Can't buy ABUs on base

Started by GaryVC, March 13, 2019, 09:22:12 PM

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GaryVC

Several of our members have not been able to buy ABUs at Nellis AFB recently. I am not sure how long this has been going on, but I think it is at least 6 months. Anyone else have a similar problem buying on base? The applicable AFIs say uniforms are supposed to be sold to CAP members. They have been able to buy blues.

Eclipse

Most bases are discontinuing the sale of ABUs.

CAP is entitled by AFI to base access, but CC has final say.

"That Others May Zoom"

PHall

Nobody out here in Southern California has had any problems getting ABU's at March, Edwards or Los Angeles AFBs.
Has anybody actually talked to the clothing sales manager or is this all third hand?

jeders

Quote from: GaryVC on March 13, 2019, 09:22:12 PM
Several of our members have not been able to buy ABUs at Nellis AFB recently. I am not sure how long this has been going on, but I think it is at least 6 months. Anyone else have a similar problem buying on base?

Considering that ABUs are being phased out and many if not most airman are already in OCPs, I'm not surprised.
If you are confident in you abilities and experience, whether someone else is impressed is irrelevant. - Eclipse

PHall

Quote from: Eclipse on March 13, 2019, 10:09:34 PM
Most bases are discontinuing the sale of ABUs.

CAP is entitled by AFI to base access, but CC has final say.

Actually, no and no. 

Bases are not discontinuing sales of ABU's but they're starting to run out of some sizes and AAFES only has what's left in their warehouses.
The AAFES contractors have or are in the process of converting over to make OCP's.

Yes, by reg CAP is entitled to access to the Exchange to buy uniform items, but getting on base is up to the Base Commander.
So if the Base Commander says no unescorted access to the base then ask nicely what it would take to be able to get to the Exchange.

abdsp51

I've always told CAP members near me or who may be coming near that if they need help getting on base to let me know. 

In fact I actually got CAP included into the base plan at Davis-Monthan... 

Stonewall

I went to MCSS at Wright-Patt today to buy my son cadet a new ABU cap. They had 2 left, size 7. They're "not selling OCPs" but they have OCP caps, OCP Gore-Tex, OCP fleece, coyote boots, coyote t-shirts, and all the OCP accouterments, but no OCPs.  They have about 1/4 of the ABU stuff they had a month ago.

Basically, you can't buy a complete set of ABUs nor can you buy a complete set of OCPs.

But, after 32 years in CAP I finally have my CAP mess dress. I'll be wearing my military medals for now, but I got my CAP mess dress nonetheless.
Serving since 1987.

PHall

Stonewall, it might be different at Wright-Patt but March ARB and Los Angeles AFB can both start selling OCP's to Air Force personnel starting 1 April.
The staggered "sell to Air Force" dates is to supposedly keep shortages from happening, especially on Army posts.
The Exchange there at Wright-Patt should be able to tell you what their sell to AF date is.

Stonewall

Was just at the MCSS on base to inquire about ABU hard again. She said "we can only sell what we have on the shelf and that's it, no new ABU stuff coming."
Serving since 1987.

NIN

Quote from: Stonewall on March 18, 2019, 02:08:01 PM
Was just at the MCSS on base to inquire about ABU hard again. She said "we can only sell what we have on the shelf and that's it, no new ABU stuff coming."

So, MCSS will no longer be a legit source for our uniforms once again?

*sigh*

Cotton non-colorfast offshore outfits for us, its seems.
Darin Ninness, Col, CAP
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The contents of this post are Copyright © 2007-2024 by NIN. All rights are reserved. Specific permission is given to quote this post here on CAP-Talk only.

Shuman 14

My recommendation is, do whatever it takes to get USAF approval for CAP to transition to OCP as soon as possible.

Continue to allow the wear of BDU and ABU for those who have them, but get ahead of the OCP issue while you can. Blue Tapes, Rank and Badges and black boots worked for ABU, they will work equally for OCP.
Joseph J. Clune
Lieutenant Colonel, Military Police

USMCR: 1990 - 1992                           USAR: 1993 - 1998, 2000 - 2003, 2005 - Present     CAP: 2013 - 2014, 2021 - Present
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Eclipse

Quote from: NIN on March 18, 2019, 02:10:26 PM
Quote from: Stonewall on March 18, 2019, 02:08:01 PM
Was just at the MCSS on base to inquire about ABU hard again. She said "we can only sell what we have on the shelf and that's it, no new ABU stuff coming."

So, MCSS will no longer be a legit source for our uniforms once again?

*sigh*

Cotton non-colorfast offshore outfits for us, its seems.

Well that was to be expected, really.  Same thing happened with ABUs / NWUs.

MCSS sold out existing stocks and that was that.

"That Others May Zoom"

N6RVT

Quote from: NIN on March 18, 2019, 02:10:26 PM
Quote from: Stonewall on March 18, 2019, 02:08:01 PM
Was just at the MCSS on base to inquire about ABU hard again. She said "we can only sell what we have on the shelf and that's it, no new ABU stuff coming."

So, MCSS will no longer be a legit source for our uniforms once again?

I would not be surprised to see one final dump of ABU to CAP near the end of the transition process.

mykef2

Check the off post Military Surplus Stores and flea markets.  A lot of the airmen are offloading their ABUs outside the gates as they change over to OCPs.

CAP should also think about allowing the use of the Green and Coyote boots, as real military, black leather boots are becoming as scarce as hen's teeth now that none of the services are using them.

The newer styles are also a lot better designed for the feet and the field, also.

Eclipse

Quote from: mykef2 on March 28, 2019, 09:05:47 PMas real military, black leather boots are becoming as scarce as hen's teeth now that none of the services are using them.

Both the Navy and Coast Guard wear black combat-style boots, and the ones for CAP member wear
are hardly "scarce".

"That Others May Zoom"

SarDragon

Black boots are still plentiful. But they are no longer as inexpensive as they might have been in the past.


Uniformity can also be more of an issue, but the RealMilitary™ doesn't seem to care as much these days. I see a significant variation in black boots being worn by AD military folks. They are all black, but made by different manufacturers. They are more receptive to difference in fit and feet today.
Dave Bowles
Maj, CAP
AT1, USN Retired
50 Year Member
Mitchell Award (unnumbered)
C/WO, CAP, Ret

PHall

Quote from: SarDragon on March 29, 2019, 02:44:59 AM
Black boots are still plentiful. But they are no longer as inexpensive as they might have been in the past.


Uniformity can also be more of an issue, but the RealMilitary™ doesn't seem to care as much these days. I see a significant variation in black boots being worn by AD military folks. They are all black, but made by different manufacturers. They are more receptive to difference in fit and feet today.

Same deal with the green and brown boots too.  They all meet the specification, but they're all slightly different.

Stonewall

I have had the toughest time trying to get black boots that are worth a [darn], for me and my son. Even my favorite expensive boots that I wore in Army/Air Force/CAP aren't available and I'm willing to pay for them. For two decades I wore Wellco brand black jungle boots. Those finally wore out about 5 years ago so I started wearing my OD green jungle boots. But then, we went to ABUs with ONLY black boots. I bought a pair of knockoff black jungles and they were terrible. Couldn't wear them for a meeting without hating them. Then I bought a surplus pair of standard issue black leather boots, the same kind I was issued in basic training 28 years ago. They suck, too.

Finally, I dropped $130 and bought the last pair of size 12 Oakley Assault Boots from LA Police Gear and I'm happy.  At least for any temps above 20°.

For my son, I got him Surplus huge boots that killed his feet. Then I found a new pair of black military issue boots on eBay for $60. They'll last a year because we bought them a size too big. Screw the Walmart wrk boots or knockoffs. I need something that's going to not kill my feet and look decent in uniform.  Easier for me since my feet stopped growing 25 year ago, but for my son, that's going to be a tough task.
Serving since 1987.

sprmedic

Another "on base" source of used uniforms would be the "Thrift Store" and "Airman's Attic".  You may have to make contact with the managers of those organizations before sending everyone over (usually run by private organizations like the spouses club).

Many people donate (or consign) to those locations.  If they have a way to offload something noone in the military needs, I'm sure they'd be happy to move the products to make room for something else.

N6RVT

Quote from: sprmedic on March 29, 2019, 10:41:51 AMAnother "on base" source of used uniforms would be the "Thrift Store" and "Airman's Attic".  You may have to make contact with the managers of those organizations before sending everyone over (usually run by private organizations like the spouses club).Many people donate (or consign) to those locations.  If they have a way to offload something noone in the military needs, I'm sure they'd be happy to move the products to make room for something else.

In this case sending people to Airmans Attic is a good option.  Nobody in the USAF is going to be interested in buying even cheap ABU's at this point.