SM Service coat without epaulettes

Phoxtrot · May 19, 2015, 01:57:11 AM

I have the USAF style service coat that I used as a cadet when I didn't have to worry about epaulettes. But now that I've become a senior member, I need to find a way to put my rank on. I don't want to have to get a new jacket if I don't have to, but I was wondering if there was any way to have them sewn on and still look right? Any advice is appreciated

lordmonar · May 19, 2015, 02:12:17 AM

No. Get a new (or used) officer's coat.

JC004 · May 19, 2015, 02:48:55 AM

http://www.uniforms-4u.com/p-usaf-officer-jacket-conversion-kit-18231.aspx

You can risk it; perhaps borrow a coat from someone to take to the tailor. But if it doesn't come out so you can't tell the difference, you'll have to give up on it.

lordmonar · May 19, 2015, 05:19:08 AM

$30 for the kit....another $30+ for the tailor.

You could probably find a good used jacket for that price.

MSG Mac · May 19, 2015, 07:17:40 AM

Go to a local AFB thrift shop and see if there is one in your size. NC has at least tow AF bases (Seymour-Johnson and Pope). You can also check with MDANG bases to see if they have any excess uniforms from airmen who have ended their service.

Holding Pattern · May 19, 2015, 07:19:13 AM

Quote from: MSG Mac on May 19, 2015, 07:17:40 AM
Go to a local AFB thrift shop and see if there is one in your size. NC has at least tow AF bases (Seymour-Johnson and Pope). You can also check with MDANG bases to see if they have any excess uniforms from airmen who have ended their service.

MDANG?

AlphaSigOU · May 19, 2015, 11:18:58 AM

Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on May 19, 2015, 07:19:13 AM
Quote from: MSG Mac on May 19, 2015, 07:17:40 AM
Go to a local AFB thrift shop and see if there is one in your size. NC has at least tow AF bases (Seymour-Johnson and Pope). You can also check with MDANG bases to see if they have any excess uniforms from airmen who have ended their service.

MDANG?

Maryland Air National Guard.

MSG Mac · May 19, 2015, 01:50:58 PM

Or if Maryland is too far, go to a local North Carolina bad.

kwe1009 · May 19, 2015, 02:56:49 PM

What size are you looking for? I go to both Pope and Seymour Johnson almost weekly and I'll take a look for you.

kwe1009 · May 19, 2015, 02:59:50 PM

Quote from: lordmonar on May 19, 2015, 05:19:08 AM
$30 for the kit....another $30+ for the tailor.

You could probably find a good used jacket for that price.

Here is a link to that kit too.

http://www.uniforms-4u.com/p-usaf-officer-jacket-conversion-kit-18231.aspx

Storm Chaser · May 20, 2015, 02:14:10 PM

Yes, it can be done. When I got commissioned years ago, I got an enlisted service dress jacket converted to an officer one by professionally sewing the epaulets. Before you decide to go that route, you should do a cost analysis to see if it's worth it. You may be able to get a used officer service dress jacket at a reasonable price. Just keep your options open.

Shuman 14 · May 22, 2015, 03:45:01 PM

Serious question, since CAP SM who need wear rank on the coat epaulet use grey epaulet rank slides... wouldn't that cover up most (all) noticeable color differences between the coat and the add-on epaulet?

kwe1009 · May 22, 2015, 04:43:30 PM

Quote from: shuman14 on May 22, 2015, 03:45:01 PM
Serious question, since CAP SM who need wear rank on the coat epaulet use grey epaulet rank slides... wouldn't that cover up most (all) noticeable color differences between the coat and the add-on epaulet?

I would believe it would and unless the coat was well worn and faded then there probably isn't much difference anyway. Also, there are ways to fade the epaulets to match them more closely to the coat.

JC004 · May 22, 2015, 05:57:03 PM

Yes. And the newest Vanguard ones are a little longer (and thinner).

abdsp51 · May 22, 2015, 08:45:14 PM

Just get and officer's coat and not short cut.

PHall · May 23, 2015, 12:13:44 AM

Quote from: abdsp51 on May 22, 2015, 08:45:14 PM
Just get and officer's coat and not short cut.

And sell/give your coat without epaulets to a cadet!

Phoxtrot · May 23, 2015, 03:06:27 AM

Quote from: kwe1009 on May 19, 2015, 02:56:49 PM
What size are you looking for? I go to both Pope and Seymour Johnson almost weekly and I'll take a look for you.

Im looking for a 38R to maybe 40ish if there aren't any of those. I certainly appreciate the help. also, is the store actually inside the base?

Thanks also to everyone for the advice. Sorry I haven't gotten the chance to respond quicker. I believe Im going to go with getting a new jacket and giving away my old one, as it would be difficult and possibly pricey to get them sewn on, at the risk of it not looking right.

kwe1009 · May 24, 2015, 08:56:54 PM

Quote from: Phoxtrot on May 23, 2015, 03:06:27 AM
Quote from: kwe1009 on May 19, 2015, 02:56:49 PM
What size are you looking for? I go to both Pope and Seymour Johnson almost weekly and I'll take a look for you.

Im looking for a 38R to maybe 40ish if there aren't any of those. I certainly appreciate the help. also, is the store actually inside the base?

Thanks also to everyone for the advice. Sorry I haven't gotten the chance to respond quicker. I believe Im going to go with getting a new jacket and giving away my old one, as it would be difficult and possibly pricey to get them sewn on, at the risk of it not looking right.

I couldn't find anything but new jackets, sorry. Don't forget to check ebay and craigslist too. You might get luckly.