New Army Uniform (Updated)

UPDATE (Feb. 20): The Army is asking for more input from officers on this survey (only accessible by Common Access Card)

You can purchase new ASU items from Marlow White here.  (Not an official Army source)

After much research, many surveys, design options; the Army announced the new Army Service Uniform about two weeks ago.  Now there is a slick new website with a variety of photos illustrating the new Army Service Uniform.  This pictorial timeline of Army uniforms is interesting and worth taking a look–though it claims in “2006 all of U.S. Army transition to blue service uniform.” (I’m sure someone will correct the error)

U.S. Army Service Uniform

There are many frequently asked questions about the transition to the new uniform.  The Army has done a good job of consolidating them here.

A few interesting facts:

o The Green Class A is the only authorized uniform for DA Photos until 4th Quarter FY ’09 (a year from now)

o There are three different variations of the ACU (camoflague uniform): Ceremonial, Garrison, and Utility/Field

o  Prices are not currently set for the new uniform.  However, it’s estimated to cost between $200-400.  I previously suggested that the Army should give a uniform voucher to Majors to help with retention.

The uniform debate has generated many spirited and funny blog posts/comments.  Look at few here, here, and here.

It’s good to know that Soldier’s input was considered in the decision.  In ten years, half the Army will have never even worn the current Green Class A’s and we will still be fighting and winning the Nation’s wars.  Change is a good.  I look forward to wearing the new uniform proudly.  Army Strong!

A Major concern for the Army

A recent Washington Post article discussed the current shortage of Majors in the Army.  I thought the article was well written and provided good context about the impact of deployments and the expansion of the Army.

Major Insignia

According to the article:

Majors plan and direct day-to-day military operations for Army battalions, the units primarily responsible for waging the counterinsurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout the Army, majors fill key roles as senior staff members, putting together war plans, managing personnel and coordinating logistics.

I’d say that’s an accurate overview.  Though the shortage hurts, we are still fighting and winning wars across the globe.

In general, those of us who continue to serve understand that we aren’t going to get rich in the military.  However, in many of my private discussions my friends agree that a few minor incentives/signs of appreciation would be welcome.  Here are a few ideas:

• Provide an annual $1,000 “bonus” for all active duty Majors–incl. mobilized reservists (Total cost to Army…less than the price of 100 Toyota Prius)
• Extend Tuition Assistance benefits to immediate family members if the Soldier doesn’t want to utilize the benefits due to deployments (Total cost to Army…probably less than the price of a $250K Uparmored HMMWV)
• Allow officers to select duty station of choice for current -or- future assignment (Total cost to Army…”free” someone’s got to fill the slot)
• Really encourage Senior Leaders (Generals and Colonels) to mentor Majors…some do this really well, some aren’t as engaging.  I suspect that if there were more instances of Senior Leaders having the “How’s your day Major? Where do you see your career going? blah, blah, blah” conversation than many Major’s would simply “feel better.” (Total cost to Army…”free”)
• Utilize technology to enhance the assignments process (Think: match. com) e.g…A Major fills out a profile of his “desired assignment type, location, duration, family, etc…” that information goes into a computer with an algorithm that spits out potential assignment options.  Through a Social Networking tool, the Major can now contact the Major who currently fills the potential assignment to ask specific questions “How are the schools? Do you like your boss? When will your unit deploy? What are the recreation options? Do you use X,Y,Z equipment?”  All along the way the assignment officer can monitor the conversation and establish report dates based on what works best for the officers–because they will have real-time information.  (Total cost to Army…undetermined; however, the Social Networking technology already exists…just need the “match” feature)
• Give Majors a free uniform voucher to replace the Green Class A’s.  This is a win-win for the Army because leaders should be the first in the new uniforms and the Majors would appreciate the vouchers. (Total cost to Army would be less than 100 Smart Fortwo!!!)

Let’s hear your opinions…So what do you think?  Should Army Majors simply serve for pride and commitment to duty?  Are the incentives I discussed feasible?  Why do you think the Army is slower than the Navy to embrace incentives? (I have a college classmate who has received $122,000 in bonuses during his Naval career as a Surface Warfare Officer—he’s never been shot at!)