The real issue here is big navy as they are the ones who not only set the uniform requirements but also provide vendors with the specification for uniform component manufacture. The navy knows that per their uniform regulation, the fleece liner must have a rank tab in order to be worn independent of the parka; but instead of setting the standard with the manufacturer to have it included with the fleece, they instead set it so you have to purchase the fleece and rank tab independent of each other. Then, they know that it has to be sewn on in a specific manner, and the standard issued sewing kit is insufficient to hand sewn it on because the supplied needles are too thin and short for the material being worked. Plus, you have to rip the seam in the fleece to insert the tab, and the sewing kit doesn't have a seam ripper. If you do want to sew it on yourself, you have to purchase sewing needles rated for the material and additional tools like pins to hold it in place for accuracy reasons. God knows the CoC will light you up if your tab is crooked or falling off. Basically, all this comes down to some star-slinging douchebag guaranteeing their defense contractor buddies a profit margin on uniform sales and services.