Thursday, August 21, 2008

HQDA releases wear policy for new Army uniform

The Army released instructions Wednesday defining the wear policy for a new blue Army Service Uniform.

The instructions from the Army G-1 office heralds the phase out of the green Class A uniform and the start of the official transition from separate Class A, Dress Blue and Dress White uniforms to a consolidated ASU.

“This uniform change stems from the many voices of our men and women that serve in the Army, and our senior leadership has listened,” said Fort Belvoir Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Tracey Anbiya.

The official announcement to transition to the new uniform culminates two years of planning which includes the recommendations and input from Soldiers and leaders in more than 150 Soldier forums around the world.

The new uniform’s National blue color and design with roots tracing to the Continental Army of 1700s, also reflects Soldiers’ desire to have a uniform that represents the traditions of the service, looks good in appearance and fit, and generates pride.
The new uniform also streamlines Class A style uniforms into one ASU, reducing the number of uniforms Soldiers must maintain throughout their career.

“Historically, the Army has three service uniforms: green, blue and white. With the change, the green and white will be phased out and we will transition to the one blue service uniform, which will save money for our troops, as they now will only maintain one uniform,” Anbiya said.

Enlisted soldiers receive the green service uniform as part of their basic clothing bag issue when they enter the Army during initial entry training and receive an annual clothing allowance to maintain proper fit and appearance of these items. If desired, they may purchase a blue service uniform as an optional wear item for appropriate occasions.

Commissioned officers are given a one-time stipend when commissioned to purchase green and blue service uniforms. They are required to maintain proper fit and appearance of both throughout their careers.

The new ASU can be worn as a Dress Blue, formal uniform; a Class A, semi-formal uniform; or Class B, casual dress uniform worn without the service coat.

“This service uniform also comes in an athletic cut and a tailored fit to conform to the various body types, which is great, when compared to the current Class A uniform,” Anbiya said.

The Army accomplished a similar transition in 2004 when they reduced of the number of combat uniforms from three to one with the adoption of the Army Combat Uniform. The ACU replaced both the summer and winter weight Battle Dress Uniforms and the Desert Camouflage Uniform.

The newly-released instructions also provide Soldiers with an understanding of requirements for the wear and appearance of the new
uniform and when they must transition from the old uniforms to the exclusive wear of the blue ASU.

The mandatory possession date for the new ASU is the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2014. It is currently scheduled to be available for purchase in Military Clothing Sales Stores in the fourth quarter of FY 2009 and to be added to Initial Entry Training Soldier’s clothing bags in the fourth quarter of FY 2010. The wear out date for the green Army Service Uniform with accessories is the fourth quarter of FY 2014.