shades in CAP. The mismatch in shade and weave is obvious. (84s and 1084s date back to the days of silvertan khakis.)

2903 says jacket and pants or jacket and skirt must match, but it doesn't currently say that headgear must. When I was in Air Force basic our TI's told us that they weren't required to, but they ought to match anyway for best appearance. It does look better anyway.

[mikeylikey]

They should match.  Don't be the only player with a cap that doesn't match.

[IceNine]

^ 1337 h4xz0rs?    How'd you manage to get access to AAFES online?

My service coat was still cheaper at $25... and I have some $4 trousers that don't fit anymore.

Its an uphill battle,  You gotta be current or former military (in some fashion)

Their reasoning for not giving us access is that our agreement is for uniforms only and the AAFES Site sells TV's, gas cards, and other delightful items that are significantly cheaper than the real world

[mikeylikey]

^ 1337 h4xz0rs?    How'd you manage to get access to AAFES online?

My service coat was still cheaper at $25... and I have some $4 trousers that don't fit anymore.

Its an uphill battle,  You gotta be current or former military (in some fashion)

Their reasoning for not giving us access is that our agreement is for uniforms only and the AAFES Site sells TV's, gas cards, and other delightful items that are significantly cheaper than the real world

I love the NO tax on everything as well!

[jimmydeanno]

meh...no tax is only a benefit if you live in a state that has sales taxes...

[MIKE]

Like Taxachusetts.

[jimmydeanno]

Your friendly neighbors to the north don't have sales tax, just do all your shopping there

[MIKE]

The one good thing about attending college in New Hampshire.

[SAR-EMT1]

I recently purchased a brand spanking new Service Coat at Scott AFB (after saving for a year) total price, with braid and alterations was 151.29

[pixelwonk]

You shouldn't have had to pay extra for the braid, as it comes with the coat.
Unless you meant getting it sewn on.