Fort Knox first to issue Army’s new World War II-style uniforms

By Eric PilgrimJuly 13, 2020

Fort Knox first to issue Army’s new World War II-style uniforms
A Fort Knox AAFES employee checks the fit of a recruiter’s Army Green Service Uniform coat prior to the Army issuing it to him, July 8, 2020, Fort Knox, Ky. The recruiting students, who are about to graduate from the Army Recruiter Course at the installation, are some of the first to receive the World War II-style uniforms. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT KNOX, Ky. — A line formed inside the Fort Knox Military Clothing Sales store July 8 as several recruiting students anticipated being the first to be issued the Army’s newest uniform — the Army Green Service Uniform.

Considered a nostalgic nod to the greatest generation — who fought in World War II — the green and beige uniform has caused strong reactions in civilians and Soldiers alike.

A Fort Knox, Kentucky, AAFES employee measures the chest of a U.S. Army Soldier to determine the right size coat for him during a mass issuing of the Army Green Service Uniform to recruiting students July 8, 2020. About half of 70 students set to graduate soon receive their uniforms during the event, with the other half receiving their uniforms the next day.
A Fort Knox, Kentucky, AAFES employee measures the chest of a U.S. Army Soldier to determine the right size coat for him during a mass issuing of the Army Green Service Uniform to recruiting students July 8, 2020. About half of 70 students set to graduate soon receive their uniforms during the event, with the other half receiving their uniforms the next day. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim) VIEW ORIGINAL

“This is kind of cool, especially for these students, because they’re going to be the face of the Army when they go out there,” said Sgt. 1st Class Wesley Wills, career recruiter and Army Recruiter Course instructor. “To put them in the new uniform makes sense to me because they’re going to be engaging the public. It’s going to be good for the Army.”

In Week 4 of the six-week recruiter course, the 70 Soldiers attending were divided into two groups so Army & Air Force Exchange Service personnel could effectively issue all pieces of the uniform set. The set issued to the recruiters includes a service coat, two pairs of pants, a long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirt each, a pair of shoes, socks, tie, belt, gloves and the distinctive cap.

“This uniform goes back to our historical identity,” said Wills. “When I was out recruiting and wore the Army Service Uniform, a lot of times I was asked if I was in the Air Force. Whereas, I believe these are a little truer to who we are.”

A recruiting student from the Fort Knox, Kentucky, Army Recruiter Course tries on a pair of brown shoes as part of the new anticipated Army Green Service Uniform, similar to the World War II-style uniforms worn by Soldiers during that time period.
A recruiting student from the Fort Knox, Kentucky, Army Recruiter Course tries on a pair of brown shoes as part of the new anticipated Army Green Service Uniform, similar to the World War II-style uniforms worn by Soldiers during that time period. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim) VIEW ORIGINAL

Already a recruiter in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Sgt. Rochelle Walsingham said she was excited to be part of the class that gets the uniform. She noted some differences from other uniforms.

“It’s a little heavier than the other ones. The jacket’s a lot heavier and more durable than other jackets are,” she said. “But the AGSUs are more form-fitting for the females. That was a big problem for the ASU for the females. These actually fit more to your form, and we were told you are able to take them out more or bring them in more, so it helps a lot.”

She said when her unit found out she would be one of the first to get issued the new uniforms, they wanted her to take some pictures.

“They’re very jealous,” said Walsingham. “They said, ‘What?!? You already get yours?’ I said, ‘Yeah, and I don’t have to pay for it.’”

Uniforms will go on sale to other Soldiers who want to buy them beginning July 10. Drill sergeants are expected to be the next group to receive the uniforms, and new recruits are expected to be issued the uniforms in the fall. AAFES officials say other installations will begin receiving them shortly afterward.

Fort Knox first to issue Army’s new World War II-style uniforms
A female Soldier attending the Army Recruiter Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, has her pants hem measured by a seamstress after receiving the Army Green Service Uniform from the installation’s Military Clothing Sales store July 8, 2020. The uniform went on sale to all Soldiers there July 10. (Photo Credit: Eric Pilgrim, Fort Knox News) VIEW ORIGINAL

Emmanuel Belt, the Fort Knox Military Clothing Sales store manager, said they found out in April that Fort Knox would become the first to receive the uniforms. Excitement at the installation has been building since.

“I’m really surprised at how much enthusiasm there is with this uniform,” said Belt. “I thought people wouldn’t want to spend any more money on uniforms, but they all really want this uniform. And it looks great, too.”

For more photos, visit the Fort Knox FLICKR ALBUM HERE.

Related Links

Army.mil: Worldwide News

Army.mil: Fort Knox