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Army Uniform &
Appearance Standards

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 professional appearance and adherence to standards embodies the professionalism and commitment to the Army Values — loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. A Soldier’s professional appearance in uniform is in itself a symbol of honor and tradition, of esprit de corps and morale, and of personal excellence and pride.

The Army continuously reviews its appearance and grooming standards to maintain a uniform, disciplined and ready force. We remain committed to supporting the health and welfare of our Soldiers while upholding established standards.

U.S. ARMY UNIFORMS AND GROOMING GUIDE

Additional Guides

Visit the sites below to learn more about U.S. Army hierarchy, norms and procedures.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Army Green Service Uniform

  • As per AR 670-1-3, para 5-1:
    (1) AGSU Class A. All components are worn, approved for evening and formal wear.
    (2) AGSU Class B. The coat is not worn; option of wearing insignia and accoutrements. The necktie is optional if the short-sleeve shirt is worn.
    (3) AGSU Tropical Dress Variation (Class B with ribbons). Equivalent Class A for hot weather.
  • As per AR 670-1-3, para 7-7, "Officers will wear the nonsubdued pin-on grade insignia, NCO’s wear the shoulder marks, while Enlisted wear their nonsubdued grade insignia on the collar"
  • As per AR 670-1-5, para 2-13, "No, they are an optional wear item".
    (1) The stockings are a one-time cash allowance as part of the initial clothing bag allowance.
    (2) The stockings must be sheer or semi-sheer without seams and of tones complementary to the wearer’s skin tone and to the uniform. No patterned or pastel stockings are authorized while in uniform.
    (3) Stockings may be worn with the ASU and dress variation, AGSU and dress variation, dress, and mess uniforms.
  • As per AR 670-1-3, para 5-3, "On the AGSU Class A when two (or more) badges are authorized for wear, they are placed in orders of precedence (see AR 670-1-6) from the wearer’s right (highest) to left (lowest). Only one badge may be worn on each pocket. ID badges are worn centered on the pocket of the coat. The badge is centered between the bottom of the pocket flap and the bottom of the pocket and centered from left to right. ID badges are not worn on the AGSU Tropical Dress Variation or Class B."
  • As per AR 670-1-3, para 5-3 "No, miniature badges and miniature metal tab replicas are not authorized for wear on the AGSU"
  • As per AR 670-1-3, para 5-3 "Two badges are worn equally spaced on the left breast pocket flap from left to right with the upper portion of the badges approximately 1/8 inch below the top of the pocket with at least 1 inch between badges."
  • AR 670-1-3, appendix B, "The current Army Service Uniform has a wear out date of 30 September 2027. AR 670-1-3, Appendix B, Mandatory possession for all Soldiers will be October 1st, 2027."
  • As per AR 670-1-3, para 7-7, "The Ike Jacket and ribbons will be worn in the same manner as the AGSU tropical dress variation (6-ribbons / 2 rows). Combat and special skill badges and tabs will be worn on the Ike jacket in the same manner as the AGSU Class A. Only one identification badge may be worn per side or pocket of the Ike Jacket. Unit awards and foreign badges are not worn on the Ike jacket."
  • As per AR 670-1-3, para 7-7, "The Ike jacket is a variation of the Class B and is not worn in formations or at formal functions where the wear of the Class A jacket is expected, unless authorized by the commander."




Army Combat Uniform

  • As per AR 670-1-2, para 2-1, The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and the improved hot weather combat uniform (IHWCU) in the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) is a daily work, utility, and field uniform
  • As per AR 670-1-2, para 2-5, " The U.S. flag insignia is not sewn on utility uniforms. The U.S. flag insignia (full-color or tactical) is worn on the right shoulder pocket flap of utility uniforms. The flag insignia is worn on the upper most portion of the hook -and-loop pad with the top of the insignia at the top of the pad. The tactical flag insignia is worn when directed by the commander under tactical field conditions. The full-color U.S. flag or tactical flag embroidered insignia is worn so that the star field faces forward or to the flag’s own right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer’s right and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward."
  • As per AR 670-1-2, para 2-5, "The full-color Sholder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) may be worn only when authorized by the commander. Full-sized, full-color embroidered special skill tabs (such as Special Forces, Ranger, Sapper, and President’s Hundred) may also be worn with the full-color SSI. The full-color SSI-MOHC may also be worn only when authorized by the commander."
  • As per AR 670-1-2, para 2-4 "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. 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."
  • As per AR 670-1-2, para 9-4, "The fleece cap is worn with the APFU or the combat uniform, as prescribed by the commander."




Grooming

  • As per AR 670-1-1, para 2-2, "Female Soldiers are authorized to wear their hair in a single braided or a single unbraided ponytail while in the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) or the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU). Hair must be neatly fastened and secured in a single ponytail. The bulk of the ponytail must not exceed the width of the head. The ponytail length must not exceed 6 inches from the top of the collar. The minimum length is at least 1 inch, measured from the base of the ponytail holder. The ponytail will be centered at the back of the head and positioned horizontally in line with the top of the ears when viewed from the side."
  • As per AR 670-1-1, para 2-2, "Certain hairstyles are prohibited when wearing a military uniform. This includes any hairstyles that distort the fit of prescribed headgear, interfere with the proper use of protective equipment, or create any health or safety hazards. These restrictions apply regardless of whether the headgear is being worn at the time. Headgear will fit snugly and comfortably without bulging or distorting its intended shape. There will be no excessive gaps between the headgear and the head. Soldiers will not wear oversized headgear to fit bulky or protruding hairstyles."
  • As per AR 670-1-1, para 2-2, "Hair color must present a professional and natural appearance (defined as any shade of hair that grows from a human scalp without artificial coloring). Only natural shades of hair coloring are authorized, and must be applied in a blended, subtle manner. Hair color must be free of abrupt or extreme artificial contrasts in shading."
  • As per AR 670-1-1, para 2-3, "Semipermanent makeup, defined as depositing pigments into the skin, is authorized if the makeup conforms to the standards outlined in AR 670-1-1. Factors such as skin type, sun exposure, lifestyle, and the quality of the pigment cause the pigment to fade and/or disappear over time and require maintenance touch-ups. Tattooed makeup is permanent and is not authorized."
  • As per AR 670-1-1, para 2-3, "Eyelash extensions of any kind are not authorized. False eyelashes are authorized only through a medical profile to address a condition causing the loss of natural eyelashes and subsequent lack of eye protection. False eyelashes must match the Soldier’s natural color and will not exceed 9 millimeters in length".
  • As per AR 670-1-1, para 2-3, "Male Soldiers are not authorized to wear nail polish of any kind, to include clear nail polish, when medically approved. Male fingernails will be kept trimmed and will not extend beyond the tip of the finger. Female Soldiers may wear clear nail polish. That means plain, see-through polish with no colors, tints, or shades allowed. Only square or rounded nail shapes are authorized for all Soldiers. Female Soldier fingernails will not exceed 1/4 inch in length as measured from the tip of the finger."
  • As per AR 670-1-1, para 2-2, "Buns will be worn on the back of the head and may extend a maximum of 3 inches from the scalp and no wider than the width of the head. Buns will be centered at the back of the head, positioned horizontally in line with the top of the ears when viewed from the side. The bottom portion of the bun may fall at or above the collar."




General FAQs

  • As per AR 670-1, para 3-3, "If Soldiers choose to carry a bag while in uniform, the bag must be black or match the colors of the camouflage pattern uniform being worn and may not have any commercial logos. The contents of the bag may not be visible; therefore, see-through plastic or mesh bags are not authorized. 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."
  • As per AR 670-1, para 6-7, "Authorization to wear an SSI indicating service during military operations in hostile conditions (MOHC) (formerly known as the SSI–former wartime service) applies only to Soldiers who meet or have met the criteria. A general or flag officer in the chain of command must request approval to HQDA, DCS G-1, for the SSI–MOHC in locations not listed in paragraph 6–7."
  • As per AR 670-1, para 6-7, "The CSA approves the wear of the SSI–MOHC. A general or flag officer in the chain of command must request an exception to policy (ETP) through the DCS, G–1 to the CSA for units that do not meet the criteria outlined in paragraphs 6–7. Personnel who served in a designated area as a civilian or a member of another Service but were not a member of the U.S. Army during one of the specified periods are not authorized to wear the SSI–MOHC."




For more questions regarding uniform policy, contact Army G-1.

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UNIFORM POLICIES

A vital ingredient of the Army's strength and military effectiveness is the pride and self-discipline that American Soldiers bring to their service through a conservative military image. Soldiers will present a professional image at all times and will continue to set the example in military presence.

REGULATIONS

For more questions regarding uniform policy, please contact the Army G-1.

MEMOS

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Transition Timeline

  • PHASE I - DECISION

    Nov. 11, 2018 Army announces new Army Green Service Uniform

  • 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

    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.

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GROOMING & APPEARANCE

The requirement for grooming standards is necessary to maintain uniformity within a military population. Leaders at all levels will exercise good judgement when enforcing Army policy. All Soldiers will comply with hair, fingernail and grooming policies while in any military uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty.

REGULATIONS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

For questions regarding Army uniform policy, please contact Army G-1.
A special thanks to The Old Guard for providing the photos featured on this website.
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