WASHINGTON — The United States Army has unveiled plans to reintroduce the iconic “Army Greens” as its new service uniform. This uniform, worn by the revered “Greatest Generation” during World War II, is set to make a comeback.
The existing Army Blues Uniform will be repositioned as a formal dress uniform, while the Army Greens will take on the role of the everyday business-wear uniform for all soldiers. The Army Combat Uniform, also known as the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP), will continue to be the Army’s duty/field uniform.
Maj. Gen. Randy Taylor, APG senior commander and Commanding General, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, believes that the reintroduction of this uniform could have a significant impact on Army recruitment. “This uniform has the potential to inspire a new generation to serve, which is crucial at a time when less than 4 percent of American youth are qualified and inclined to join the military,” he said.
“We believe this uniform – and its powerful identification with the “Greatest Generation” of World War II – will inspire Soldiers and enhance esprit de corps.”
The uniform will be cost-neutral for enlisted Soldiers, who will be able to purchase them with their annual clothing allowance. Female Soldiers will have the option to wear versions with a skirt or pants, and will also have additional shoe options.
The Army Greens will be fielded to Soldiers reporting to their first units as early as the summer of 2020. The mandatory wear date for all Soldiers will be 2028.
The new uniform will come at no additional cost to the American taxpayer. It will be made in the USA.
The Way Ahead
The Army will begin issuing the Greens uniform to new Soldiers no earlier than the summer of 2020. The mandatory wear date for all Soldiers is 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This New Uniform Historically Accurate?
This uniform is one of the most admired and recognizable uniforms in the Army’s history. 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 Uniforms?
No. The uniform will be tailored for each individual soldier. Female Soldiers however will have the option to wear versions with a skirt or pants, and will also have additional shoe options.
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 Greens Uniform will become the everyday service uniform for all Soldiers; the current Blue Army Service Uniform (ASU) will return to a more formal dress uniform role. 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.
Army Greens Aims to Inspire New Recruits
The reintroduction of the “Army Greens” aims to inspire new recruits and honor veterans. Many veterans who served during World War II wore this uniform. By bringing it back, the Army hopes to forge a connection between current soldiers and those who served in the past.
Major General Randy Taylor suggests that the uniform could boost recruitment rates. This is important given that less than 4% of American youth currently show interest in joining the military. The uniform and other memorabilia, not only functions as attire or special memento, but also as a symbol of service and sacrifice, traits deeply valued by veterans.
Click here to see some of them, like Army coins that serve as a unique keepsake, embodying the bravery, commitment, and integrity of our servicemen and women. Each coin boasts a distinctive design, typically featuring the Army branch insignia or meaningful motifs on the front, while the reverse side may bear the emblem of the soldier’s unit or details about their mission. Soldiers hold a deep sense of pride in every challenge coin they own, considering it a testament to their honor and accomplishments.
Veterans often talk about the sense of pride and unity that comes with wearing a uniform. The Army Greens could rekindle these sentiments among older veterans while instilling them in new recruits. For veterans, seeing the iconic uniform could serve as a powerful reminder of their service and sacrifices.
The Army also took care to ensure that the uniform will be available to all soldiers without extra cost. Veterans groups, who often speak out about the financial challenges that service members face, would likely view this cost-neutrality as a positive move.
Feedback on the change has been mixed, but the Army took steps to include diverse opinions in its decision-making process. The Army Uniform Board included the first all-female uniform board to ensure that the new design would be inclusive and practical for all soldiers, something that might resonate well with veterans who are women.
Overall, the return of the “Army Greens” aims to bridge the gap between generations of soldiers. For veterans, this move could be more than a mere aesthetic change; it could be a meaningful nod to their service and an effort to carry their legacy forward.
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 receive the annual clothing allowance to offset the cost.
What Is the Total Cost to The Army?
This new uniform will have no additional cost to the American taxpayer or enlisted Soldier. 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 with The Current Army Service Uniform (ASU)?
The current Blue Army Service Uniform (ASU) will revert to the formal Army Dress uniform.
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?
The Army Uniform Board, which included the first all-female uniform board, sought and addressed both positive and negative feedback in designing this uniform.
