New Vanguard Website?

[Major Carrales]

http://www.vanguardmil.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6

A few broken images, but this is pretty early!  Looks like it's now intergrated into the Vanguard Webpage.  Just in time for the National Board!!!

They now have service caps ($65...not pic as of this posting).    Many of the publications are now there that were not before.

Wha'cha think?

[Hawk200]

They now have service caps ($65...not pic as of this posting). 

$65! That's insane. You can get them from AAFES for 40 bucks.

No, I didn't even look at the website yet, I was just a little shocked on the expensive service caps....

[shorning]

Wha'cha think?

It would be nice if they had enough respect to get the service names correct.

[AlphaSigOU]

They now have service caps ($65...not pic as of this posting). 

$65! That's insane. You can get them from AAFES for 40 bucks.

No, I didn't even look at the website yet, I was just a little shocked on the expensive service caps....

They're the field grade (Maj-Col) bus driver caps with 'farts and darts' on the visor. The plain service cap (Capt and below) should cost a lot less.

[SARMedTech]

Anyone know why blue nomex is $80 higher than green?

[JC004]

Anyone know why blue nomex is $80 higher than green?

Production numbers...

[BillB]

I think I only paid $45 for my service hat at MacDill AFB AAFES. With the farts and darts.

[jimmydeanno]

I think it is a lot easier to navigate than the previous one.  Once they get the pictures up, it will be better.  The prices are still high though.

[Dragoon]

You're not kidding.  The cheapest shipping I could find on a single ribbon was $4.60!

[jimmydeanno]

There is a $0.30 difference in price in ribbons from the hock shop - so that's like a buy 2 get one free promotion

[afgeo4]

In the insignia section I'm seeing senior member cap insignia embroidered on blue?

CAPO748G-L

What is that? There's no pic and I've never heard of such an item or its application.

[Pylon]

In the insignia section I'm seeing senior member cap insignia embroidered on blue?

CAPO748G-L

What is that? There's no pic and I've never heard of such an item or its application.

For the TPU shirts.

[jimmydeanno]

Whew...after browsing the new vanguard website and viewing the prices, I just spent $200.00 at the Hock Shop 

[ColonelJack]

Having just come back from "visiting" Vanguard's new CAP website, there are two things I want to say:

1.  MUCH easier to navigate!

2.  Get someone in there who knows what pictures to put with what items!  Some of the medals and ribbons are wrongwrongwrong!!!

Jack

[alamrcn]

This thread just reminded me to check again on my three ARCHER patches that have been on backorder since February 23. I called back in May, and they said about another month.

Called the number on the "new" website - oops, that's the West coast office - transferred to the East coast office that handles us "exclusively". I was worried that they had lost my information since I hadn't received the patches yet, but it was still there in the computer.

Over six months later, I was told that the ARCHER patches were still OUT. You gotta be friggen kidding me!!!!!!

In a pleasant, yet stern tone...
I told the lady straight out that a large portion of our members are GREATLY disappointed with the service Vanguard has provided Civil Air Patrol thus far. I ended my call by saying that although their company might THINK they have an exclusive product and that there are no alternatives, I will never be doing business with such a mismanaged and disorganized company again.

$#%@ !!!!!!!

[Hawk200]

They now have service caps ($65...not pic as of this posting). 

$65! That's insane. You can get them from AAFES for 40 bucks.

No, I didn't even look at the website yet, I was just a little shocked on the expensive service caps....

They're the field grade (Maj-Col) bus driver caps with 'farts and darts' on the visor. The plain service cap (Capt and below) should cost a lot less.

From AAFES:

Enlisted/Company Grade Service Cap: $38.95
Field Grade Service Cap: $52.95
General Officer Service Cap: $55.95

One reason why I'm averse to buying from Vanguard: cost. I can get the blue's stuff cheaper from AAFES. And new flightsuits are cheaper on eBay.

[Hawk200]

BTW, when did the EMT badges start coming in Basic, Senior and Master? Seems like there was only a basic level the last time I was in.

[Grumpy]

I just ordered 19 items from The Hock Shop yesterday.  I talked to them today and they confirmed that the items were shipped yesterday afternoon and I should receive them within 5 business days.  It was nice, as I was shopping for the items on their catalog they had pictures of the items and everything was in stock.

A pleasent experience.

[JC004]

...from The Hock Shop...

"an unauthorized (efficient) third party dealer who shall remain nameless"   :angel:

[Lancer]

...from The Hock Shop...

"an unauthorized (efficient) third party dealer who shall remain nameless"   :angel:

You guys are forgetting that the reason for the higher cost is because we're supplementing the coffers at NHQ. This pays for thing like <insert obscurely needed CAP resource that most members will never, if ever get to use>.



Seriously though...I remember that being the reason for the 'up cost'. It would be nice if we could lean more on corporate donations for things like that and instead make it affordable to be able to participate by keeping supply costs low. Meh.

[LtCol White]

Interesting is that under nameplates and nametags, there is NOTHING with USCAP.

There is also a pic of the barf....I mean scarf

[Major Carrales]

Interesting is that under nameplates and nametags, there is NOTHING with USCAP.

There is also a pic of the barf....I mean scarf

I may buy a scarf...just to add to my collection of odd items.

[jimmydeanno]

hmmm...then it would create a false demand for them and someone would think they were so popular as to make them required with all CAP uniforms...

[JC004]

Interesting is that under nameplates and nametags, there is NOTHING with USCAP.

There is also a pic of the barf....I mean scarf

I may buy a scarf...just to add to my collection of odd items.

Wouldn't you rather have something else odd?  Say a toaster or something?

[ColonelJack]

Interesting is that under nameplates and nametags, there is NOTHING with USCAP.

I beg to differ.

Jack

[Grumpy]

Sparky, the only uniform items I found were those double breasted Navy Zoot Suits.

[JC004]

[Major Carrales]

Sparky, the only uniform items I found were those double breasted Navy Zoot Suits.

They do have lots of "minimum service dress" shirts.  The CAP Bookstore and CAPMART have always sold only that.  For Service Coats and long sleeve service dress one has to get  from other options.

Now that Corporate Dress involves a Service CAP, it is now avaible.

Interesting trends I see with this...

[ColonelJack]

Heheheheheheheheheheeeee... Amazing what one can do with Photoshop, ain't it?

Jack

[Hawk200]

Heheheheheheheheheheeeee... Amazing what one can do with Photoshop, ain't it?

Jack

Photoshop? Looks more like Microsoft Paint...

[ColonelJack]

Heheheheheheheheheheeeee... Amazing what one can do with Photoshop, ain't it?

Jack

Photoshop? Looks more like Microsoft Paint...
[/quote]

I know, I was being somewhat sarcastic ...

Jack

[JC004]

Heheheheheheheheheheeeee... Amazing what one can do with Photoshop, ain't it?

Jack

Photoshop? Looks more like Microsoft Paint...

Hey, hey.  It WAS Photoshop.  I just thought that was the right look for it.

[RogueLeader]

Heheheheheheheheheheeeee... Amazing what one can do with Photoshop, ain't it?

Jack

Photoshop? Looks more like Microsoft Paint...

Hey, hey.  It WAS Photoshop.  I just thought that was the right look for it.

It looks kinda like a cougars' head, or a panthers'

[JC004]

Heheheheheheheheheheeeee... Amazing what one can do with Photoshop, ain't it?

Jack

Photoshop? Looks more like Microsoft Paint...

Hey, hey.  It WAS Photoshop.  I just thought that was the right look for it.

It looks kinda like a cougars' head, or a panthers'

It's a sign.

[afgeo4]

In the insignia section I'm seeing senior member cap insignia embroidered on blue?

CAPO748G-L

What is that? There's no pic and I've never heard of such an item or its application.

For the TPU shirts.

No no... it's embroidered cap (not CAP) insignia. As in for covers.

[Grumpy]

Oops!

[JohnKachenmeister]

When, where, and on what does one wear an "Embroidered cap insignia?"  I don't think we've had those since the 60's and then it was only for cadets and SM NCO's.

[Pylon]

When, where, and on what does one wear an "Embroidered cap insignia?"  I don't think we've had those since the 60's and then it was only for cadets and SM NCO's.

Since S'members are now required to wear embroidered white on ultramarine blue grade insignia on the BDU cap, these may be some sort of specialized cloth cutout specific for that purpose?   

Would have to see a picture to really know what they're talking about, and unfortunately, that's not one of Vanguard's strong points.   

[Hawk200]

In the insignia section I'm seeing senior member cap insignia embroidered on blue?

CAPO748G-L

What is that? There's no pic and I've never heard of such an item or its application.

For the TPU shirts.

No no... it's embroidered cap (not CAP) insignia. As in for covers.

It wouldn't surprise me if Vanguard created that with the intent that it would be adopted for use by CAP. They've got another badge with stars, as well as stars and wreath, that I've never seen with those before. (EMT/paramedic badge)

[JC004]

When, where, and on what does one wear an "Embroidered cap insignia?"  I don't think we've had those since the 60's and then it was only for cadets and SM NCO's.

Since S'members are now required to wear embroidered white on ultramarine blue grade insignia on the BDU cap, these may be some sort of specialized cloth cutout specific for that purpose?   

Would have to see a picture to really know what they're talking about, and unfortunately, that's not one of Vanguard's strong points.   

The interesting thing is that something (CAPTalk?) caused them to kill the "NO IMAGE AVAILABLE" thing.  Now they just have those blocks with the item number.  YAY!   

It's a shame because I was actually going to create a patch for my flight suit with the "NO IMAGE AVAILABLE" on it...

[SoCalCAPOfficer]

I also noticed there is no senior grade epaulets in blue.   What about the TPU?
Are they telling us something?

[Major Carrales]

I also noticed there is no senior grade epaulets in blue.   What about the TPU?
Are they telling us something?

Yes, they are saying "order them from the 'AIR FORCE' part of the WEBSITE."  Don't worry, our money will soon be parted from our wallets.

[JC004]

I also noticed there is no senior grade epaulets in blue.   What about the TPU?
Are they telling us something?

Yes, they are saying "order them from the 'AIR FORCE' part of the WEBSITE."  Don't worry, our money will soon be parted from our wallets.

It says here "AIR FORCE EPAULET LARGE 1ST LIEUTENANT NEW" for 8.80.  Now, knowing Vanguard, is that one epaulet since it doesn't have an "s"?  I somehow wouldn't be shocked if they were 17.60/pr...    Good price over AAFES...I see they are 2.55/pr.   

[Grumpy]

I just ordered over $40.00 in merchandise from The Hock Shop that consisted of service ribbons, attachments, rank insignia, etc., etc.  I did so because I could see pictures of them and their ribbons, for example, were 30 cents each less expensive than Vanguard.

I sent Vanguard an email telling them that the other company got me business because they were less expensive and had a better presentation on their web site.  Their loss, the Hock Shops gain.

[Ford73Diesel]

Some things from the hock are more expensive. I put together the suggested new cadeyt uniform package for my squadron this is what I came up with:

Item Price each Vanguard Hock

2 Nameplates:  $2.90 $2.75
2 Nametapes $3.20 $3.95
2 CAP Tapes $1.40     $0.70
2 Wing Patches $1.75 $1.65
2 Flag Patches $1.25 $1.40
4 CAP Cutouts $3.35  $3.25
1 CAP Enlisted hat device $5.25 $5.25
1 BDU belt and buckle $5.35   $3.35

Total:   $42.00 from vanguard  $45.50 From the Hock

I hope I added right.....
Not including shipping, so depending on the size of your order, it might be cheaper to get it from vanguard.

[Hawk200]

I sent Vanguard an email telling them that the other company got me business because they were less expensive and had a better presentation on their web site.  Their loss, the Hock Shops gain.

Which means National will send the Hock a C&D letter. Vanguard doesn't like competition.

[Grumpy]

I didn't mention the names.

[Grumpy]

Some things from the hock are more expensive. I put together the suggested new cadeyt uniform package for my squadron this is what I came up with:

Item Price each Vanguard Hock

2 Nameplates:  $2.90 $2.75
2 Nametapes $3.20 $3.95
2 CAP Tapes $1.40     $0.70
2 Wing Patches $1.75 $1.65
2 Flag Patches $1.25 $1.40
4 CAP Cutouts $3.35  $3.25
1 CAP Enlisted hat device $5.25 $5.25
1 BDU belt and buckle $5.35   $3.35

Total:   $42.00 from vanguard  $45.50 From the Hock

I hope I added right.....
Not including shipping, so depending on the size of your order, it might be cheaper to get it from vanguard.

I think the totals are 24.45 and 22.30 respectively.

[Hawk200]

I didn't mention the names.

Wouldn't really matter, Vanguard already knows who their competition is. Don't know why the Hock is still selling, but it's nice to know there is competition.

[Ford73Diesel]

Grumpy, I doubled a few of them, for example, there are 4 CAP cutouts, 2 nametags, 1 hat device...... Sorry for the confusion.

[Sarge]

I still think that the following should be done...keep VANGUARD as the official supplier and allow any others interested to offer CAP stuff with a small "per item" licensing fee. CAPHQ should be glad that any private provisioner would want to offer CAP stuff...such as when a certain nametag manufacturer used to make high quality flight suit nameplates. Of course, NHQ legal threatened them and now they won't offer CAP stuff anymore. As is the case with my other "day to day" shopping decisions, there is CAP stuff I buy at Vanguard (unfortunately) and others I get from Mr. Tom at the Hock. I say bring on the others. Make an effort to minimize the cost of the cadet stuff and basic adult uniform items (nametags, etc), too. My Sq has a few "economically disadvantaged" cadets and SMs (I mean "officers") in our ranks and the greatly inflated prices seem to hold back their ability to get into a CAP uniform quickly. Your thoughts???

[Hawk200]

I still think that the following should be done...keep VANGUARD as the official supplier and allow any others interested to offer CAP stuff with a small "per item" licensing fee. CAPHQ should be glad that any private provisioner would want to offer CAP stuff...such as when a certain nametag manufacturer used to make high quality flight suit nameplates. Of course, NHQ legal threatened them and now they won't offer CAP stuff anymore. As is the case with my other "day to day" shopping decisions, there is CAP stuff I buy at Vanguard (unfortunately) and others I get from Mr. Tom at the Hock. I say bring on the others. Make an effort to minimize the cost of the cadet stuff and basic adult uniform items (nametags, etc), too. My Sq has a few "economically disadvantaged" cadets and SMs (I mean "officers") in our ranks and the greatly inflated prices seem to hold back their ability to get into a CAP uniform quickly. Your thoughts???

I agree with everything but the licensing fee. I guarantee that Vanguard isn't, and wouldn't pay one. Look on the web, and I can guarantee that if you look for insignia for any of the military branches, you'll find several dozen that offer tapes and insignia. Many offer pretty reasonable prices.

I think Vanguard is purposely gouging CAP members. Why? I don't know. Maybe they're under the impression that any volunteer has plenty of money. Or maybe its their way of funding those Regional training centers they promised to build CAP. But their actions are certainly not the most ethical. And it's a known fact that true competition works out best for the consumer.

[jimmydeanno]

Well, the order from "he who shall remain nameless" I placed last thursday came in on Monday.  Great Job if you're reading this.  The order was complete, accurate, and timely.

I am now having my first issue with Vanguard of the numerous orders I've placed (about 35).

Here's how it goes:

I ordered an 18.5 X 32/33 Long Sleeve Aviator Shirt for one of my members.  This was June 1st.

(by the way, it is always a good idea to have them ship the items they do have separately or else they'll hold everything up for a backordered item.)

3 weeks went by and I had recieved everything else in the order exept the shirt.  So I called.

"Good morning Vanguard, how may I direct your call?"
"Civil Air Patrol, Please."
15 rings later.
"Hi this is XXXX how may I help you."
"I'm calling about my backordered shirt."
Takes information and order number.
"I see you ordered a half-size shirt.  We don't carry those."
"How did I order it then?"
"I'm not sure, but we definitely do not carry 1/2 sizes in those shirts."
"Ok, what do I do."
"Would you like a different size? It looks like we have a 19 X 32/33 in stock and I can ship that out today."
"That would be great, thank you."
"Great I'll let my manager know you changed your order and we'll ship it."
"Great, thank you for your help."
Two weeks go by (I figured they shipped 10th class or something)
"Hi I want to check the status of my shirt."
"Hi Sir, we didn't ship that item because we didn't have it in stock."
"So why didn't you send it when you did or let me know?"
"It was only going to be about 2 weeks before they came back in stock and we thought that would be acceptable."
"So are you shipping my shirt?"
"Well, it looks like you ordered a half-size shirt.  Would you like that instead?"
"I thought you didn't carry half-size shirts."
"Of course we do, they're on our website aren't they?"
"Yes, but my last conversation..."
"Oh, well we should be getting them in aproximately 2 weeks, would you like to wait?"
"No."
"But that's what you ordered."
"Yeah, but that was a month ago."
"Do you have an 18X32/33 in stock?"
"Yes."
"Great, can you ship that please?  My member would just like to wear his uniform."
"I can understand his frustration."
"I don't think you can."
"Ok, well I'll ship the 18 for you today."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
a week goes by and I get a message.
"Hi sir, this is XXXX from Vanguard calling about your shirt. Please give us a call back in regards to your order."
"Hi, what's going on with my shirt."
"Well, I have a 19X32/33 sitting on my desk and was wondering if you'd like this shirt instead of your backordered 18.5X32/33.  I just want to get this order closed."
"You have no idea."
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing."
Brief pause
"Hi this is the CAP supervisor, what seems to be the problem?"
whole story told.
"Oh, I see, well if you'd like to wait for your half size it shirt, we should have one in stock shortly."
"I just want my shirt, send me the 18 or 19 I don't care as long as it is one of those it will fit."
"Well which one would you like?"
"Whatever one you have your hands on right now so you don't forget to put it in the mail once I hang up."
"Sir, we just wanted to confirm what size you wanted."
"I told them 3 times already - what's so confusing?"
"Sir, I will send this shirt out today, you have my word."

It's been two weeks and 3 more phone calls later and I still don't have my shirt.

[Capt M. Sherrod]

That sounds about right....

[JC004]

Yup, about right...

[Lancer]

It's been two weeks and 3 more phone calls later and I still don't have my shirt.

That almost played out like 'Who's on First?'

I'm still trying to decide at which point I would have lit my hair on fire and ran screaming from the house/building/hanger etc. due to the sheer absurdity of the situation. 

[jimmydeanno]

You know, honestly, of all the orders I've placed with them, this is the only issue.  Everything else has always been ontime and correct (just a little pricier).  I miss being able to just drive down the street to Vanguard.  It was so much simpler.

I think I am starting to go bald because of this. 

"Would you like a red lollipop?"
"Yes please."
"Here you go."
"That's yellow."
"Isn't that what you asked for?"
"No you offered red."
"Well we thought you'd like yellow better since we didn't have red."
"So what about the red one?"
"We never had one of those. If you don't like the yellow, you can have a green..."

[DHollywood]

Most FBO's have a small pilot shop that carried the VH Aviator shirts, in stock, cheaper than Vanguard.

Local uniform supply shops will have the white uniform shirt exactly like the AF blue shirt (pleated pocket folds.. etc).

[Hawk200]

Most FBO's have a small pilot shop that carried the VH Aviator shirts, in stock, cheaper than Vanguard.

Local uniform supply shops will have the white uniform shirt exactly like the AF blue shirt (pleated pocket folds.. etc).

Those look better anyway...

[Lancer]

Most FBO's have a small pilot shop that carried the VH Aviator shirts, in stock, cheaper than Vanguard.

Local uniform supply shops will have the white uniform shirt exactly like the AF blue shirt (pleated pocket folds.. etc).

Don't forget the Internet, after looking high and low, the best place I had found for selection, size and price was MyPilotStore.com, check them out. The URL below will take you to just the shirts, but they have all kinds of other pilot related goodies.

http://www.mypilotstore.com/MyPilotStore/secd/40

[RogueLeader]

If you want your shirt fast, call them and say that you want your money back.  That got the shirt I ordered faster than anything.  My story was quite similar to yours.

[Al Sayre]

I found Marv Golden to be a ggod source for white aviator shirts...

http://www.marvgolden.com/pro-pilots/shirt-ties-epaulets.htm

[afgeo4]

I found Marv Golden to be a ggod source for white aviator shirts...

http://www.marvgolden.com/pro-pilots/shirt-ties-epaulets.htm

I like the Van Heusen one that's based on USAF shirt. Is it authorized for wear with TPU?

[JC004]

I found Marv Golden to be a ggod source for white aviator shirts...

http://www.marvgolden.com/pro-pilots/shirt-ties-epaulets.htm

I like the Van Heusen one that's based on USAF shirt. Is it authorized for wear with TPU?

not specified, but it would be nice if NHQ could pick a style.  It looks silly to have various versions being worn

[afgeo4]

I just ordered over $40.00 in merchandise from The Hock Shop that consisted of service ribbons, attachments, rank insignia, etc., etc.  I did so because I could see pictures of them and their ribbons, for example, were 30 cents each less expensive than Vanguard.

I sent Vanguard an email telling them that the other company got me business because they were less expensive and had a better presentation on their web site.  Their loss, the Hock Shops gain.

Great job! Now Vanguard will send the Hock a cease and desist letter.

[afgeo4]

You know, honestly, of all the orders I've placed with them, this is the only issue.  Everything else has always been ontime and correct (just a little pricier).  I miss being able to just drive down the street to Vanguard.  It was so much simpler.

I think I am starting to go bald because of this. 

"Would you like a red lollipop?"
"Yes please."
"Here you go."
"That's yellow."
"Isn't that what you asked for?"
"No you offered red."
"Well we thought you'd like yellow better since we didn't have red."
"So what about the red one?"
"We never had one of those. If you don't like the yellow, you can have a green..."

I think you're forgetting:
"Fine, I'll take the green"
"Are you sure you don't want the yellow?"
"Yes, I'm sure, I want the red"
"But we don't have the red"
"That's why you offered me green. That's what I'll have"
"That's fine sir, but we no longer have the green"
"Then why did you offer it to me?"
"Because we don't have the red either. So... we'll ship you the yellow"
"But I don't want a yellow"
"Would you like a red one instead?"
"YES!"
"Ok sir, we'll send you the red"

[SarDragon]

I found Marv Golden to be a ggod source for white aviator shirts...

http://www.marvgolden.com/pro-pilots/shirt-ties-epaulets.htm

I like the Van Heusen one that's based on USAF shirt. Is it authorized for wear with TPU?

not specified, but it would be nice if NHQ could pick a style.  It looks silly to have various versions being worn

The reg specifies Aviator. This is a specific version from the Van Heusen line. Also, the pics in the 39-1 match the pics of the Aviator version but not the other two.

YMMV.

[pixelwonk]

I like the Van Heusen one that's based on USAF shirt. Is it authorized for wear with TPU?

Susan Parker specifically confirmed (to me) that the AF style white shirt is authorized.

[MIKE]

 

[pixelwonk]

what was that for?

[sardak]

Received an order from Vanguard today, two weeks to the day I placed it.  This included personalized nametapes and polo shirt. 

BBDUs were Propper brand.

Two backordered items: the "new" US/Civil Air Patrol command patch and the "V" device for the DR ribbon.

Only one error on the order which had 46 line items.  I was sent two of ribbon A and one of ribbon B when it should have been 1 A and 2 Bs.  Ribbon charges were $0.55 so I must have made it in before the price increase.

There should have been no errors, but given the horrors stories I've read on the multiple threads regarding Vanguard, I feel good.  And being a ribbon, I can send it back for the price of a first class stamp.

Mike

[jimmydeanno]

Just found this:

neither the manufacturers nor CapMart can be responsible for the fading or bleeding of part

[JC004]

Just found this:

neither the manufacturers nor CapMart can be responsible for the fading or bleeding of part

bleeding?!  these people are vicious!

[jimmydeanno]

^I was making note of the CapMart reference but...ok I'll go with it. 

[afgeo4]

Good! So although we cannot hold CapMart responsible, Vanguard isn't off the hook!