National Guard Shopping FAQ

Answers for Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and Connecticut Guard customers shopping with First Due Goods LLC.

Is First Due Goods LLC officially endorsed by the National Guard?

No. First Due Goods LLC is an independent veteran-owned retailer and customization business. References to military branches and units describe product compatibility and intended customers; they do not imply official endorsement.

What color stitching is used on OCP tapes and rank?

Army OCP stitching is black. Air Force OCP stitching is spice brown. Products are separated by branch wherever possible. Confirm the branch shown in the product title before ordering.

What is the difference between hook-backed and sew-on tapes?

Hook-backed tapes attach to the loop fields already installed on compatible uniforms. Sew-on tapes are supplied without hook backing and require sewing. Do not select sew-on unless the garment and current uniform requirements permit it.

How do personalized name tapes work?

Enter the name exactly as it should be produced. Personalized Vanguard tapes are limited to 13 characters including spaces and punctuation and should be entered in capital letters. Supplier production is normally estimated at 7–10 business days before shipping. Personalized items cannot be returned or exchanged unless the finished item differs from the approved spelling or First Due Goods LLC made an error.

Will I receive a proof?

Custom work requiring First Due Goods LLC production must receive written approval before production. Approval confirms spelling, names, ranks, colors, placement, sizes, quantities, and department or unit information. Supplier-produced tapes may be confirmed from the exact text entered with the order.

Can First Due Goods sew tapes, rank, or patches onto my uniform?

In-house sewing and uniform setup options are being finalized. Contact First Due Goods LLC before ordering if you need installation so the garment, attachment method, placement, turnaround, and price can be confirmed.

How does Connecticut Guard member pricing work?

Verified Connecticut National Guard customers can qualify for Connecticut-specific member pricing or benefits. Public discounts are not applied to products restricted by manufacturer MAP policies. Eligible alternatives can include approved embroidery, customization, or other member benefits.

How do I request Connecticut verification?

Visit the Connecticut Guard Member Verification page. Do not email or upload Social Security numbers, military ID numbers, medical information, or photographs of both sides of an identification card.

Why are some products not discounted?

First Due Goods LLC follows manufacturer pricing rules. When MAP is provided and greater than zero, the public price uses MAP. Otherwise, MSRP is used. Restricted products may receive a compliant value-added benefit rather than a public price reduction.

Do you sell Connecticut unit patches?

Only products that can be positively matched to a current Connecticut unit and supported by an accurate supplier listing are published. Uncertain products remain unpublished. First Due Goods LLC does not add random state patches or ribbons to fill collections.

Do you carry ribbons?

No ribbons are included in the Guard shopping experience.

Can a unit or group place a coordinated order?

Yes. First Due Goods LLC can coordinate product selection, sizing, eligible customization, individual packaging, group pricing, and repeat ordering. Request a unit or group quote.

How are Vanguard items fulfilled?

Vanguard products may require supplier production or shipment to First Due Goods LLC before final fulfillment. Personalized and special-order items can take longer than stocked products. Estimated timing is shown or confirmed before production whenever possible.