I need some help. I will soon be promoted to 2nd Lt, and this will be my first insignia purchase from Vanguard. I want to get some epaulets for: 1) the service dress tunic; 2) the lightweight jacket, and; 3) the dress shirt. I have a ss and an ls shirt, but I don't see any reason to get epaulets for both.
Questions - what is the difference between a regular epaulet and a hook-an-loop epaulet. Which one would be better for each use? And do I need to get the epaulet shaper and where is this used?
Thanks.
Congratulations Leftenant! 8)
Service dress tunic and shirts:
(http://www.vanguardmil.com/images/medium/0000000CAP0747EA_MED.jpg)
Item #CAP0747EA
I personally would get three - a set for your SSS, one for your LSS (that way you don't have to switch back and forth) and one for your service dress tunic. Also check Evilbay (EBAY); I've got them there from time to time.
Lightweight jacket:
Some come with the epaulettes sewn down, others don't. For the ones that aren't sewn down, same as #1. For the ones that are sewn down:
(http://www.vanguardmil.com/images/medium/000000CAP0747K_MED.jpg)
Item #CAP0747K
(These are the hook-and-loop shoulder marks, which is a non-trademarked way of saying Velcro :P I would use them ONLY for the lightweight blue jacket or trenchcoat, since they can be a devil to make look good, though some on here have apparently succeeded)
The epaulette shaper is not mandatory, but I've always used them. They're basically a wire bracket that fit inside the shoulder marks.
(http://www.vanguardmil.com/images/medium/000000CAP0747R_MED.jpg)
Item #8422041
The Real Military (TM) also uses these, so you can find them in Military Clothing Sales if you've a base nearby.
Oh...the colours aren't accurate between the two examples. The insignia is (or should be!) the same grey shade as your nameplate.