AROTC Commissioning- Cadet Assistance For AGSU's?

S

SRC

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Hello, I have a question regarding the Army AGSU's. My son has been on a 4-year scholarship and will be commissioning this May. He is graduating with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He is going active duty and will be off to iBOLC in June. We are extremely proud of him. It has been an amazing challenging and expensive journey despite the scholarship award. With that in mind, he recently had to purchase his set of AGSU's for the ceremony, and his dad and I were stunned at the $1200.00 price tag that we had to pay. Seeing that most of these graduates who are entering BOLC have had no income other than the scholarship stipend, is there going to be any reimbursement or uniform allowance provided to them as officers? It just seems odd to me that as these cadets transition to officers, they are immediately hit with such a large ticket item they are expected to pay for out of their own pockets (or their parents) without any compensation or aid. Am I missing something? I'm hoping someone can enlighten me regarding this and/or future allowances once he is on active duty in June. Thank you for your help. This forum has been invaluable to me throughout the last 5 years. Thank you again.
SRC- Proud Army Mom
 
There is a uniform allowance but it's not close to $1200. I think $1200 is overpaying, btw. After the initial allowance officers have to buy thier own uniforms with few exceptions the rest of the career.
 
He will be paid an initial clothing allowance when he gets to Active Duty in a status other than training. It's generally a one time payment for officers unless they have a job that requires 'special' uniforms.

Did he consider taking a career starter loan from USAA or Navy Federal? It's these type of expenses that the loan is intended to cover.
 
Thank you for the information so far. My son ordered from Marlow White so I think that's why it was more expensive than normal. As for the starter loan, he had mentioned that to me as well. I've shied away from the idea because his dad and I were so concerned about him not having debt after he leaves school. Frankly, that was a huge factor for going out for the scholarship and I'd hate to have him start his career with loan repayments. I welcome any further thoughts and further information. Thank you.
 
SRC said:
Thank you for the information so far. My son ordered from Marlow White so I think that's why it was more expensive than normal. As for the starter loan, he had mentioned that to me as well. I've shied away from the idea because his dad and I were so concerned about him not having debt after he leaves school. Frankly, that was a huge factor for going out for the scholarship and I'd hate to have him start his career with loan repayments. I welcome any further thoughts and further information. Thank you.
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The transition to Active Duty or even a civilian first job is expensive. The interest rate on that loan is about 2.99% for ROTC, and first payment can be deferred until 6 months after commissioning. He doesn't have to take out the full amount. The rate and payment terms are better than him putting it on a credit card with payment minimums. Start considering the other expenses he will have possibly before he gets his first paycheck. Deposit and first months rent for an apartment, some travel costs, furniture and basics for that first apartment, food, ... for example.

Looking at the Marlow White website he likely chose quite a few uniform options like additional shirts, service cap, .... to get to $1200. He won't see any of those $ back until at least 90 days after getting to his first assignment after training.

Uniforms are expensive over a career and officers only get that initial uniform allowance. USAA and I'm sure NFCU have an interactive worksheet for understanding upcoming expenses and establishing a budget. Send him the link. https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/advice-military-pre-commissioning-expense-worksheet

You've got this.
 
I see uniform options at other websites and even on Amazon. Is there a cheaper option than Marlowe and White? My DS is a MS2 and just need for the dinner/formal events while in school and can choose either ASU or AGSU. How do you know which options besides Marlowe and White are acceptable.
 
gooseblitz said:
I see uniform options at other websites and even on Amazon. Is there a cheaper option than Marlowe and White? My DS is a MS2 and just need for the dinner/formal events while in school and can choose either ASU or AGSU. How do you know which options besides Marlowe and White are acceptable.
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The least expensive option for rotc school events is to use the ASU issued by the unit until just prior to commissioning. Cobble something together from what they have.

The cadet uniform is different than the officer uniform so be cautious about purchasing a cadet uniform then having to alter it for commissioning. As a cadet and officer years ago I wouldn't recommend this.

The AGSU will be a mandatory uniform for officers Oct 1 2027... not for rotc cadets unless issued.

When preparing to commission the least expensive legitimate place for purchase is Clothing and Sales on an Army installation but you are limited to the sizes they have at the time and might have to get it altered. If in one of the locations Marlow White does fittings, though more expensive, it is generally better fabric and fit.
 
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Career starter loans are a necessity that nearly every newly minted Second Lieutenant and Ensign lives with.

Mine went to purchase all of my USMC uniforms since I couldn’t wear anything from USNA after graduation.

Very common and many banks usually avail themselves to Midshipmen and Cadets from all commissioning programs.
 
If buying at an army clothing and sales, the military has a free credit card called MILSTAR. it has pretty good perks and no interest on military uniforms for 1 year.
 
Sometimes, schools have veteran's associations that help pay for part of the cost of uniforms for a student about to commission. Ours paid for ENS or 2ndLt rank insignia for us.
 
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