Armed Forces MCSS - Army releases message announcing new service uniform - ASU
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Aug. 25, 2008) -- Out with the old, in with the blue. The Army has made it official; the green service uniform, which has defined the service since the mid-1950s, is on the outs.
In place of the green uniform will be a variation of the blue uniform, something many Soldiers already own. Official word on the new "Army Service Uniform," or ASU, was released Aug. 20 in a message to all Army activities. The message defines the wear policy and the "bridging" strategy for transition to the new uniform.
Click to view full image "It's a culmination of transformation efforts that started in 2004," said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston of the new ASU. "We had three 'Class A' style uniforms, all the same style jacket, with just a different color -- the policies on how we wore accoutrements on them were different. We asked the question -- if we wear one only, which would it be? And the blue uniform was the most popular of the three."
The new ASU coat, similar to the existing blue coat, will be made of a wrinkle-resistant material and will have a more "athletic" cut.
Other changes to the uniform include authorization of a combat service identification badge to recognize combat service, overseas service bars authorized on the jacket sleeve for both enlisted Soldiers and officers, the wear of distinctive unit insignia on the shoulder loops of the blue coat for enlisted Soldiers, authorizing paratroopers to wear the black jump boots with the blue ASU, and the decision to transition to a new short sleeve and long sleeve white shirt with shoulder loops.
It is also permissible for enlisted Soldiers to wear both overseas service bars and service stripes on the new blue ASU coat. Officers and Soldiers in the grade of corporal and above will additionally wear a gold braid on their slacks to indicate leadership roles.
"That is kind of a right of passage as you transition from being a (junior) enlisted soldier to a noncommissioned officer," Preston said of the gold braid.
New items for the ASU will be available in military clothing sales after July 2009.
Soldiers will be expected to possess the entire uniform by July 2014. The two key components of the uniform, the coat and slacks, are expected to cost around $140, with modifications bringing the total cost to $200. Enlisted Soldiers will receive an increase in their annual uniform allowance to help offset the cost of the uniform.
30 Aug 2008
Armed Forces MCSS™ - US Army Pre-Shaped Beret
Armed Forces MCSS™ - US Army Pre-Shaped Beret
This beret is pre-shaped, pre-shaven, pre-steamed and inspection ready. This beret complies with AR 670-1.
9 Sep 2008
Armed Forces MCSS™ - Customer Testimonials
Armed Forces MCSS™ - Customer Testimonials
"I want to publicly thank the personnel at Armed Forces MCSS for their utmost professionalism and skill in dealing with my multiple orders and several in store visits. I have already recommended your establishment to several Marines in my unit and my personal life. Keep up this level of customer service and I am sure you will obtain hundreds more of life long customers such as myself. Thank You! Semper Fi SGT Desmond A.De Leo, USMCR
The service is just that, actual service. I have found the staff to both be informative and reasonable. My shopping experience has been more than that of the typical retailer and consumer. It was personal. The selection, prices, and sales/ discounts make it a wholistic shopping experience."
From: SPC Fowlin of Jamaica, NY.
"Gentlemen, I would like to commend you all on doing an outstanding job. I had many reservations after reading some negative comments from some individuals. I am a MSgt and presently the leader of a HQ element heading to the AO. Your staff is the utmost in professional and the attention to detail you showed is second to few units I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I would ask you to keep my credit card number on file as I expect to purchase again if not in bulk, through IMPAC via my Logistics Personnel, then personally. I am looking forward to picking up my special order ABU Gortex in the two days you advised. I'm sorry for those individuals and hope their tenure of leadership leads them to the door! To all future purchasers read the Item and shipping description, ask simple questions and I'm sure you too will be a satisfied buyer! Thanks again for the Spec Ops Speed Sling and all the gear I picked up!!"
From: Eric Fosse of Baldwin, NY
"I have recently had a the great opportunity to meet with the staff at this MCSS. While in New York I made sure to stop by and check out this store. My brigade has done business with them and I receive newsletters that talks about how comprehensive they are to the wants and needs of service members. Well, let me tell you something, the staff at this location was five stars. Anything that I have seen in the papers or heard the buzz about, they had it! All the newest googles, ballistic sunglasses, bags, boots, gear, ptw weapons, and so much more. They had the new flame retardant clothing and a wide selection of optics for my weapon. When I first walked in,( I had to show my military I.D. to enter) I knew I was in soldiers heaven. WOW. This place has everything and more!!!!!! Take my advice, Armed Forces MCSS is the greatest store I have ever been to. I plan to keep shopping with them on their online catalog. Thanks for the good work and support. William Anthony, CSM"
From: William Anthony of Glencoe, IL
CPT Garcia, who is the CEO of this company runs a tight ship. All staff are of the highest integrity and concern. There seems to be junior and senior NCO's that voice abrasive comments concerning this contractor to the United States Federal Government. Why it is that individuals would want to create false and libel statments as servicmembers and not be supportive of fellow servicemembers? Once again, some people would rather be part of the problem than part of the solution! I have never had any problems with the Armed Forces MCSS. You have my word as a Comissioned Officer. "
From: COL Tom Shiebert of Carroll, OH
Armed Forces MCSS - ONE STOP SHOP"
From: LTC Derek Riggs of Chantilly, VA
"I ORDERED FOR MY SQUAD AND RECEIVED OUR ORDER WITHIN DAYS. WE HAD TO ADD ITEMS AND IT WAS NO PROBLEM. QUICK REPLIES AND I FOUND OUT ALL THE STAFF ARE MILITARY RESERVISTS. I RECOMMEND THE ARMED FORCES MCSS."
From: Charles Zimmer of Danevang, TX
"MCSS is # 1 !!!!!!"
From: MSgt John Parker of Crystal Springs, FL
"Just received my ABU's from the MCSS. I ordered them about two months ago and they are great. Take my advice and order from this vendor. They have everything you need. My Belleville boots are fantastic and I am so proud to wear this uniform. Feels good to be in the Air Force. Great service and great personnel over there. In case you need the info, it's www.armedforcesmcss.us "
From: TSgt D. Davis of Tampa, FL
"This store has a wonderfull service. I'm currently station at Fort Benning G.A, and any time I need some of the best gear, These people has it right at their store. I could call them at any time and within 3-5 days my gear gets to me without any problem. This store has the flexibility that allows me to shop online and have my gear rigth when I need it. Thanks guys for all your support. Keep up the good work and keep supplying our american heros with the best equipment ever. Hooah"
From: John Adams of Augusta, GA
Those of you who think this store is bad or a rip off or whatever you think are either to cheap to even be in NY or some kind of supply freaks. The store has knowledgeable staff and always top quality products and if you can't find it there you can ask them to order it for you. I shop a lot online from big supply dealers and find it a very unpleasant experience... You get your products late or broken or just the complete wrong product. What the crap! When you need a product now for an upcoming mission, You need the Armed Forces MCSS."
From: Alam Jamal of Ozone Park, NY
My recent visit to your store and I must say I really enjoy my shopping experience. You made me feel welcomed and treated me like a human being and not just a customer. Since I am in the Air Force I am recommending your store to alot of my Air Force personnel to shop at your store. Especially when you get the new ABU's in. Keep up the good work!!!!"
From: SrA. Trotman of Riverdale, MD
They have all the stuff you need and want. I am happy to shop there."
From: Cliff of New York, NY
"This place is fantastic. Not your regular post store. You can find all the new items you want. And to boot, they even have tailoring and dry cleaning services. I'm glad that they are there. Keep on rolling armed forces mcss!!!"
From: Darnell of New York, NY
I would like to congratulate the mcss in jamaica for a fine job. I have only twice(and on post) seen any clothing sales store like this. There's excellent service and knowledge with px pricing. I also like the fact that civis are not allowed to shop there. Keep up the good work."
From: George of Brooklyn, NY
I ordered a pair of belleville boots and a spec-ops over amor vest and received both items within 3 days. Their prices were less than the rest of those guys. When i'm in NYC I plan to visit this clothing sales store. I also read the newsletter and applaud the staff. FYI for the bosses- there's a jerk posting bad info on your store. I checked the dla site before I bought from you and I know your legite. Keep up the good work and thank you. "
From: David of Dayton, OH
I have been to about 12 different states and 7 countries worldwide and i have not seen one store like this. NOT EVEN ON BASE! they have more stuff here than most MCSS on base. i live here in NY so it's easy for me to get there and i don't have to worry about the 2 hour drive to get to hamilton. i see the other 2 people agree with me on this =]... i was just there on friday and these guys are AHEAD OF THE GAME with the new air force boot, the CAG 1 gloves by wiley x, but those r just a couple of things that stuck in my mind... these guys know everything about everything in their store. theyre professionals. It just feels nice to be around people that are just like me. need i say more? oh and i read the complaint reports from complaintsboard and my3cents... it's from all the same guy... some sergeant over in OHIO (who's never been there, by the way) got his panties in a bun, so to speak... dont even listen to em"
From: Msgt Brian Hutchinson of Whitestone, NY
Cart is empty