Uniforms are an integral part of being in the military, representing our nation's strength, power, and discipline. Each uniform is a form of communication, conveying one’s rank, occupational specialty, awards received, and years of service – all in one initial appearance. Soldiers are required to wear a different type of uniform depending on the occasion and their duties, and one such uniform is the Army Service Uniform (ASU). Though worn less often than the combat uniform, they’re no less important. Keep reading for your ultimate Army service uniform guide.
Before getting started with the Army ASU guide, we need to understand the service uniform and where it fits in with other Army uniforms. Fitness uniforms are used for physical training, combat uniforms are the field and duty uniforms that many wear every day, and ASUs are generally worn as everyday businesswear. By 2028, the blue ASUs will be formal dress uniforms as the everyday businesswear uniform returns to WWII’s “Army Greens.”
Our Army ASU guide wouldn’t be complete without including what the uniform entails. The basics of the ASU are:
Insignia is prominently displayed on uniforms, signifying a service member’s rank, role, or specialty. They will also wear awards or decorations for their accomplishments and duties performed.
Though Army members share the foundational pieces of the service uniform, the uniforms vary between commissioned and warrant officers and enlisted officers. We’ve broken down the differences and similarities of the Army service uniforms in our guide below.
Enlisted and commissioned officers wear service uniforms that are largely similar. Both wear US insignia, distinctive regimental insignia, awards, a nameplate, and combat service identification badge on the right side of their person. Both the officer and enlisted service uniforms include branch insignia worn on the left side of the uniform and wear rank insignia. However, officer rank insignia is worn on the shoulders and beret.
In the Army ASU guide for commissioned officers, it was noted that they wear their rank on their shoulders. But where is the enlisted rank placed? Instead of the beret or shoulders, enlisted ranks are placed on one’s sleeve. Another aspect of the ASU is the stripe that identifies the officer. Commissioned and noncommissioned officers wear trousers with a gold stripe (stripes are not on skirts); the trousers/pants of junior enlisted officers do not have the stripe. Uniforms also possess service stripes indicated on the left sleeve.
Two final essential aspects of the enlisted Army personnel service uniform guide are the ribbon and medal racks, worn with pride on the left side of the body. Important for enlisted and commissioned officer service uniforms, they indicate distinctions given as an honor for one’s heroism, service, or achievements.
While our Army ASU guide has primarily focused on the Army Blue uniforms, it is currently being phased out. Announced on the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended WW1, the Army is reintroducing the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU). The AGSU was inspired by the uniform worn by the “Greatest Generation” during the Second World War and the Korean War. Soldiers today will wear a modern version of the uniform, which was finalized in 2019. Our guide should note that the blue Army Service Uniform isn’t being retired altogether. The current blue ASU will revert to an optional, formal Army dress uniform.
How will the AGSU differ from the current uniform? Instead of blue, the AGSU coat will be heritage green. Heritage taupe is the pants color, while shirts will be in heritage tan. The jackets of enlisted personnel and commissioned officers will be the same in the AGSU, though the shirts will be differentiated by the shoulder loops in the commissioned officer version. Uniforms do not authorize the use of a nameplate, either. Though some – including Army recruiters – have already phased out the blues, the transition is expected in phases. The transition will be complete by 2028. This change is meant to inspire trust in the professionalism and readiness of our Army service members.
If you’re new to Army uniforms or need a refresher, uniforms may be difficult at first glance. Our Army Service Uniform guide is designed to help distinguish the uniform from others and provide a quick point of reference for completing your uniform so you’re ready for duty. Finish your current uniforms or recreate an old one when you shop online at Army Surplus World.
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