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Uniforms! Holy Cow! These puppies are expensive! (Bonus: Tax writeoff gouge)

robav8r

Well-Known Member
None
Contributor
Years ago, the three-star (can't recall his name at the moment) who was in charge of the source selection for digital camo uniforms was so haphazard at managing stakeholder expectations and the initiative's broader objectives that the customer requirements diverged, and we ended up with the rainbow we have today. Failure of a change management effort, if you ask me.

Sadly, while bundling the requirements' owners requirements would have been prudent for digital camo combat uniforms (and it wasn't achieved), OSD somehow managed to bundle everyone's requirements for the F-35... and in doing so pretty much hamstrung the aircraft's effectiveness forever. A recent article I read claims that the USMC F-35B's VTOL needs were the sole reason preventing the possibility of a 2nd engine (as seen in the F-4, F-14, F-15, F-18, F-117, F-22, B-1, B-2, ad nauseum) and curtailed its payload capacity.

So, DoD should have split the requirements for the 5th gen. strike fighter, and not for the uniforms. Instead, they did the opposite for both. Such is the mil.
Dude - why do you speak as if you have been in the military or in any capacity with DoD ???
 

jason0231

1835 USNR/IRR
I used to be a financial advisor in a previous career (many of my clients were military), and from that perspective, yes you can.

As was previously said, you can write them off if you itemize. In case anyone doesn't know what that means: Everybody who files gets a "standard deduction"...if you're single it's about $5,300 or so. The gov't does this because it knows everybody will have deductions, just not many will have more than $5,300 worth, so the govt gives everyone a little credit, reducing the number of itemizers each tax year.

Therefore, USNGRL, if you keep your receipts (as I certainly did) for all of your uniform purchases, let's call it $1,500, you could put that in the correct field in the itemized deductions tax form. To help you get to that magic $5,300 number (because, again, if you can't find deductions for more than that, it's not worth itemizing, but if you can, then you'll save yourself some cash), you can also deduct things from your federal tax bill like state and local tax, certain business expenses, certain education expenses. So, if you made enough money that your other taxes and other deductable expenses were $4,500, you would end up having a $6,000 itemized deduction, therefore, saving a little bit more on your tax bill than the normal $5,300 standard deduction.

I am not telling everyone to itemize on your taxes and in no way is this a recommendation for anyone, just a hypothetical scenario. Please contact a tax professional and/or financial advisor for advice on your SPECIFIC situation.

ALCON,

I put together an informal reference for Reservists to use at tax time. Let me know if you find this useful, I am working with my accountant buddies on an update for next April.

Jason
 

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ABMD

Bullets don't fly without Supply
ALCON,

I put together an informal reference for Reservists to use at tax time. Let me know if you find this useful, I am working with my accountant buddies on an update for next April.

Jason

Thank you Jason, I made sure to save all my receipts and have kept track of mileage for anything military related.
 

ChuckMK23

FERS and TSP contributor!
pilot
When to wear the uniform?

As a reservist, I'm trying to learn how to judge when to wear or not wear a uniform.

This Friday I've been invited to take my civilian bosses to the Blue Angels rehersal as a DoD "Thanks" to supportive employers. It's a civilian event, but a uniform is optional. Any opinions on this? Should I wear it?

Is there a general rule of thumb to follow?
You will get laid way more wearing your uniform. Its a fact. Enjoy it.
 

bryanteagle6

Well-Known Member
Revive the thread. Since the rocky s2v is authorized for coyote boots. Why isnt it authorized in black boots?

If you have coyote boots, can you wear coyote socks?
 

ABMD

Bullets don't fly without Supply
I don't think anyone is going to be looking at your socks. If you go to Newport, you'll see all the OCS candidates in TYPE III's wearing black rough-out boots (not the best look in my opinion). Stick with coyote if your command is OK with it.

Be sure to submit your reimbursement form for uniforms. Once you've completed DCOIC and usually 1 DWE you are eligible. $400 one time reimbursement. DM me for the form
 

bryanteagle6

Well-Known Member
I wear coyote boots and socks with my current unit (Army). I am hoping to not have to buy all new socks and boots. I am going to have to buy new boots since the Navy has a very small list of approved boots. Should I get steel toe?
 

Hair Warrior

Well-Known Member
Contributor
I wear coyote boots and socks with my current unit (Army). I am hoping to not have to buy all new socks and boots. I am going to have to buy new boots since the Navy has a very small list of approved boots. Should I get steel toe?
Since your boots are brown/tan, you can get away with using them. Plenty of sailors wear off-brand combat boots with their Type IIIs because they picked them up on a past deployment. No one questions them on it.
 

AllAmerican75

FUBIJAR
None
Contributor
Revive the thread. Since the rocky s2v is authorized for coyote boots. Why isnt it authorized in black boots? If you have coyote boots, can you wear coyote socks?

Dude, as an officer, ain't nobody going to be checking your socks. I actually used to wear the black, shinable leather S2Vs. They were comfortable but didn't breathe as well as the suede/cordura versions and the sole wears out quickly on non-skid. The best boots for sea duty were the flight deck boots even though they were like wearing two standard Navy stockless anchors tied to your feet.
 

bryanteagle6

Well-Known Member
Dude, as an officer, ain't nobody going to be checking your socks. I actually used to wear the black, shinable leather S2Vs. They were comfortable but didn't breathe as well as the suede/cordura versions and the sole wears out quickly on non-skid. The best boots for sea duty were the flight deck boots even though they were like wearing two standard Navy stockless anchors tied to your feet.


Thats funny!
Thanks for the guidance all. Based on this, im also going to slide by with my crap ton of coyote undershirts i already have. They are (army) coyote and 50/50, not 100% cotton.

If i ever get on a ship, ill make sure i have all of the proper fire safety clothes and boots for sure! Nobody wants to be messing with fire!
 

AllAmerican75

FUBIJAR
None
Contributor
If i ever get on a ship, ill make sure i have all of the proper fire safety clothes and boots for sure! Nobody wants to be messing with fire!

Honestly, as an intel bubba, if you're at the point where you're having to worry about your undershirt igniting, you're already pretty much fucked and are going to be walking away with severe burns, if you walk away at all. I wouldn't sweat the undershirts much.

A word to the wise: If you get the chance to hop on orders to Sixth Fleet for active training or just reservist orders, do it!
 

Birdbrain

Well-Known Member
pilot
I don't think anyone is going to be looking at your socks. If you go to Newport, you'll see all the OCS candidates in TYPE III's wearing black rough-out boots (not the best look in my opinion).
They do? That's new. Or did they just look like roughout because their DI found a thread :D
 

Spekkio

He bowls overhand.
Honestly, as an intel bubba, if you're at the point where you're having to worry about your undershirt igniting, you're already pretty much fucked and are going to be walking away with severe burns, if you walk away at all. I wouldn't sweat the undershirts much.

A word to the wise: If you get the chance to hop on orders to Sixth Fleet for active training or just reservist orders, do it!
The Navy has these things called Firefighting Ensembles (FFEs). It doesn't matter what you're wearing under those.

If you find yourself close enough to a fire that is so hot that your clothing will ignite while in your normal uniform, you are probably already dead.
 
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