The Army & Air Force Exchange Service announced this month that all soldiers and airmen in the Reserve and National Guard are authorized to buy uniforms online, regardless of their active status or rank.
In an email from AAFES spokesman Chris Ward, customers with temporary authorization to purchase uniforms and other items have been directed to the nearest brick-and-mortar military clothing location. Soldiers can also purchase new Operational Camouflage Patterns online, but airmen won’t be able to do so until December.
Ward also stated that exchange-operated military clothing stores – the only source for government-certified, authentic uniforms – are owned by various service branches and subject to separate wear and purchase restrictions.
“Each branch of service provides funding to establish and operate MCS facilities to service their active duty personnel, but Guard and Reserve personnel may shop at those facilities while they are on active-duty status” Ward said.
Reservists who are currently enlisted will be issued two sets of OCPs around December or January and four sets by the mandatory date in April 2021, according to Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Schester, an Air Force Reserve Company spokesman.
Online uniform sales will greatly benefit airmen who live far away from bases where they drill. That way, service members will be able to have their uniform delivered to their homes or pick them up at their drill locations.
