Military May Be Going Back to Pink & Tan Uniforms

Frequently Asked Questions

Army Green Service Uniform

What is the new uniform's origin?

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.

Is this new uniform historically accurate?

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.

Will there be a difference between the men's and women's uniform?

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.

Why does the Army need a new uniform?

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.

Who suggested the change and why?

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.

How much will this new uniform cost the Soldier?

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.

How much will it cost to transition from the old dress blues to this uniform?

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.

What is the total cost to the Army?

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.

What is going to happen to the current Army Service Uniform?

The current Army Service Uniform will revert to an optional, formal Army dress uniform.

How was the uniform recommended? What has been the feedback you've received from Soldiers? Social media indicates both positive and negative feedback. Did the Army consider the negative feedback?

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.

Who will be receiving the AGSU initially during Phase III? How many uniforms will be delivered to Soldiers during Phase III? What is the order of the AGSU fielding to the Initial Entry Training locations?

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.

Why are only a few Soldiers receiving the new uniform?

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.

What were the results from the Soldiers that participated in the limited user evaluation?

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.

When will the Army Green Service Uniform be finalized?

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.

Will there be another contract award for the AGSU after the initial contract? If so, when will that be?

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.

What is Phase III for the Army Green Service Uniform?

Full production is underway and issuing to new Soldiers will commence during Phase III in 1QFY21.

When can current Soldiers purchase the Army Green Service Uniform?

The AGSU will be available to purchase in select AAFES stores beginning in 4QFY20.

Will the AGSU be available for online purchase?

The AGSU will be available on ShopMyExchange.com at the completion of the fielding wave plan, tentatively scheduled for spring 2021.

How many vendors did the Army select for uniform production?

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.

When is the mandatory possession for all Soldiers to have the AGSU?

Mandatory possession for all Soldiers will be October 1st, 2027.

When will Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers be fielded the AGSU?

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.

How many uniforms will be produced with the initial contract award?

This contract is flexible and designed to meet our first year Army requirements. Currently, the Army expects to order 133,000 uniforms.

Will all the AGSU components be available for purchase at the Military Clothes & Sales Stores during the initial rollout?

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.

When will ROTC and JROTC Cadets receive the AGSU?

ROTC Cadets will begin receiving the AGSU in the beginning of FY24. JROTC Cadets will continue to wear the ASU.

When can OCONUS Soldiers expect to see AGSU in AAFES Stores Overseas?

Fielding of the AGSU is expected to begin overseas in late 2020.

Army Combat Uniform

When wearing the Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, uniform, do my undershirt, belt, and boots have to match?

No. There is no requirement that the undershirt, belt, and boots must match. Each of these items may be either color.

Which U.S. Flag is worn on the OCP uniform?

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."

Can I wear my green fleece or Universal Camouflage Pattern cold weather gear with the OCP?

Yes, Soldiers are authorized to wear UCP cold weather gear with the OCP pattern uniform.

Is the Army Combat Uniform-Female available in the OCP also?

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.

I was issued Mountain Boots at Rapid Fielding Initiative. Are these authorized for wear with the OCP uniform?

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.

Am I allowed to sew my name tape, U.S. Army tape, rank, and badges on the OCP uniform?

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.

What time of year are Soldiers authorized to wear Fleece Caps with the Army Combat Uniform (ACU)?

Installation commanders will determine temperature, wind chill, and extended duty time warranting wear of the cap in nonfield, nondeployed environments.

Army Fitness Uniform

May I wear carry my gym bag draped across my body?

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.

How much will this new uniform cost the Soldier?

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

Are Soldiers authorized to dye their hair?

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.

Can female Soldiers wear a pony tail?

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.

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Green Prototype

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

combat uniform front shot

combat uniform side view

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

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.