AROTC Uniforms

mariner116

5-Year Member
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Dec 17, 2009
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In follow-up to the question about NROTC uniforms...what uniforms are Army ROTC cadets issued?
 
I *think* I know what ACU means. (All climate uniform, right? The "digital camo?")

But, what are Class A and IPFUs? :scratch:

Sorry.

ACU = Army Combat Uniform

Class A = green jacket and trousers. I think current cadets may get the greens still as the ASU blue is not a requirement yet.

IPFU = pt uniform, to include running suit.
 
DougBetsy, like you, I had no idea what these terms were. I do thank ScoutPilot for the inforamtion and I was able to determine:

Class A is a dress uniform. I was surprised cadets get these.

IPFU is an exercise outfirm. It stands for "Improved Physical Fitness Uniform" and consists of shorts and t-shirts.

The ACU is the Army Combat Uniform and is the "digital" camo.

I expected the ACU and IPFU to be included. As mentioned, I was surprised a cadet gets a Class A uniform.


I *think* I know what ACU means. (All climate uniform, right? The "digital camo?")

But, what are Class A and IPFUs? :scratch:

Sorry.
 
There are some functions that ROTC students/cadets attend which require the wearing of the Class A ( green) uniform, that is why they are issued.

Also while on the topic of uniforms, it is perhaps wise if possible to go ahead and buy boots for the cadet prior to showing up for orientation. Although the student will be issued boots; it is nice to have a pair of boots already broken in for field training; especially if the student has "sensitive" feet or has never really worn boots before. I am thinking in terms of my daughter whose only boot experience is UGG boots.

We were able to purchase Belleville boots last month which she has been wearing some- generally with wool socks and zebra print running shorts; thats quite the fashion statement.

It might be worth a phone call to ROTC unit to ask what boots they issue and recommend. A small investment upfront might mean a great deal of difference in comfort level and quality of physical conditioning for the ROTC cadet. I believe there were several ongoing threads in the SA forums regarding footwear.
 
Most likely they'll be issued a version of the boot made by Belleville, Rocky, or Altama. The 790 is a good example.

If you wanna spend some coin, I recommend Altama Evospeed II or Rocky SV2. Buy them on the snug side if you have to choose.
 
House and Scout, thanks for the suggestions.

As far as class A uniforms, I thought I read somewhere that the Army had switched from green to blue dress uniforms.
 
House and Scout, thanks for the suggestions.

As far as class A uniforms, I thought I read somewhere that the Army had switched from green to blue dress uniforms.

It's an ongoing switch. The green class A can be worn through Sep 30, 2014.
 
In reading those links, they discuss what the outfits are and what is issued.

Does the Cadet get issued the socks and running sneakers? The sneakers states approved. Does that mean they issue them or are they given a list of what is approved?
 
In reading those links, they discuss what the outfits are and what is issued.

Does the Cadet get issued the socks and running sneakers? The sneakers states approved. Does that mean they issue them or are they given a list of what is approved?

It means the sneakers must be within uniform regulations, which are purposely vague. A specific brand is not required. They will not be issued. Just about any commercial running shoe is acceptable, though garish or excessively flashy designs are best avoided.
 
It means the sneakers must be within uniform regulations, which are purposely vague. A specific brand is not required. They will not be issued. Just about any commercial running shoe is acceptable, though garish or excessively flashy designs are best avoided.

Thank you. My son's new running shoes are Nike but they are "Gator blue". They work well for UF but probably not where ROTC is concerned. I will have him to go another pair and start working them in.
 
If you look at pictures from LDAC Graduation, some cadets have the green Class As, while others have the blue Class As. I think it depends on which battalion you are at, but I could be completely off.
 
If you look at pictures from LDAC Graduation, some cadets have the green Class As, while others have the blue Class As. I think it depends on which battalion you are at, but I could be completely off.

Possibly. You can also opt to buy the ASU.
 
What you're seeing on the SmugMug site is not LDAC graduation only. Some who graduate are being commissioned. Most officers (the smart ones, anyway) buy a new set of uniforms for their commissioning and AD careers. After 4 years of high quality college laundering and care, your greens will be long in the tooth and probably won't fit well (you aren't done growing). The people you see in ASUs bought theirs new, as it only became a wearable uniform in the past year, so they were not issued them as MS I cadets.
 
It's actually surprising to see the lack of branches on new lieutenants. I guess they're 2LTs of...nothing.
 
It's actually surprising to see the lack of branches on new lieutenants. I guess they're 2LTs of...nothing.
ROTC cadets schedule LDAC after their junior or MS III year. So they won't be commissioned until their graduation.

My take - if you miss (or wash out of ) LDAC after MS III year you go after MS IV. You can't commission until after LDAC and I don't *think* they put you in the pool for branch and post until after LDAC. Passing LDAC is a requirement for commissioning.
I could be wrong but I think they are basically a year behind. In other words, they don't have a job yet.
 
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