Silouet of Army Woman and Man Saluting in Dress Greens
Frequently Asked Questions
Army Green Service Uniform
The Army Green Service Uniform was inspired and based off the uniform worn by America's "Greatest Generation" as they won World War II. Now, America's next greatest generation will wear a modern version of this uniform as they develop into the smart, thoughtful, innovative leaders of character outlined in the Army Vision.
This uniform is one of the most admired and recognizable uniforms in the Army's history. It was worn by Soldiers during World War II and the Korean War. The reintroduction of this uniform is meant to inspire trust and confidence in our Soldiers' professionalism and readiness.
An all-female Army Uniform Board determined that aside from some very minor fit type differences, the issue male and female AGSU are essentially the same. Female Soldiers will, however, have additional skirt and shoe choices as optional items.
The Army is currently the only service that does not have a uniform for everyday business environments. The Green uniform will be the everyday service uniform for all Soldiers and the current Army Service Uniform (ASU) will serve for occasions requiring more formal dress. Currently, the Army and Air Force each have one dress uniform, the Marine Corps has two dress uniforms, and the Navy has three dress uniforms.
Headquarters, Department of the Army directed PEO Soldier to identify service uniform options more appropriate for a business environment. Surveys and polling data indicated strong, force-wide support for the AGSU. The Army is currently the only Service without a uniform for everyday business environments. The AGSU sets a more appropriate standard for professionalism in an office setting than the Army Service Uniform or the Army Combat Uniform.
The uniform will be cost-neutral for enlisted Soldiers. The quality of the uniform is also expected to increase the life expectancy of the garment (six years). All active component enlisted Soldiers will continue to receive the annual clothing allowance to offset the cost.
Implementation of the AGSU will be cost neutral to the Army. All active component Enlisted Soldiers will continue to receive the annual clothing allowance to offset the cost. Reserve component Soldiers will receive the AGSU through the current replacement in kind process. Once all Soldiers are in possession of the AGSU, the ASU will become an optional, ceremonial uniform.
This new uniform will have no additional cost for the American taxpayer or enlisted Soldiers. We are purchasing a higher quality uniform with a longer service life, and we are executing a longer phase-in period to remain cost neutral.
The current Army Service Uniform will revert to an optional, formal Army dress uniform.
Uniform recommendations were coordinated with Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve components. The Army Uniform Board, which included an all-female board for the female uniform, provided extensive feedback in designing the female AGSU. A limited user evaluation collected feedback from hundreds of Soldiers, allowing the Army to make enhancements to the uniform.
Army recruiters will receive the AGSU first. Drill Sergeants at the IET locations and Initial Entry Soldiers will begin to be issued the uniforms in 1QFY21. The IET locations will be Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Fielding will be rolled-out on a 'wave' approach to the four IET/OSUT Central Initial Issue Points (CIIPs) beginning with Fort Sill in 1FY21.
The Army is currently in Phase II of transitioning to the Army Green Service Uniform. During Phase II, the Army conducted a limited user evaluation to receive user feedback in order to drive product improvements to the uniform design.
The feedback from the Soldiers provided improvements for design features and fit of the items. Examples include a redesigned service cap, minor adjustments for slacks and trousers fit, and improvements to socks performance.
The uniform design was finalized in July of 2019. Soldier feedback during the early portion of Phase II was used to drive product improvements to the final design. The ongoing limited user evaluation is validating the final design.
Yes. The initial contract is based on a one-year supply. The Defense Logistics Agency is in the process of awarding sustainment contracts for the components of the AGSU.
Full production is underway and issuing to new Soldiers will commence during Phase III in 1QFY21.
The AGSU will be available to purchase in select AAFES stores beginning in 4QFY20.
The AGSU will be available on ShopMyExchange.com at the completion of the fielding wave plan, tentatively scheduled for spring 2021.
At the present time, we have two prime contractors, each with multiple subcontractors. The Defense Logistics Agency is currently awarding sustainment contracts for each component of the AGSU.
Mandatory possession for all Soldiers will be October 1st, 2027.
Initial Entry Training Reserve Component Soldiers will receive AGSU at the same time as the active component. Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Soldiers who receive a clothing and replacement allowance (CRA) will be able to use their CRA to purchase AGSU from AAFES. Army National Guard and Troop Program Unit Soldiers will begin receiving uniforms no later than 4QFY21.
This contract is flexible and designed to meet our first year Army requirements. Currently, the Army expects to order 133,000 uniforms.
Army & Air Force Exchange Service Military Clothing stores are the only authorized source for government-certified uniforms. Exchange Military Clothing Stores will carry all available bagged/issue items, as well as a broad selection of optional/commercial items.
ROTC Cadets will begin receiving the AGSU in the beginning of FY24. JROTC Cadets will continue to wear the ASU.
Fielding of the AGSU is expected to begin overseas in late 2020.
Army Combat Uniform
No. There is no requirement that the undershirt, belt, and boots must match. Each of these items may be either color.
The wear guidance for wear of the U.S. Flag is the same for all camouflage patterns of the Army Combat Uniform. AR 670-1, paragraph 19-18 states, "All Soldiers will wear the full-color U.S. flag embroidered insignia on utility and organizational uniforms, unless deployed or in a field environment. Soldiers will wear the subdued tactical flag insignia while deployed or in a field environment."
Yes, Soldiers are authorized to wear UCP cold weather gear with the OCP pattern uniform.
Yes. The ACU-Female is available in the OCP and will be stocked in all sizes at Army and Air Force Exchange Services Military Clothing Sales Stores. The sizes of the ACU-Female are designed to better fit the female body type. All Soldiers, male or female, have this option available to them in order to purchase the best fitting uniform for their frame.
Yes. Commanders may authorize the wear of the Mountain Combat Boots issued at RFI for wear with Operation Enduring Freedom-Camouflage Pattern and OCP. The Mountain Combat Boots will not be replaced once unserviceable. Soldiers are still required to obtain the required quantity of clothing bag boots that are in accordance with Department of the Army Pamphlet, or DA PAM, 670-1.
Yes. Soldiers are permitted to sew the name tape, U.S. Army tape, rank, and all authorized badges on all camouflage patterns of the combat uniform, Universal Camouflage Pattern, OEF-CP, and OCP. If worn, badges must be all sewn on or all pinned on; Soldiers are not authorized to mix sew-on badges with pin-on badges. When personnel sew on badges, the following must also be sewn on the combat uniform coat: name tape, U.S. Army tape, and grade insignia. If a nametape, U.S. Army tape or grade insignia is sewn on, then personnel must sew all three of these items on the uniform coat. This requirement does not apply to the patrol cap. If Soldiers choose to sew on U.S. Army name tape, rank or authorized skill badges, it will be at their own expense.
Installation commanders will determine temperature, wind chill, and extended duty time warranting wear of the cap in nonfield, nondeployed environments.
Army Fitness Uniform
No. Soldiers may carry authorized bags by hand, on one shoulder using a shoulder strap, or over both shoulders using both shoulder straps. Soldiers may not wear a shoulder bag in such a manner that the strap is draped diagonally across the body, with the bag resting on the hip opposite the shoulder holding the strap.
Without a final design decision or contract award, a final number is yet to be determined. However, the quality of the uniform is expected to increase the useful life of the garment. There will be no cost for new recruits as it will be part of their initial issue. Recruiters and drill sergeants will receive a voucher for supplemental issues. All Active Component (AC) enlisted Soldiers will receive the annual clothing allowance to offset the cost. Part of the cost of this uniform will be offset by extending the life of the ACU and ASU as Soldiers wear the pink and green uniform in business environments.
General Wear and Appearance
If Soldiers use dyes, tints, or bleaches, they must choose a natural hair color. Colors that detract from a professional military appearance are prohibited. Therefore, Soldiers must avoid using colors that result in an extreme appearance. Applied hair colors that are prohibited include, but are not limited to, purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright (fire-engine) red, and fluorescent or neon colors. It is the responsibility of leaders to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable, based upon the overall effect on a Soldier's appearance.
Long length hair may be worn in a pony tail during physical training. A single pony tail centered on the back of the head is authorized in physical fitness uniforms only when within the scope of physical training, except when considered a safety hazard. The pony tail is not required to be worn above the collar. Soldiers are only authorized to wear a pony tail within the scope of physical training. Merely wearing the APFT Uniform in itself is not authorization to wear a pony tail.
For more questions regarding uniform policy, contact Army G-1.
Personal pride for all soldiers
The Army is a profession. By wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army, Soldiers follow the legacy of those who served before them. Our uniforms embody the professionalism and commitment to the Army Values - loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. The uniform is a symbol of honor and tradition, of esprit de corps and morale, and of personal excellence and pride.
Transition Timeline
PHASE I - DECISION
PHASE II - TESTING AND EVALUATION
November 2018 - May 2021
Phase II includes:
- Limited User Test 1: 200 uniforms to recruiters
- Limited User Test 2: 500 uniforms to recruiters
- Limited User Evaluation: 500 uniforms to Army Senior Leaders, Old Guard and Army Band
PHASE III - ROLL OUT
4th Quarter, FY20
Available for purchase in select Army and Air Force Exchange Service locations
1st Quarter, FY21
Begin roll out to Initial Entry Trainees at Brigade Combat Training/One Station Unit Training through the Central Initial Issue Points at select locations
2nd Quarter, FY21
Available for purchase at all AAFES locations
3rd Quarter, FY21
Reserve component Soldiers will begin receiving their AGSUs through the Replacement In Kind program
Oct. 1, 2027
All Soldiers are required to wear an AGSU. The Army Service Uniform (ASU) will become an optional, formal and ceremonial uniform.
Army Combat Uniform
Army Combat Uniform
COMPONENTS –
Patrol Cap
- Insignia on front, name on back
- Hairstyles must not interfere with proper wear of cap
Jacket
- Must be closed or zipped at all times
- Soldiers are not authorized to mix sew-on badges with pin-on badges
Rank Insignia
- SSI-current organization, rank, other authorized insignia and accouterment
- All Soldiers will wear the full-color U.S. flag (unless deployed)
Belt
- Sand Or Tan 499
- One electronic device allowed on Belt or Belt loop
Pants
- Tucked into top of boots or blouse
Boots
- Tan or coyote leather
- Soldiers must have 2 pairs Hot Weather (HW) and 1 pair temperate weather
Badges and tabs that are not listed on this site will be added as they become available.
Army Service Uniform
Army Service Uniform
MALE COMPONENTS –
BERET
- Black for standard issue
- Flash positioned over left eye, excess material draped to the right
TIE
- Black silk or satin
- Personnel may wear the tie in a Windsor, half-Windsor, or four-in-hand knot
BELT
PANTS
- Dark blue for general officers
- Light blue for other officers and enlisted personnel
SHOES
FEMALE COMPONENTS –
SERVICE CAP
- Blue, with insignia centered
- Hair should not be visible below the front brim of hat
NECK TAB
- Black dress neck tab
- Design of overlapping tabs forming an angle
SHIRT
- White, long or short sleeved
SKIRT
- Blue
- Trousers may be elected in lieu of the skirt
- Combat and Special Skill Badges
- Special Skill Tabs
- Marksmanship Badges
- Identification Badges
Badges and tabs that are not listed on this site will be added as they become available.
Army Physical Fitness Uniform
Army Physical Fitness Uniform
COMPONENTS –
HAT
- Black fleece
- Bottom edge may cover ears, but not eyebrows
SHIRT
- Black, short or long sleeve with "Army" in gold
JACKET
- Black and gold, with gold Army logo
- Sleeves must be kept down when worn as complete uniform
SHORTS
- Black, with "Army" in gold
- Plain black spandex may be worn underneath
PANTS
- Black, with gold Army logo
- Legs must be kept down on pants when worn as complete uniform
Design Based on Soldier Feedback
Through a series of surveys, town halls, and test periods, the Army solicited feedback from Soldiers about design features for the Army's new fitness uniform. This feedback not only determined the form, fit and function of the APFU, it also determined its look. The result is a more comfortable, modular PT uniform with some 34 improvements from the IPFU.
Key Improvements
- 1 Army colors
- 2 Streamlined fit and more size options for female Soldiers
- 3 Lighter, high-tech moisture wicking fabrics
- 4 Modular ensemble to mix and match pieces
- 5 Tagless labels
Army Physical Fitness Uniform
Mandatory Possession Date
October 1, 2017
View Detailed Transition Plan
Key Improvements
- Army colors
- Streamlined fit and more size options for female Soldiers
- Lighter, high-tech moisture wicking fabrics
- Modular ensemble to mix and match pieces
- Tagless labels
A special thanks to The Old Guard for providing the photos featured on this website.
For more questions regarding uniform policy, please contact the Army G-1.
Source: https://www.army.mil/uniforms/