AAFES Catalog Sales for Uniforms

[Lancer]

Greetings All,

I just wanted to share with you some information you may find useful regarding phone orders to AAFES for uniform items.

I just recently placed an order with them for my service cap because I was not able to get to a uniform store in time for wing conference.

For those who don't know here's the process I had to go through:

1) Scan your Driver's License, Social Security Card and CAP ID Card

2) E-mail this to Debbie Nichols, nicholsde@aafes.com making sure to put your name and 'Civil Air Patrol New Customer Setup and Order' in the subject line. Then explain in the body of your e-mail that you want to setup a new user account and would like to order uniform items. Make sure you request to be mailed a print catalog. She'll do her best to try and look up the items your trying to order.

As Ms. Nichols explained to me, she and her supervisor are responsible for CAP orders. The interesting part of this is she and her manager work the midnight shift. So if you can get your call into her between 0000 and 0900 EDT, you be able to place your order. Make sure you deal with her as she tells me a lot of other operators are not familiar with CAP and are unable to process our new customer setup.

The phone number for AAFES catalog sales is 800-527-2345 and Ms. Nichols extension is #65509.

Incidentally, if anyone needs to order the Company Grade Service Cap, the item number is M204D and it's $38.95 shipping included.

Hope someone finds this information helpful.

[LtCol White]

An easier route is just to call the MCCS at your local base. They will take your order over the phone and ship it to you and you dont have to go through all the hassle.

[Lancer]

An easier route is just to call the MCCS at your local base. They will take your order over the phone and ship it to you and you dont have to go through all the hassle.

I like easier, but maybe you can shed some light on some more details regarding this for the neophytes. I'm sure it can't be as simple as a phone call to the uniform store on the base closest to you.

[Ohioguard]

Mark....thanks for the information, POC and telephone numbers.  I am sure many will find it usefull.

[Psicorp]

Incidentally, if anyone needs to order the Company Field Grade Service Cap, the item number is M204D and it's $38.95 shipping included.

Hope someone finds this information helpful.

Thanks Mark...at least you didn't get eaten alive by the mosquitos while blazing that trail.

[Lancer]

Incidentally, if anyone needs to order the Company Field Grade Service Cap, the item number is M204D and it's $38.95 shipping included.

Hope someone finds this information helpful.

Subtle correction attempt? 

ahem, via Wikipedia.

In the United States Air Force, all airmen have the option to wear combination caps, but only Field-Grade and General Officers, (Major and above), are required to own one. The cap of enlisted members has the insignia within a metal circle, while the Company-Grade (2dLt-1stLt-Captain) Officer version has a larger insignia without the metal circle. Field Grade Officers have clouds and lightning bolts on the bill. General Officer caps add an extra set of clouds and bolts, while the cap of the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force adds clouds and bolts around the entire band. The clouds and bolts are jokingly referred to as "farts and darts."

[Psicorp]

Incidentally, if anyone needs to order the Company Field Grade Service Cap, the item number is M204D and it's $38.95 shipping included.

Hope someone finds this information helpful.

Subtle correction attempt? 

ahem, via Wikipedia.

In the United States Air Force, all airmen have the option to wear combination caps, but only Field-Grade and General Officers, (Major and above), are required to own one. The cap of enlisted members has the insignia within a metal circle, while the Company-Grade (2dLt-1stLt-Captain) Officer version has a larger insignia without the metal circle. Field Grade Officers have clouds and lightning bolts on the bill. General Officer caps add an extra set of clouds and bolts, while the cap of the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force adds clouds and bolts around the entire band. The clouds and bolts are jokingly referred to as "farts and darts."

Well, crap.

That's what happens when you learn something wrong as a kid.   It sticks with you no matter how much you try to learn otherwise.  If I ever have kids, I'm teaching them that black is really called white.

Hmm...maybe a new TPU uniform change idea:  everyone gets "farts and darts"...  2nd LTs get one fart and one dart on the left side, 1st LTs and Captains get one set on each side, Major through Colonel get two sets, Generals get three.   Okay I'm going now, really, no need to shoot.

[AlphaSigOU]

Hmm...maybe a new TPU uniform change idea:  everyone gets "farts and darts"...  2nd LTs get one fart and one dart on the left side, 1st LTs and Captains get one set on each side, Major through Colonel get two sets, Generals get three.   Okay I'm going now, really, no need to shoot.

Ready... aim... 

[LtCol White]

An easier route is just to call the MCCS at your local base. They will take your order over the phone and ship it to you and you dont have to go through all the hassle.

I like easier, but maybe you can shed some light on some more details regarding this for the neophytes. I'm sure it can't be as simple as a phone call to the uniform store on the base closest to you.

It actually is that simple. Just call them up, tell them I'm Capt XX from CAP and I need to order some uniform items. They'll take the order and your CC number and ship you the items. They already know CAP is authorized to purchase items so its no prob at all. Usually, they will ask you to hold and have you talk to the manager to place your order. But thats all there is to it.

[Psicorp]

An easier route is just to call the MCCS at your local base. They will take your order over the phone and ship it to you and you dont have to go through all the hassle.

I like easier, but maybe you can shed some light on some more details regarding this for the neophytes. I'm sure it can't be as simple as a phone call to the uniform store on the base closest to you.

It actually is that simple. Just call them up, tell them I'm Capt XX from CAP and I need to order some uniform items. They'll take the order and your CC number and ship you the items. They already know CAP is authorized to purchase items so its no prob at all. Usually, they will ask you to hold and have you talk to the manager to place your order. But thats all there is to it.

That certainly is easier (wish I had done that to begin with).

Thanks for the info, sir.

[LtCol White]

No prob at all. Glad I could help. The MCCS staff are very helpful and willing to increase their sales to us. It helps us and the shop.

They also ship really fast.

[Lancer]

It actually is that simple. Just call them up, tell them I'm Capt XX from CAP and I need to order some uniform items. They'll take the order and your CC number and ship you the items. They already know CAP is authorized to purchase items so its no prob at all. Usually, they will ask you to hold and have you talk to the manager to place your order. But thats all there is to it.

Sorry sir, and no disrespect intended, but I'm just not buying it. More importantly l'm not wanting to buy it. It shouldn't be that easy. Basically your saying that anyone can call up and order a complete, up to date military uniform, regardless of proof?

I'm sure Hassan and Akbar thank you for this information. 

[LtCol White]

It actually is that simple. Just call them up, tell them I'm Capt XX from CAP and I need to order some uniform items. They'll take the order and your CC number and ship you the items. They already know CAP is authorized to purchase items so its no prob at all. Usually, they will ask you to hold and have you talk to the manager to place your order. But thats all there is to it.

Sorry sir, and no disrespect intended, but I'm just not buying it. More importantly l'm not wanting to buy it. It shouldn't be that easy. Basically your saying that anyone can call up and order a complete, up to date military uniform, regardless of proof?

I'm sure Hassan and Akbar thank you for this information. 

If you don't believe me, pick up the phone and do it. If not, then have fun doing it the hard way.

[Pylon]

Sorry sir, and no disrespect intended, but I'm just not buying it. More importantly l'm not wanting to buy it. It shouldn't be that easy. Basically your saying that anyone can call up and order a complete, up to date military uniform, regardless of proof?

Anybody can do that this afternoon from 300 civilian suppliers of military uniforms and insignia -- both over the phone and internet.  Heck, even complete military uniforms are on eBay.   It's not a protected commodity in any way.  If anybody wanted to pose as a members of the U.S. Armed Forces, they'd have no issue doing it in a matter of a day or two, even without MCSS/AAFES access.

[Lancer]

Anybody can do that this afternoon from 300 civilian suppliers of military uniforms and insignia -- both over the phone and internet.  Heck, even complete military uniforms are on eBay.   It's not a protected commodity in any way.  If anybody wanted to pose as a members of the U.S. Armed Forces, they'd have no issue doing it in a matter of a day or two, even without MCSS/AAFES access.

And this bothers no one?

If this is the case, then why does AAFES make it harder than Chinese arithmetic to get what we need?

[DeputyDog]

If this is the case, then why does AAFES make it harder than Chinese arithmetic to get what we need?

It is because they have to make sure you are an authorized customer. The patronage of AAFES is a benefit for military servicepersons, their dependents, retirees and authorized civilian personnel.

[RogueLeader]

And this bothers no one?

Have you seen the punishments for impersonating a member of the Military or one of it's Auxillaries?  It's not pretty.

[Monty]

....<yoink>...."farts and darts"...</yoink>...

.....are *way* overrated.

[Pylon]

And this bothers no one?

Have you seen the punishments for impersonating a member of the Military or one of it's Auxillaries?  It's not pretty.

If somebody is plotting a terrorist attack, I doubt they're worried about the repercussions of violating the misdemeanor-class statute in 10 USC, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 45, Sections 771 and 772.   Not to mention, that law doesn't prohibit you from buying military uniforms, insignia, nor anything else for that matter.   It just says that, in most circumstances, you can't wear it around.  Even then, the statute is rarely enforced and invoked.

And it says nothing about the Auxiliaries.  While you could argue that our AF-style uniforms are distinctive military uniforms under 10 USC, there's nothing legally-speaking to stop Joe Blow from ordering the TPU or Aviator Combo with CAP Maj Gen insignia from authorized-dealer Vanguard and wearing it daily.

[Lancer]

It is because they have to make sure you are an authorized customer. The patronage of AAFES is a benefit for military servicepersons, their dependents, retirees and authorized civilian personnel.

Sure, everything except uniform items.

If your calling AAFES and try to order that new 80GB iPod, spank you, but if your trying to get something for a uniform...well...let's not set up that gauntlet...kthnx?

Have you seen the punishments for impersonating a member of the Military or one of it's Auxillaries?  It's not pretty.

Oh, yes, quite harsh, but the chance of someone getting hurt initially because of an impersonation is something we should aim towards keeping from happening.

Oh, and Monty, nice addition of the photo... is that so we're sure your not a round guy who looks like Darth Vader?  I Keed, I Keed...

[DeputyDog]

It is because they have to make sure you are an authorized customer. The patronage of AAFES is a benefit for military servicepersons, their dependents, retirees and authorized civilian personnel.

Sure, everything except uniform items.

If your calling AAFES and try to order that new 80GB iPod, spank you, but if your trying to get something for a uniform...well...let's not set up that gauntlet...kthnx?

What are you talking about?

[DNall]

And it says nothing about the Auxiliaries.  While you could argue that our AF-style uniforms are distinctive military uniforms under 10 USC, there's nothing legally-speaking to stop Joe Blow from ordering the TPU or Aviator Combo with CAP Maj Gen insignia from authorized-dealer Vanguard and wearing it daily.

Yeah it does, dif section, same penalties. Someone else will have to quote that for you, or you can search around here for where it was in an old thread.

By the way, wearing a uniform in the wrong circumstance is not the only way, saying you are a CAP or mil member/officer when you aren't is a crime, especially if done to recieve goods or services.

[Lancer]

What are you talking about?

What I was trying to say is, sure, set up the super top secret, restricted access to what AAFES sells for those who benefit from it, but cut people like members of CAP a break when trying to just order some uniform items.

Case in point, even though I set up an account for myself, I still wasn't able to order a service cap for Psicorp at the same time. I was told I could only order for myself or my cadet.

Aside from all that, my order placed with them on Monday morning arrived via Fed Ex two day delivery about an hour ago...

[Pylon]

Yeah it does, dif section, same penalties. Someone else will have to quote that for you, or you can search around here for where it was in an old thread.

We're not that special.  10 USC, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 45, Sections 771 and 772 makes no mention of the word "Auxiliary."  In addition, while 36 USC, Subtitle II, Part B, Chapter 403 ("Civil Air Patrol"), Section 40306 gives CAP the exclusive right to CAP's name, insignia, devices, etc., I think you may be misinterpreting what that means. 

First, that section establishes no civil or criminal penalties for violation of the statute.   Second, let's use an example.  Dolce & Gabbana hold exclusive rights to their name, logo, devices, etc. via copyright, too.  They grant privileges to only their authorized manufacturers to produce, say, a t-shirt with the D&G name, distinctive look, and logo.   A vendor is also extended rights to sell the D&G t-shirt.  Joe Blow can go to the authorized vendor and buy the shirt, if they'll sell it to him.  If they do, he can wear that t-shirt all he wants, even if Stefano Gabbana himself detests this guy wearing a D&G t-shirt.   Stefano can't be walking down the street, see Joe and his t-shirt, and say "I own the exclusive rights to the D&G logo, name and likeness, therefore I demand you - Joe Blow - take off that t-shirt, which you paid for, right now and stop wearing it!"

See the analogy?

By the way, wearing a uniform in the wrong circumstance is not the only way, saying you are a CAP or mil member/officer when you aren't is a crime, especially if done to recieve goods or services.

This is my understanding of the legality of claiming you're a member of the Armed Forces when you're not.  As was already discussed elsewhere, I believe, and is available readily on web legal resources, saying you are a member of the Armed Forces is not illegal, unless you are using it with the intent of defrauding for veterans benefits, etc.  In other words, if in casual conversation at parties, I claim I'm an Air Force Staff Sergeant with the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts, just coming back from a double tour in Iraq, it's not illegal.   Bad taste?  Absolutely.  Will it likely get me beaten?  Possibly, depending on present company.  But I won't be facing any charges over it.

Now if I was standing down at the local VA Medical Center posing as a member of the Armed Forces trying to get a busted disc in my neck looked at... that's a whole different story.  Yes, that may be a crime.

[LtCol White]

What are you talking about?

What I was trying to say is, sure, set up the super top secret, restricted access to what AAFES sells for those who benefit from it, but cut people like members of CAP a break when trying to just order some uniform items.

Case in point, even though I set up an account for myself, I still wasn't able to order a service cap for Psicorp at the same time. I was told I could only order for myself or my cadet.

Aside from all that, my order placed with them on Monday morning arrived via Fed Ex two day delivery about an hour ago...

which is why I said calling MCCS at your local base is easier. They will let you order whatever you need.

[Lancer]

which is why I said calling MCCS at your local base is easier. They will let you order whatever you need.

Yeah, but see, if I left it at that...we wouldn't be having this thread spin off into another tangent like they so famously do in discussions of regulations and what not.

We have to keep Dennis busy somehow.

[Pylon]

which is why I said calling MCCS at your local base is easier. They will let you order whatever you need.

Yeah, but see, if I left it at that...we wouldn't be having this thread spin off into another tangent like they so famously do in discussions of regulations and what not.

We have to keep Dennis busy somehow.

No thread is ever safe from being derailed into discussions of regulations and laws. 

[LtCol White]

HAHA

[DNall]

We have to keep Dennis busy somehow.

Hey I don't start this spin off stuff, and hardly ever do. I didn't post in the thread till someone said something I was interested in, and then only to refer them to another thread, which they can go search for themselves if they want the right information.

Far as the MCCS thing, I don't doubt it works, though it's not supposed to, and if everyone starts doing it then it'll get shut down. The only thing you have a right to is mail ordering uniforms thru AAFES. Most bases provide some degree of access for direct purchase, and if you can get MCCS to do it over the phone w/o all the trouble of AAFES, either out of the goodness of their hearts or because they don't understand the rules, then more power to you and don't abuse it.

[Psicorp]

....<yoink>...."farts and darts"...</yoink>...

.....are *way* overrated.

Gee, Brain, without the pretty cloudy things, how would we know you're special?  Naarf.

[Psicorp]

which is why I said calling MCCS at your local base is easier. They will let you order whatever you need.

Yeah, but see, if I left it at that...we wouldn't be having this thread spin off into another tangent like they so famously do in discussions of regulations and what not.

We have to keep Dennis busy somehow.

No thread is ever safe from being derailed into discussions of regulations and laws. 

Better regulations and laws than heresy heresay and rumor millwork.

[afgeo4]

Placed a call to McGuire AFB MCSS today and was asked to come into the store for the purchase or use aafes.com/catalog.