Cost of uniforms at a base?

Started by cmoore, April 04, 2005, 07:43:40 PM

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cmoore

I was wondering what the cost of uniforms is if purchased
at a base.  Is it the same as CapMART?   Travis AFB is about
an hour's drive from me.  I was wondering if it's worth the
drive out there to get uniforms or if I should just order online.
I assume if I go out to the base I can try things on, which
is an advantage over ordering online.
1st Lt Chris Moore
Sacramento Composite Squadron 14

MIKE

#1
CRAPMart does mark the price up somewhat on the S/S Service Uniform combination IIRC.  The short sleeved shirt I got from CRAPMart doesn't even have a USAF certification.  ???

CRAPMarts BDUs are cheaper only because they sell a cheap commercial copy.

I'd say that if you are looking for Service Uniforms specifically and a base is close enough you should use AAFES MCSS instead of CRAPMart.  You may pay more for some items and less for others, but in the end you are better off because you have the right uniform... And you don't have to pay shipping.

You will still need to get insignia from CRAPMart or the Hock however.  www.1800nametape.com has excellent tapes for the BDU and BFU... Also has the Service Dress nametag cheaper than you could get elsewhere.
Mike Johnston

md132

Here is a price breakdown from AAFES MCSS:

AF Blue S/S Shirt (Mens): $11.10
AF Blue L/S Shirt (Men's): $12.90
Blue Service Trousers: $36.00
AF BLue Officer's Coat: $145.00
AF Blue Tie: $3.45
AF Blue Serice Belt: $2.55
AF Blue Flight Officer's cap: $11.45
Service Cap: $34.95

BDU's
EHW BDU Top: $26.20
EHW BDU Pants: $27.15
BDU Belt: $2.50
EHW BDU Cover: $4.30

AF Silver Nametag for Service Coat: $7.95 (Takes 7 - 10 Business days to procure.

Bates Oxford Shoes (Men's) : $57.95
Boots range in price from $94.95 - over $200.00

I was only able to get prices for men's.  But these are current as of today at AAFES MCSS.

1st LT Ed Salas, CAP
MD Wing
AAFES Associate "Serving the Best Customers in the World"

MIKE

Quote from: md132 on April 04, 2005, 09:59:31 PM
1st LT Ed Salas, CAP
MD Wing
AAFES Associate "Serving the Best Customers in the World"

Emphasis added.

But can he hook us up with uniforms?  ;)

It would be awesome if CAP members were granted AAFES MCSS privileges for ordering online.  I know we can order by phone, but without a current catalog and price list this can be nearly impossible.
Mike Johnston

CaptRossCA

I recommend a trip to AAFES at Travis AFB. 
The Staff there are particularly helpful and will help with fitting etc.

The added bonus is that the prices can be lower by a $ or two compared with other facilities including NEX and MCSS and CapMart and HockShop

Chris Ross
Deputy Commander for Cadets
Travis Composite Squadron 22

Major_Chuck

I believe there is a way to order from AAFES online but you need to submit some paperwork to them to do it.  I recommend that  you call their customer service number and ask them.  I was going to do it a few years ago but ended up just driving two hours to Langley rather than jump through the hoops.
Chuck Cranford
SGT, TNCO VA OCS
Virginia Army National Guard

Greg

I'm fortunate enough to live less than a half hour from Fort Dix and McGuire AFB, and I usually go to AAFES for non-CAP distinctive uniform items (such as a blues shirt, BDU trousers, etc.) and I've always been pleased with them over there.
C/Maj Greg(ory) Boyajian, CAP
Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron

abysmal

Quote from: Major_Chuck on April 05, 2005, 11:19:44 AM
I believe there is a way to order from AAFES online but you need to submit some paperwork to them to do it.  I recommend that  you call their customer service number and ask them.  I was going to do it a few years ago but ended up just driving two hours to Langley rather than jump through the hoops.

It would be HUGELY beneficial if i was able to do that.
Do you have any idea what paperwork is required?
2LT Christopher M. Parrett
[red]Deputy Commander of Cadets, Cadet Programs Officer[/red]
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501
SWR-AZ-112,  Lake Havasu City, Arizona

abysmal

Quote from: Major_Chuck on April 05, 2005, 11:19:44 AM
I believe there is a way to order from AAFES online but you need to submit some paperwork to them to do it.  I recommend that  you call their customer service number and ask them. 

Just for kicks i tried to login to the online site and found the following.


You are not an authorized customer.
Access to the Exchange Online Store is restricted to:
Active Duty Military
Military Retirees
Reserves
National Guard personnel
Department of State Officials serving in foreign countries
and dependants of the above
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have full Exchange Service shopping privileges, you are authorized to order from this website. (Exceptions are ROTC, Foreign Officers, Civil Air Patrol and Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions about your eligibility, call toll free in the U.S., 1-800-527-2345 or see the Catalog Information section of the paper catalog.


so there IS some policy that will aloow us to buy online.
I filled out a followup form and someone is suppodes to get back to me within 48 hours to solve the problem...

Will share with everyone what comes of it.
2LT Christopher M. Parrett
[red]Deputy Commander of Cadets, Cadet Programs Officer[/red]
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501
SWR-AZ-112,  Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Pylon

Nope.  That exception list includes people who have exchange privileges but cannot use the online site.

Basically, you can fax AAFES your CAP membership card and DOB and you can order from the paper catalog by calling, mailing, or faxing in your order.  Online access to AAFES has never been something CAP has been able to get because that access system links up directly to DEERS, which CAP members are not in (unless they have other reasons, such as AD, Dependant, Retiree, etc).  Since it's not an AAFES database, but rather one which comes straight from DEERS, there's no way to just "add in" CAP members for online store access without putting them into DEERS (which the DoD probably wouldn't go for).

That's the long answer for: you're not going to get access to the online store, unless you've got other military connections.  Maybe someday they'll change this!   ::) :P
Michael F. Kieloch, Maj, CAP

md132

With ordering online, Unless you are AD, Res, Ret, AAFES Associate or DoD personnel and family you cannot order online.  When you log in to the system, it checks with all valid SSN and DOB in the DEERS and DoD systems.  If it is not found you cannot gain access.  You may still order online by faxing in a copy of your membership and DOB and SSN.  Give it about 24 hours and call the Customer Service number to verify that it has been recieved and approved.  Once verified you can order by phone.  Also if you live near a military base that is not USAF then you can have them ship the item(s) you need from another MCSS to that MCSS.  An example is that I had my Mess Dress uniform shipped from Dover AFB to Aberdeen Proving Gounds because APG is primarily Army even though there is one USAF squadron and one Marine Det. 

Even though I an AAFES associate and I can order from AAFES online, I cannot ordering any uniform items from the website myself.

Ed Salas, 1st Lt, CAP
AAFES Associate APG, MD "Serving the Best Customers in the World"

abysmal

2LT Christopher M. Parrett
[red]Deputy Commander of Cadets, Cadet Programs Officer[/red]
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501
SWR-AZ-112,  Lake Havasu City, Arizona

abysmal

THis is what they sent to me....
======================
Dear Christopher Parrett,

Since Civil Air Patrol is restricted to Military Uniform Clothing purchases, they are not eligible to purchase through the website.  We apologize that the website is not able to allow CAP access because it is not yet capable of restricting other non-uniform items.

To be on file, we will need a faxed copy of your commission papers or ID stating the social security number, date of birth, and future ETS date sent to us in order to be added to our Verification system (CCD).  The fax will be kept on file until the commission date.

Orders may be placed via mail, fax, or telephone order. 

   Fax: 1-800-446-0163, 1-214-583-5042.
Mail: Exchange Catalog Sales, PO BOX 660211, Dallas TX 75266-0211. 
E-mail: catalog@milexch.com.

Call our telephone representatives: 1-800-527-2345, 1-214-583-5000, or for overseas    toll-free numbers-please give country stationed.

Or if you have the Military Uniform catalog and know the item numbers needed, you may send all ordering information through e-mail for us to place the order.

Thank You! Have a Super Day!!
Rosie Williams
Exchange Online Store - Customer Service
2LT Christopher M. Parrett
[red]Deputy Commander of Cadets, Cadet Programs Officer[/red]
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501
SWR-AZ-112,  Lake Havasu City, Arizona

cmoore

Quote from: abysmal on April 08, 2005, 02:56:03 PM

Or if you have the Military Uniform catalog and know the item numbers needed, you may send all ordering information through e-mail for us to place the order.



Interesting.  Where does one get a copy of the catalog?
1st Lt Chris Moore
Sacramento Composite Squadron 14

md132

A copy can be obtained at any Military Clothing and Sales store or by by having your squadron commander request an AAFES Military Clothing Mail Order catalog at
Headquarter AAFES (PD-U)
P.O. Box 660202
Dallas, TX 75266-0202
indicating the unit mailing address and number of catalogs needed.

Use AAFES form 4150-134.  It might be available in the mail order catalog.

Mail order address is
AAFES Military Clothing Sales Store
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433

abysmal

2LT Christopher M. Parrett
[red]Deputy Commander of Cadets, Cadet Programs Officer[/red]
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501
SWR-AZ-112,  Lake Havasu City, Arizona

abysmal

Quote from: md132 on April 08, 2005, 11:24:47 PM
A copy can be obtained at any Military Clothing and Sales store or by by having your squadron commander request an AAFES Military Clothing Mail Order catalog

Got another note from the people at AAFES.
They let me know that they have mailed me a Uniform Catalog.
Did not have to get my Commander to fire off a note afterall.
All in all the folks at AAFES have been as nice as they possibly can in trying to help me out.
2LT Christopher M. Parrett
[red]Deputy Commander of Cadets, Cadet Programs Officer[/red]
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501
SWR-AZ-112,  Lake Havasu City, Arizona

md132

That's good that AAFES is sending a catalog.  Hopefully there is a price list included because the uniform catalog does not include prices.  If it doesn't and you need a price list let me know and I can send you a complete list to you.

1st Lt Ed Salas, CAP
AAFES Associate " Serving the best customers in the world"

abysmal

Quote from: md132 on April 15, 2005, 01:16:53 AM
That's good that AAFES is sending a catalog.  Hopefully there is a price list included because the uniform catalog does not include prices.  If it doesn't and you need a price list let me know and I can send you a complete list to you.

1st Lt Ed Salas, CAP
AAFES Associate " Serving the best customers in the world"

Thanks.
Will let you know when it arrives.
Having never seen one, I am interested to see just what it is that they send me.
2LT Christopher M. Parrett
[red]Deputy Commander of Cadets, Cadet Programs Officer[/red]
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501
SWR-AZ-112,  Lake Havasu City, Arizona

md132

Quote from: Pylon on April 07, 2005, 07:22:21 AM
Nope. That exception list includes people who have exchange privileges but cannot use the online site.


Civil Air Patrol has what is called Special Privileges with AAFES.  Especially at AAFES PX/BX.  Which means only uniform items(Brown or white t-shirts, Black dress socks, black boot socks)  unless they are on the base TDY(Temp Duty with orders).  All AAFES personnel has been briefed on what the current membership card looks like and has seen it.  So only those uniform items mentioned can be purchased at an AAFES PX/BX.  Make sure you also bring the appropiate CAP Regulations on it in case management says something about it.

Buzz

Quote from: md132 on April 16, 2005, 10:55:15 AM
Quote from: Pylon on April 07, 2005, 07:22:21 AM
Nope. That exception list includes people who have exchange privileges but cannot use the online site.


Civil Air Patrol has what is called Special Privileges with AAFES.  Especially at AAFES PX/BX.  Which means only uniform items(Brown or white t-shirts, Black dress socks, black boot socks)  unless they are on the base TDY(Temp Duty with orders).  All AAFES personnel has been briefed on what the current membership card looks like and has seen it.  So only those uniform items mentioned can be purchased at an AAFES PX/BX.  Make sure you also bring the appropiate CAP Regulations on it in case management says something about it.

Funny, I've bought boots, gloves, sunglasses, sewing kits, flashlights, etc at the MCSS, nobody ever commented.


abysmal

Unfortunately the promissed catalog never materialized.
2LT Christopher M. Parrett
[red]Deputy Commander of Cadets, Cadet Programs Officer[/red]
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501
SWR-AZ-112,  Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Westernslope

What you can buy at base clothing stores seems to vary based on my experience.  I have had no problems at Columbus AFB, Keesler AFB, or Peterson AFB.  However, all of these have CAP units on base so that might  make a difference.

IF YOU DO MAKE IT TO A BASE...........I have also found two other options for uniforms at little or no cost.  They are both hit and miss opportunities but I have gotten lucky more than once.

I have bought lots of used uniforms in good condition at base thrift stores. 

My best find was the Airmen's Attic at Peterson AFB.  They have used (and some times new uniform items) that are free for the taking.  Last time I was there, they even had a number of Mess Dress uniforms (male and female) in addition to the usual service dress items and BDUS. When the folks working there learned I was with CAP, they loaded up my van.

abysmal

Hmmmm
Interesting thought there.
If only there was a base somewhere nearby.....
2LT Christopher M. Parrett
[red]Deputy Commander of Cadets, Cadet Programs Officer[/red]
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501
SWR-AZ-112,  Lake Havasu City, Arizona

BlueLakes1

Quote from: Cadetofthe60s on August 31, 2005, 11:56:30 PM
What you can buy at base clothing stores seems to vary based on my experience.  I have had no problems at Columbus AFB, Keesler AFB, or Peterson AFB.  However, all of these have CAP units on base so that might  make a difference.

IF YOU DO MAKE IT TO A BASE...........I have also found two other options for uniforms at little or no cost.  They are both hit and miss opportunities but I have gotten lucky more than once.

I have bought lots of used uniforms in good condition at base thrift stores. 

My best find was the Airmen's Attic at Peterson AFB.  They have used (and some times new uniform items) that are free for the taking.  Last time I was there, they even had a number of Mess Dress uniforms (male and female) in addition to the usual service dress items and BDUS. When the folks working there learned I was with CAP, they loaded up my van.

I make it up to Wright/Patterson quite a bit and have never had any problems there, and when I was at Columbus for AETC-FC we made buys there every day and they were wonderful. I also got a helluva buy at the thrift shop at CAFB, bought a complete mess dress for $50. Only mods I had to make were to have the trousers hemmed and the sleeve braid changed.
Col Matthew Creed, CAP
GLR/CC

Pylon

Quote from: MCreedKY214 on September 01, 2005, 12:48:15 AM
I also got a helluva buy at the thrift shop at CAFB, bought a complete mess dress for $50. Only mods I had to make were to have the trousers hemmed and the sleeve braid changed.

I got a pretty similar deal.  For some reason, at any given time, there are a handful of AF officer mess dress on eBay.  (Though very oddly not so much other service mess dress and enlisted AF mess dress, as regularly as you see AF officer mess dress).  I snagged mine for about $40-$50 if I recall, and only had to have the sleeve braid changed. 

Of course it's the mini-medals that will set you back a pretty penny!   :P
Michael F. Kieloch, Maj, CAP

Major_Chuck

Quote from: Pylon on September 01, 2005, 03:22:24 AM
Quote from: MCreedKY214 on September 01, 2005, 12:48:15 AM
I also got a helluva buy at the thrift shop at CAFB, bought a complete mess dress for $50. Only mods I had to make were to have the trousers hemmed and the sleeve braid changed.

I got a pretty similar deal.  For some reason, at any given time, there are a handful of AF officer mess dress on eBay.  (Though very oddly not so much other service mess dress and enlisted AF mess dress, as regularly as you see AF officer mess dress).  I snagged mine for about $40-$50 if I recall, and only had to have the sleeve braid changed. 

Of course it's the mini-medals that will set you back a pretty penny!   :P

Thank goodness this is not a mandatory uniform!  I own a version of every uniform now except this one.  Why? the cost to make it look pretty.

Chuck Cranford
SGT, TNCO VA OCS
Virginia Army National Guard

Pylon

Quote from: Major_Chuck
Thank goodness this is not a mandatory uniform!  I own a version of every uniform now except this one.  Why? the cost to make it look pretty.

Yeah, but I managed to snag the mess dress cheap on eBay, and got the sleeve braid done by a friendly tailor at a decent price.  If you wanted to meet the mininum (although obscure) requirement of "Miniature medals mandatory" then you could probably get by with one or two medals.  All in all, you could probably bring it in under $75 if you were a thrifty shopper.

I actually don't own service dress.  I've found myself wearing my mess dress a good number of times already, and it makes me think it's been worth it.
Michael F. Kieloch, Maj, CAP

abysmal

Quote from: Pylon on September 05, 2005, 04:31:57 AM
I've found myself wearing my mess dress a good number of times already, and it makes me think it's been worth it.

Really?
I wouldn't think there would be that many oportunities to wear it?
2LT Christopher M. Parrett
[red]Deputy Commander of Cadets, Cadet Programs Officer[/red]
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501
SWR-AZ-112,  Lake Havasu City, Arizona

md132

Same here.  I probably only wear my mess dress maybe once or twice a year. 

Pylon

Quote from: abysmal on September 06, 2005, 03:27:33 PM
Quote from: Pylon on September 05, 2005, 04:31:57 AM
I've found myself wearing my mess dress a good number of times already, and it makes me think it's been worth it.

Really?
I wouldn't think there would be that many oportunities to wear it?

It wouldn't seem it, but it sure has become useful:

Two unit dining-out/award banquets for my Group -- both my home squadron, and another squadron in my Group.  Plus, the local ANG base's Fighter Wing's dining out.  In addition, there was the formal banquet on my cruise and encampment staff banquets.  All-in-all there are plenty of opportunities to wear it if you attend a lot of events.
Michael F. Kieloch, Maj, CAP

BlueLakes1

Quote from: Pylon on September 05, 2005, 04:31:57 AM

Yeah, but I managed to snag the mess dress cheap on eBay, and got the sleeve braid done by a friendly tailor at a decent price.  If you wanted to meet the mininum (although obscure) requirement of "Miniature medals mandatory" then you could probably get by with one or two medals.  All in all, you could probably bring it in under $75 if you were a thrifty shopper.

I actually don't own service dress.  I've found myself wearing my mess dress a good number of times already, and it makes me think it's been worth it.

I got mine for $50 at the thrift shop, spent a little under $30 for medals (I short stacked, just got 4 for now), $12 to get the braid changed out and pants hemmed, and whatever the list price was for the enamel seal. Squadron provided a set of miniature pilot wings. The big kick will be in the shoulder boards, they're $42.50 I think. Any of you Majors have a set of Captain boards you want to part with, let me know!  ;)

I've had 3 or 4 occasions I could have worn mine to (as opposed to maybe 8 occasions for the service dress, which I did buy at full price), and I've only been back in a year and a half. Not something I'd go buy for full price, but certainly worth having if you can find one cheaper.
Col Matthew Creed, CAP
GLR/CC

jacklumanog

I live in Kansas City and was pretty close to Whiteman AFB in Knob Noster, MO so I went on base to go shopping at Military Clothing Sales.  Picked up a service cap, the high gloss shoes and a new mess dress uniform.  I noticed that at the Regional Chaplain Staff College, all of the other chaplains were wearing mess dress at the closing dinner.  I figured, I should look the part with everyone else.

So far, I haven't had any reason to wear the mess dress except for around the house to get a feeling for it  ...  and to make it seem like it was well worth the expense in the first place!
Ch, Lt Col Jon I. Lumanog, CAP
Special Assistant to the National Chief of Chaplains for Diversity of Ministry

BillB

There was a set of mess dress CAP Capt. shoulder boards on eBay for $12, may still be there.
Gil Robb Wilson # 19
Gil Robb Wilson # 104