Almost a year ago, the U.S. Army officially retired the pixilated Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) uniform that was first introduced in 2004. The UCP never lived up to the promise that it would be ideal for all terrain – and some critics even argued that the only “universal” aspect was that it failed to blend into any surroundings.
By 2010, the Army began to look for alternatives and spent five years testing the current Operational Camouflage pattern (OCP). As of Oct. 1 of last year, the Army required all soldiers to possess and wear the OCP. That was the latest transition in camouflage that goes back more than a century.Now, a similar transition is taking place with the Army Service Uniform (ASU), which is worn by Army personnel in situations where business dress is required. The ASU can be worn at most public and official functions and is essentially comparable to civilian business attire.
Army Uniforms: Where Everything Old is New Again
The Army Green Service Uniform is set to be part of every new soldier’s wardrobe beginning next year.If it seems familiar, that is because it is modeled on the Army’s iconic World War-era “pinks and greens,” which include pinkish-brown trousers and dark olive jackets.
John Adams-Graf, author of Warman’s World War II Collectibles told ClearanceJobs,“The (re-)adoption of the pink and green uniform is move of positive branding.The Army recognized the nostalgic value of the iconic pink and green uniforms — after all, it was the uniform of an Army that helped save the world from fascism.”
Shades of Green Over the Years
In the mid-1950s the Army introduced a new, all-ranks, “Class A” Army Green shade 44 service uniform, and while blue was originally considered as it was the color of American uniforms going back to the Continental Army, it was determined that it would have been difficult to distinguish it from the U.S. Air Force’s and U.S. Navy’s service uniforms.
A tan summer uniform was also used in the early stages of the Cold War but was dropped by the mid-1960s. The tan uniform was relegated to a “Class B” short-sleeve shirt without tie and remained in use until the 1980s.In 2006, the Army Chief of Staff announced that a new version of the dress blue uniform would be adopted and worn by all ranks. It was meant to combine the ceremonial, dress, and service uniforms. The uniform made its debut at the 2007 State of the Union Address, when Chief of Staff General Peter Schoomaker wore it. Three years later, it was issued to all soldiers in the Army.
And Now We’reBack in the Greens
Now, about a decade after adopting the blue uniform, the Army has opted to reverse course and go with the Army Green Service Uniform.
“The Army is currently the only service that does not have a uniform for everyday business environments,” stated Lt. Col. Jonathan Allen, product manager for soldier clothing and individual equipment.Allen added that the green service uniform “sets a more appropriate standard for professionalism in an office setting than the [Army Service Uniform] or the Army Combat Uniform.”
In addition, the new uniform will be “cost-neutral” to enlisted soldiers, and would not come at an added cost to U.S. taxpayers. The Army Blue Service Uniform will not be fully retired. Instead, it will return to its former use as a formal dress uniform. The uniforms were originally to be fielded to soldiers reporting to their first units this summer, but as with much in the world there have been delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Army Plans to Phase in the Uniforms
To date, the Army has issued the service green uniforms to select senior leaders, the Army Band, recruiters, and drill sergeants for their respective feedback on the retro-style uniform. Soldiers attending the Army’s Recruiting and Retention College atFort Knox, KY received their Army Greens last month in an effort to ensure all recruiters are issued the uniform starting in November. All recruiters should be issued the uniform by April of next year. Recruiters and drill sergeants have been a priority because they serve as the face of the Army.
Fort Sill, OK, will be the first training location to issue the uniform, shortly followed by Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Fort Benning, GA; and Fort Jackson, SC.Soldiers already in service will not need to rush out and acquire the Army Green Service Uniform either. Troops will have until Oct. 1, 2027 to acquire their own service greens.
FAQs
The Army Greens will be fielded to Soldiers reporting to their first units as early as the summer of 2020. The mandatory wear date for all Soldiers will be 2028. The new uniform will come at no additional cost to the American taxpayer. It will be made in the USA.
Will the Army get new uniforms? ›
The Army Greens will be fielded to Soldiers reporting to their first units as early as the summer of 2020. The mandatory wear date for all Soldiers will be 2028. The new uniform will come at no additional cost to the American taxpayer. It will be made in the USA.
When did Army switch to new uniforms? ›
Service uniform
The uniform became available to soldiers in mid-2020. From 2010 to 2020, a blue uniform, known as the Army Blue Service Uniform, was used as the daily wear service uniform.
Is the Army getting rid of dress blues? ›
By early 2021, the uniform became available for purchase at all Army and Air Force Exchange Service locations, with soldiers required to purchase them by October 1, 2027. The Army Blue Service Uniform returns to its former use as a formal dress uniform.
Can retirees wear the new Army uniform? ›
Yes. Retirees can wear the uniform on appropriate occasions.
What are the new military uniforms for 2024? ›
More Navy crews are expected to receive the two-piece, flame retardant uniform in 2024 that the service calls the “primary at-sea” uniform option, according to Navy officials.
What is the new Army uniform 2025? ›
Soldier 2025 is a United States Army research and development project to create an advanced, high-tech combat uniform for U.S. infantry soldiers. The features of this outfit include nanotechnology, built-in sensors, and physical augmentations.
What happens to old Army uniforms? ›
There are so many military outlets that you should have no issue selling your old uniforms. They might even give you top dollar for them if they are in good condition, as you know they will be. ROTC suppliers might be another good resource. Most military posts will gladly take your old uniforms and pay a handsome sum.
What is the current Army uniform called? ›
The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) is the current combat uniform worn by the United States Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Space Force.
Who wants old Army uniforms? ›
Thrift shops and surplus stores near military bases are happy to get donations of ACUs — the camouflage Army combat uniforms that used to be known as BDUs (battle dress uniforms).
Retired officers and enlisted personnel, who are not on active duty, may wear the uniform, insignia, and qualifications corresponding to the rank or rating indicated on the retired list. a. Retired personnel may wear uniforms at ceremonies or official functions when the dignity of the occasion and good taste dictate.
Can you wear Army dress blues to a civilian funeral? ›
When it comes to wearing a military uniform to a funeral, both active duty and retired service members are allowed to do so. However, it is crucial to ensure that the uniform is clean, pressed, and worn correctly, out of respect for the ceremony and the deceased.
Can you wear your Army uniform off duty? ›
The Combat Uniform and Service Uniform may be worn during travel between domicile and official duty locations and additional visits to off-post establishments such as restaurants and cafes, markets and shops, vehicle maintenance facilities, gas stations, drugstores, medical facilities, barbershops, and similar ...
Is it OK to wear old military clothing as a civilian? ›
As a civilian protected by the First Amendment, you are not subject to any kind of action for wearing a military uniform, or elements thereof, in public. I see lots of people wearing (old) BDU pants, or jungle boots, or black leather basic issue boots commonly. Also, BDU blouses with jeans or other clothing components.
Is it illegal to wear military uniform as a civilian? ›
If you have never served in the armed forces, you are prohibited by the United States government from wearing the uniform of the Air Force, Army, Navy, or Marines. You are also prohibited from wearing a uniform that is similar to that worn by the armed forces in any public place or in public view.
Should I keep old military uniforms? ›
Remember to keep a set because someday a relative or a friend might ask about old military uniforms and it will be a good thing to have at least one set to be shown off and kept as a memento of military service.
Is the Army service uniform going away? ›
The official wear out date is October 2027. By then, everyone will need to have the AGSU. But the ASU (blue) will be retained as a formal or ceremonial uniform at this time. It could change in the future.
Do Army soldiers buy their own uniforms? ›
CLOTHING — INITIAL ISSUE
Officers get a one-time payment of $400 after commissioning to buy uniforms and insignia. Enlisted members get an initial-issue allowance for uniforms, shoes, boots and insignia when they come on active duty.
Do Army soldiers get to keep their uniforms? ›
All other uniforms and uniform parts remain the property of the armed forces. You are allowed to wear one uniform home. You may continue wearing your uniform for up to three months after your honorable discharge.
Can I keep my military uniform? ›
A person who is discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may wear his uniform while going from the place of discharge to his home, within three months after his discharge.
