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Texas State Guard / Medical reserve Corps
Alamo Medical Response Group
Uniform Page
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TEXAS MILITARY FORCES
Joint Force Headquarters
Adjutant General’s Department
Post Office Box 5218
Austin, Texas 78763-5218
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JFTX-TXSG-CG 9 February 2007
MEMORANDUM FOR LTC (TX) CHARLES G. RODRIGUEZ, THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF TEXAS
SUBJECT: Uniform Conversion Plan for the Texas State Guard
PURPOSE: Establish a transition policy for members of the Texas State Guard (all branches) to transition to their respective service’s digitized battle dress uniform.
BACKGROUND: The Texas State Guard (TXSG) opted to abandon the traditional multicolored fatigue uniform used by many state defense army-oriented forces and adopt the digitized battle dress uniforms used by the United States Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. In so doing, the TXSG underscored its intent to transition to a disciplined, professional force that would be available to the Adjutant General and the Governor during any crisis facing the State of Texas. Hard work and personal sacrifice earned TXSG soldiers and airmen national recognition and full partnership within the Texas Military Forces by late 2006. The TXSG’s uniform policies dramatically helped it realize acceptance by the Army and Air Guard rank and file personnel.
The United States Marine Corps developed a new digital based camouflage uniform in 2005, establishing a trend toward more functional digitized uniforms in all the services. In 2006 the Army and its Reserve Components began transitioning from the woodland pattern Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) to the new digital Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in 2006. The United States Air Force and the United States Navy announced plans to adopt working uniforms based on similar design concepts but keyed to their service needs in 2007 and 2008 respectively. By January 2007 the TXSG encompassed Army, Air Force and Maritime (Navy and Marine) components. Retaining the utility uniform policies in place for the previous decade was becoming increasingly difficult for the Army-oriented Texas State Guard segment as the supply of BDU’s became increasingly scarce. Once the Air Force begins its uniform transition in late 2007, TXSG personnel will be unable to purchase new, quality uniforms. To maintain the TXSG appearance and enhance its professionalism the Adjutant General authorized TXSG members to begin wearing the new utility uniforms of their respective service affiliations according to this policy.
ARMY: The soldiers in the State Guard Headquarters, the Regiments, and the Medical Brigade will begin immediate transition to the current Army ACU’s. Proper wear of the ACU’s for TXSG soldiers includes an ACU Texas State Guard shoulder patch and an ACU tab spelling out Texas State Guard on the left shoulder and when applicable, an ACU combat patch. Thesese TXSG patches may be ordered on-line by individual soldiers or purchased through the Regimental Fund at the Regimental Commander’s discretion. Individual name tapes and the Texas State Guard nametape will be the ACU pattern/color. All patches and nametapes will be affixed to the ACU’s by Velcro tapes. Only the desert tan combat boot may be worn with the ACU’s. However, both the desert tan boot and the standard black combat boot are authorized for BDU’s. Standard headgear for the ACU uniform will be the ACU patrol cap with ACU rank on the front and an ACU name tape on the back. The BDU patrol cap is the only headgear worn with the BDU uniform. Because Gore-Tex jackets and field jackets are not readily available for ACU’s, the BDU Gore-Tex jacket and BDU field jackets may continue to be worn with ACU’s through the wear out period. The conversion period for Army ACU’s is 15 February 2007 to 31 December 2009. Berets will continue to be worn with the Class A or B uniform.
AIR FORCE: The United States Air Force and its Reserve Components (Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard) will begin fielding the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) in 2007. Basic trainees will receive the new uniform in October 2007 and AAFES should carry enough uniforms in their outlets by March 2008. All personnel in the Air Division, airmen in the State Guard Headquarters and in the Medical Brigade may begin wearing the new ABU on 1 April 2008. The conversion period will end on 31 December 2010. The Air Force has not determined if patches will be worn on the ABU’s. If patches are authorized, TXSG Air personnel will wear a Texas State Guard patch. Polish-free suede cowhide green-gray boots will be worn with the new ABU. The standard ABU tape cloth with the name and “Texas State Guard” will be worn with the new uniform. If authorized by Air Force Regulations, the new boot may be worn by Texas State Guard Air personnel with the current BDU when that item becomes available.
MARITIME REGIMENT:
Navy members = the new Task Force Uniform for the United States Navy is not anticipated to be introduced until mid 2008. Assuming that production schedule remains in effect, Texas State Guard Navy personnel may begin wearing the new uniform when it becomes available. At this time the assumed transition period is 1 August 2008 through 31 December 2010. That schedule may be modified by the Commander, Maritime Regiment.
Marine members = The Marine MARPAT digital is already in place for United States Marine active forces and the 4th MARDIV reserve components. The Commander, Maritime Regiment will contact Marine Headquarters personnel to determine if Texas State Guard Marines will be allowed to wear the Marine MARPAT digitals. To facilitate this effort, and in keeping with the traditions of the Corps, only former active duty and/or reserve component Marines may serve in the Marine component of the Maritime Regiment. The Commander, Maritime Regiment will insure that name tapes, if authorized by the parent service, will reflect Texas State Guard membership.
CHRISTOPHER J. POWERS
Major General, Texas State Guard
Commanding
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The following are E-mail messages RE: Uniform Transition
From: PETERS, RAYMOND C. State BG NGTX [mailto:Ray.Peters@us.army.mil]
Sent: Fri 2/9/2007 5:59 PM
To: peter.andrus@txsg.state.tx.us;
Subject: Texas State Guard Uniform Conversion Plan
Please see that all personnel are aware of these changes. Any
questions should be addressed through the chain of command to the undersigned.
Ray Peters
Raymond C. Peters
Brigadier General, Texas State Guard
DCG, Plans and Staff Operations
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To: LTC Stead/CSM Schaaf
Please send this out to all personnel. Please note that the beret is
now ONLY authorized with the class A and B uniforms. Soft field caps
are the only headgear authorized to be worn with the BDUs and new
ACU/ABUs.
Also pay close attention to the effective dates of the uniform changes
for ARMY, Air Force, Navy, and Marines. Med bde ARMY can begin the
wear of the new ACUs starting tomorrow (15 Feb), Med bde Air Force will
begin transition to the ADUs on 1 April 2008.
I will ask about where we can purchase the new left-shoulder TXSG patch referred to in the memo.
Thank you for your service,
Col. Jim Jorrie
Chief of Staff
TXSG Med Bde (MRC)
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TO ALL CONCERNED:
The official word has just been received from BG Peters. We are authorized to start the change over and wear of the new Army ACU clothing items. Thes will not be issued and are individual purchase items. The change over dates are 15 Feb 2006 thru 31 Dec 2009. The BDU will not be authorized for wear after 31 Dec 2009. Be advised that the wear of the ACU will be IAW AR 670-1 and you can not wear black boots nor beret with the ACU. The BDU will still be authorized thru 31 Dec 2009 and will be worn IAW AR 670-1, the black boot or tan boot may be worn with the BDU but the beret is not authorized to be worn with the BDU ONLY THE SOFT, PATROL CAP, BDU style with BDU's, ACU style with ACU's. See attached memo for more information, be sure to read the ARMY portion.
We will let you know where the Texas Flag Patch can be obtained.
Bill Schaaf
CSM MRB (MRC)
Command Sergeant Major
PS This is an individual thing and no one will be forced to purchase these items until 31 Dec2009.
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From: Commander AMRG
To: AMRG Personnel
Subject: ACUs
1. I recommend that ACUs be purchased at any local Army Surplus Store. While this is not an endorsement, the Ft Sam Houston Army Navy Store on Rittiman Rd, San Antonio has a good selection of new and used ACUs plus caps, t-shirts, tan boots, socks etc. The reason for local purchase is that sizes are difficult to select without trying on a garment. In addition, the new ACU has a pocket on the lower pant leg making it necessary to fit the trousers so that the pocket on the leg is usable.
2. For the velcro-on Name tapes, TXSG tapes, Rank, TXSG patch and TX/US flags I suggest an on-line vendor such as www.1800nametape.com/ .
3. If anyone has problems with obtaining a uniform, someone from the unit is almost always able to take you to a store where uniforms can be purchased or assist you with on-line purchases.
4. I do not anticipate that ACUs will be issued by TXSG and so if you desire to have an ACU, please plan on purchasing it yourself.
Pete Forsberg
LTC (TX) TXSG / TMB (MRC)
Commander
AMRG
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ACU Update (How to obtain and wear the ACU)
1. For those who are entitled to buy at the PX/BX, you may purchase ACU's online. Go to www.aafes.com and follow the instructions. Even if you aren't authorized, give it a try and list your agency as the Guard. I ordered a set today and it worked fine. $79 for top, bottom and one patrol cap. Free shipping. Good luck! Mike Champion, LTC TXSG
2. FYI - Links for everything but boots. Complete ACU set (blouse, pants, t-shirt, belt and patrol cap with rank
sewn on): $98.60 (plus $10.95 for lowest price S/H). http://www.uspatriotstore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=8560
ACU blouse and pants bundle: $66.40 -http://www.uspatriotstore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=8565
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The following remarks pertain to BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform). This uniform is being phased out but may be worn until 31 Dec 2009. For soldiets who already have and desire to continue to wear the BDU, this section pertains to you.
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The following uniform items are standard for all TXSG members who elect to utilize the (other than former Air Force personnel who may elect to wear the Air Force configured uniform):
BDU shirt, 2 ea
BDU trousers, 2 ea
BDU cap, 1 ea
Boots, black, 1 pair
Beret, black, 1 ea
TXSG beret flash (red, white and blue), 1 ea per beret
Socks, green, cushion, 3 pair
Belt, black, BDU, 1 ea
T-shirt, Brown, 3 ea
TXSG Patch (subdued), 1 ea per BDU shirt
Texas Flag for BDUs, 1 ea per BDU shirt
BDU Name Tape, Olive Drab, 1 ea per BDU shirt,
BDU TXSG tape, Olive Drab, 1 ea per BDU shirt
Officers
Branch insignia, (on olive drab sew-on or subdued pin-on), 1 ea per BDU shirt
Rank insignia, (subdued on olive drab sew-on or subdued pin-on), 1 ea per BDU shirt.
Rank insignia, (pin-on), non-subdued, 1 ea for each BDU cap or beret
Enlisted / NCO
Rank insignia, subdued (subdued on olive drab sew-on or subdued pin-on), 2 ea per BDU shirt,
Rank insignia, subdued (subdued sew-on or black pin-on), 1 ea per BDU cap
MRC Crest, pin-on, for each beret
* If you are not sure which items to order please check with your unit commander.
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The following uniform items can be purchased online from the US Cav Store. Website: www.uscav.com
ProFormance BDU Trousers, Item# 9493, $34.99
ProFormance BDU Shirt, Item# 22950, $32.99
Summer BDU Cap, Item# 16427, $9.99
Military wool beret (black), Item# 22197, $12.99
Better BDU Belt, Item# 28628, $19.99
Tuff Neck T-Shirts (3 pk), Item# 17806, $18.99
Ridge Uniform Duty Socks, Item# 26417, price $3.99
Cocran Jump Boots, Item# 17320, $109.99
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To order BDUs boots, caps, berets: please refer to this internet site: www.uscav.com
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To order TXSG shoulder patches (subdued), beret flash (TXSG), Texas Flag patch for BUDs and MRC crests click on the TXSG Order Form icon (below), print out and comlete the order sheet, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form.
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The following is a 3 page synopsis, a few paragraph extracts, and the full FM (for you detail types).
NOTE TO sworn in members, review items A & B before drill. We want to avoid any embarrassment from any active duty or national guard soldier that may see something we are doing is incorrect.
B. Extracts:
1–14. Wear of jewelry
a. Soldiers may wear a wristwatch, a wrist identification bracelet, and a total of two rings (a wedding set is considered one ring) with Army uniforms, unless prohibited by the commander for safety or health reasons. Any jewelry soldiers wear must be conservative and in good taste. Identification bracelets are limited to medical alert bracelets and MIA/POW identification bracelets. Soldiers may wear only one item on each wrist.
b. No jewelry, other than that described in paragraph 1–14a, above, will appear exposed while wearing the uniform;
this includes watch chains, or similar items, and pens and pencils. The only authorized exceptions are religious items described in para 1–7b, above; a conservative tie tack or tie clasp that male soldiers may wear with the black four-inhand necktie; and a pen or pencil that may appear exposed on the hospital duty, food service, CVC, or flight uniforms.
c. Body piercing. When on any Army installation or other places under Army control, soldiers may not attach, affix, or display objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to or through the skin while they are in uniform, in civilian clothes on duty, or in civilian clothes off duty (this includes earrings for male soldiers). The only exception is for female soldiers, as indicated in paragraph 1–14d, below. (The term “skin” is not confined to external skin, but includes the tongue, lips, inside the mouth, and other surfaces of the body not readily visible).
d. Females are authorized to wear prescribed earrings with the service, dress, and mess uniforms.
(1) Earrings may be screw-on, clip-on, or post-type earrings, in gold, silver, white pearl, or diamond. The earrings will not exceed 6 mm or 1⁄4 inch in diameter, and they must be unadorned and spherical. When worn, the earrings will fit snugly against the ear. Females may wear earrings only as a matched pair, with only one earring per ear lobe.
(2) Females are not authorized to wear earrings with any class C (utility) uniform (BDU, hospital duty, food service, physical fitness, field, or organizational).
(3) When on duty in civilian attire, female soldiers must comply with the specifications listed in (1) above when wearing earrings, unless otherwise authorized by the commander. When females are off duty, there are no restrictions on the wear of earrings.
e. Ankle bracelets, necklaces (other than those described in para 1–7b), faddish (trendy) devices, medallions, amulets, and personal talismans or icons are not authorized for wear in any military uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty.
1–15. Wear of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses
a. Wear of eyeglasses and sunglasses.
(1) Conservative civilian prescription eyeglasses are authorized for wear with all uniforms.
(2) Conservative prescription and nonprescription sunglasses are authorized for wear when in a garrison environment,
except when in formation and while indoors. Individuals who are required by medical authority to wear sunglasses for medical reasons other than refractive error may wear them, except when health or safety considerations apply. Soldiers may not wear sunglasses in the field, unless required by the commander for safety reasons in highglare, field environments.
(3) Restrictions on eyeglasses and sunglasses. Eyeglasses or sunglasses that are trendy, or have lenses or frames with initials, designs, or other adornments are not authorized for wear. Soldiers may not wear lenses with extreme or trendy colors, which include but are not limited to, red, yellow, blue, purple, bright green, or orange. Lens colors must be traditional gray, brown, or dark green shades. Personnel will not wear lenses or frames that are so large or so small that they detract from the appearance of the uniform. Personnel will not attach chains, bands, or ribbons to eyeglasses.
Eyeglass restraints are authorized only when required for safety purposes. Personnel will not hang eyeglasses or eyeglass cases on the uniform, and may not let glasses hang from eyeglass restraints down the front of the uniform.
b. Restrictions on contact lenses. Tinted or colored contact lenses are not authorized for wear with the uniform. The only exception is for opaque lenses that are prescribed medically for eye injuries. Additionally, clear lenses that have designs on them that change the contour of the iris are not authorized for wear with the uniform.
C. Full AR 670-1 http://www.colostate.edu/dept/ArmyROTC/AR670-1.pdf Note: this Regulation is currently under revision (mainly concerning the new Blue service uniform) and was projected to come out this month 2008. The grooming standards should remain the same.
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For the configuring of the TXSG uniform, please refer to AR 670-1 (Wear and Appearance of Uniforms and Insignia) found on the Regulations Page of this Alamo Group Website, or bring your uniform items to the next AMRG Drill and you will be given guidance as to how and where to have uniform items placed on your BDUs. The proper wear of the uniform is as important as the configuration of the uniform. Your appearance in uniform is a reflection of your military pride and professionalism. When in uniform, compliance with military regulations regarding hair and weight are equally important.
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For a short clear text on uniform guidance, members can purchase: "Wear it Righ" Uniform Quick Reference Book, by CSM Mark Gerecht, 2005, Distributed by Byrrd Enterprises, Inc., 1302 Lafayette Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22308, 1-800-628-0901, Fax: 1-703-768-4086, Email: ByrrdBooks@aol.com
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NOTE: The TXSG and MRC do not endorse any of the commercial uniform outlets listed on this website. These outlets are provided only for the purpose of assisting TXSG/MRC members in purchasing uniforms and related items.
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Veterans Encouraged to Wear Military Medals on Memorial Day
Nicholson: Show Pride, Teach Younger Generations
VA Press Release - To show their pride in military service and teach younger
generations about the value of serving our nation, Secretary of Veterans
Affairs Jim Nicholson urged veterans across the country to pin on their
military medals on Memorial Day, May 28.
"Wearing their medals demonstrates the deep pride our veterans have in
their military service," said Nicholson. "It also reminds all American citizens -
- especially the young -- about the sacrifices our veterans have made for
their freedom."
He encouraged veterans to display their medals no matter what they are
doing on Memorial Day, but especially when attending public events.
Nicholson said he believes the movement will become a tradition. Nicholson
first urged veterans to wear their military decorations last Veterans Day
under a program called "Veterans Pride Initiative."
About 24 million living Americans have served in the armed forces, with
nearly 18 million wearing the uniforms of the U.S. military during times of
war and conflict.
Nicholson said he hopes veterans will wear their medals on Memorial Day,
the Fourth of July and Veterans Day, and when attending other patriotic
events. Major U.S. veterans organizations have endorsed the Veterans Pride
Initiative.
Additional information about the initiative is featured at VA's Web site at
http://www.va. gov/veteransprid e/ , where veterans can also learn how to
replace mislaid medals or confirm the decorations to which they are entitled.
Information on the wear of medals on civilian clothing
http://www1.va.gov/opa/veteranspride/index.asp
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Jewelry Wear in Uniform
The question has come up about what jewelry a soldier can wear with ACU's. The short answer is not any exposed except a wrist watch,two rings(a wedding set is counted as one ring). A MED ALERT wrist ban can be worn as well as a POW/MIA bracelet is allowed. Sorry ladies ear rings are not allowed with utilities uniforms, such as ACU's and BDU's. Anyone that wants to look it up for themselves go to AR 670-1, par.1-14. The easiest way to get AR 670-1 is to go to< www.marlowwhite. com> when this comes up, scroll down on the left column to Regulations, go one space to the right and click on ARMY REGULATIONS. This monster reg will come up. Scroll down on the left column and click on 1-14 wearing of jewelry.
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TEXAS MEDICAL RANGERS, concerning uniforms, AS OF NOW! if you have BDU's you can wear them for a couple of more years. You do not have to get ACU's now. But if you need to get uniforms now I suggest you get ACU's . With ACU's you can only wear rough out tan boots. With BDU's you can wear either black,shined boots or the rough out boots, so if you need to buy boots get the tan rough out's. Berets will no longer be worn with BDU's or ACU's, they will only be worn with class A's or class B's, which we are not required to have. With BDU's or ACU's the correct patrol cap is required. Folks going to OLS with a sets of BDU's and sets of ACU's will need to take a patrol cap for each. I am taking each. If it is hot BDU sleeves can be rolled up where ACU's are not designed to be rolled.
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From:William A. Schaaf, Command Sergeant Major, CSM, TXSG Med Mde
Here is a status report on several issues:
A. BG Cheeseman and CMSgt Dallas gave me the following
information
1. Air Force new ABU uniform wear
a. NO rank is being worn
on the ABU cap, again NO RANK
b. NO pocket patches
are to be worn on the ABU, in the picture he has a patch on the left
pocket
c. All rank, name
tag, Texas State Guard tag, and skill badges will be sew ons, NO pin ons
(available from 1800nametape.com) with the same ABU background NO OD
background (as on the BDU's).
d. The
rough TAN boots are authorized AT THIS TIME, but will be phased out for the
rough GREEN boots.
e. T shirts,
belt and socks are AF unique and not the same as the Army ACU.
f. Although
the TXSG was not authorized to make the change until end of May this
year nothing will be said or done as long as the individual wears the ABU IAW
the above guidelines.
B. Pay Issues:
Thank you for your concerns and please inform your soldiers that we are
continuing to work toward clearing up all these issues.
William A. Schaaf
Command Sergeant Major
CSM TXSG Md Bd
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