The U.S. Army dress uniform is more than mere clothing; it’s a symbol of service, sacrifice, and tradition. Whether you’re an active-duty soldier, a veteran attending a formal military event, or someone assisting a loved one in refining their look, understanding the setup of the Army dress uniform is essential.
This Army dress uniform guide will walk you through every aspect of the dress uniform, ensuring accuracy, respect for tradition, and pride in its presentation. Most importantly, remember to always use the latest version or edition of Army Regulation 670-1 which governs how, when, and where soldiers wear their uniforms. It is important to ensure that the version of 670-1 that you’re looking at is the latest and greatest from the Department of the Army otherwise you might be looking at outdated information.
Army Uniform History
At one point in time in the Army’s history, it had three Class A uniform options that soldiers could wear. One of those was the green Class A uniform that soldiers wore for decades starting in the 1950s. After decades of wearing the same, tired green uniforms, the Army opted to pursue new uniform options that paid tribute to the Army of the past and what earlier soldiers wore.
Army Service Uniform Guide
The Army Service Uniform (ASU) is a traditional-style uniform that appears both in the dress Army Blue and in the everyday business attire Army Green. With the reintroduction of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU), the Blue ASU is reverting to an optional dress uniform. In either color, the ASU presents a distinctive appearance that readily identifies a soldier to the American public. Not to mention, the soldiers like their uniform options so much more than the Army green Class As of yesteryear.
Army Blue traces its origins back to the blue used on the American flag. It was first used by soldiers in the Continental Army of 1779. The Army AGSU uniform was inspired and based on the uniform worn by soldiers during World War II. Feedback from soldiers in the field indicated overwhelmingly that soldiers would embrace the AGSU.
The Army Service Uniform is the standard uniform for both formal and ceremonial occasions in the U.S. Army. It provides a basic set of components that allows soldiers to transition from semi-formal dress to full formal dress with little variation required. It represents a soldier's accomplishments and reflects the prestige of the military profession. Oh yeah, and it looks pretty darn good too.
Available in every soldier’s issued wardrobe, the ASU is comprised of several elements depending on the specific uniform type being worn. For most service members, these include the dress jacket, trousers or skirt, white shirt, tie, and any assortment of badges, insignias, and ribbons earned by the soldier. Each piece is meticulously placed following guidelines established by the Department of the Army. Naturally black oxford shoes are the norm and can be in leather or patent leather.
The Army Service Uniform was derived from the Army Dress Blue Uniform. The ASU features durable materials that are suitable for daily use without special care. The ASU coat, trousers, slacks and skirt fabric is a blend of 55 percent polyester and 45 percent wool.
A white herringbone shirt made of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton will be for daily wear. Soldiers can wear commercial off-the-shelf white dress shirts for ceremonial and formal occasions.
Army Dress Uniform Guide ASU Setup
Properly setting up an Army Service Uniform is all about getting the details right. Here’s a breakdown of the ASU setup:
Key uniform components:
Dress Jacket: Made of blue polyester-cotton material, it fits over a white long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt. The men’s coat, women’s coat, women’s skirt, general officer trousers, and slacks are shade Army Blue 450.
Officers and enlisted soldiers wear overseas service bars on the right coat sleeve if they have earned them. One overseas service bar is authorized for every six months of overseas service in designated areas during specified periods. One service stripe is worn for every three years of honorable service if a soldier has earned them.
Enlisted Soldiers (specialist and below) will wear new smaller service stripes on the left coat sleeve. It’s important to check with your human resources rep at your unit to ensure you are putting the correct items on your uniform. See what’s in your personnel file and then ensure those items are on your uniform according to AR 670-1.
Trousers or Skirt: Generally worn with a gold stripe along the outer seam, reserved for the ASU dress uniform. The ASU consists of belted trousers and slacks with a traditional low waistline available for daily wear. The high waist men’s trousers traditionally worn with suspenders are available for wear with the Army Mess Dress Uniform. The enlisted and officer/non-commissioned officer men’s trousers and women’s slacks are shade Army Blue 451.
Officers and NCOs (corporal and above) will wear gold braid on the trousers/slacks. Enlisted Soldiers (specialist and below) will have plain legs on the trousers/slacks. Remember, while this Army Dress Uniform Guide can help you prepare, it is imperative that you prepare your uniform according to AR 670-1.
Necktie or Neck Tab: Males typically wear a black tie, while females may opt for a black neck tab.
Belt and Buckle: A matching gold buckle is worn with the belt, with the edge of the buckle aligned to the gig line.
Headgear: Soldiers often pair the ASU with a beret or a service cap. In some formal settings, depending on the time of day, a soldier might not have to wear a cover. That’s why it is important to check with AR 670-1 for guidance. An Army Dress Uniform Guide can help, but the regs are the official source of information and guidance.
Placement of accessories: Properly placed pins, badges, patches, and insignias—with special attention to measurements and spacing—is what sets an Army uniform apart. These minute details ensure uniformity and adherence to regulations.
To make things easy, you can buy a uniform measuring device that makes it easy to set up your uniform.
The current black accessories—such as the windbreaker, all-weather coat, overcoat and sweaters—may be worn with the ASU.
Army Dress Uniform Guide Uniform Patches Placement
Patches are essential elements of any Army uniform, serving as symbols of rank, honors, and identity. Proper placement of these patches is integral to wearing the ASU correctly.
Left Shoulder Patch: Soldiers no longer wear subdued or full color shoulder patches to signify current assignments. On the new ASU, only rank is sewn onto the sleeves as well as service or overseas service stripes.
Right Shoulder Patch: Soldiers no longer wear full color or subdued patches to indicate combat service, sometimes referred to as the “combat patch.” Instead, they wear the Combat Service Identification Badge, or CSIB, which is a U.S. Army badge worn on the right pocket of the uniform just under the nameplate. This is the new combat patch, if you will.
Rank Insignias: Sewn or pinned on the uniform to display rank. Exact positioning can vary depending on the type of uniform. For example, on the jacket, rank is sewn on the sleeves of the jacket for enlisted personnel, for both male and female soldiers. Officers wear shoulder boards on their jackets to display their rank.
Branch Insignias: Usually worn on the collar for enlisted personnel or on the lapels for officers.
It’s important to follow AR 670-1, the Army Regulation that governs uniform appearance, for detailed measurements and placement options. Ensure you get the latest version of AR 670-1 since this reg is updated regularly and the Army has undergone many uniform changes in recent years. It’s important to know what the last version of AR 670-1was and that you’re looking at the correct version.
Army Dress Uniform Guide Class B Uniform Setup
The Class B uniform is a lighter alternative to the formal ASU, typically worn in less formal settings. It excludes the dress jacket and focuses on the white shirt portion of the uniform. This used to be a uniform option at the Pentagon back in the day.
Army Dress Uniform Guide Class B Setup for Males
Shirt: Short-sleeve or long-sleeve white button-up shirt. A soldier can wear the white short sleeve shirt without a tie, but a tie is required when wearing a long sleeve shirt.
Trousers: Same as the ASU trousers with a gold stripe for enlisted soldiers and officers.
Accessories: Ribbons, badges, and nameplates are all part of the Class B uniform. Ribbons are aligned centrally above the left chest pocket, and the nameplate is placed above the right pocket.
Belt and Gig Line Alignment: The edge of the shirt, belt buckle, and fly seam should form one continuous straight line, known as the “gig line.”
Army Dress Uniform Guide Class B Setup for Females
Blouse/Shirt: Female soldiers can opt for a fitted version of the white short- or long-sleeve shirt. The same rules apply to female soldiers concerning the wear of a tie. Short sleeve shirts do not require a tie, but long sleeve shirts require a tie.
Skirt or Slacks: Females are given a choice between trousers or a skirt, worn with neutral-colored stockings.
Accents and Badges: Placement mirrors the male setup mentioned in this Army Dress Uniform Guide, but accommodates fitted shirt dimensions and optional skirt.
Neck Tab: A black neck tab is worn with the uniform to complete the formal appearance.
Army Dress Uniform Guide Formal Dress Uniform
The Army Dress Blues are the appropriate uniform to wear for both enlisted soldiers and officers on national holidays, memorial services, nuptials, weddings, and specific military ceremonial events like a military ball or dining-in.
The Army’s military dress uniforms are based on the Army’s cavalry heritage and uniforms from the 1800s. They are highly regarded in the Army’s ranks.
The Army’s military dress uniforms consist of:
- White dress shirt with long sleeves
- Black necktie (or bow ties); black necktie for ladies
- Blue Army coat
- For women, blue skirt or pants, and pants for men.
- Beret, although it is not necessary for evening events
The Army blue coat will include unit awards, battle and skill badges, full-sized medals, and ribbons, identifying badge, branch and regimental insignia, service hash marks, and applicable overseas service bars.
Officers and enlisted soldiers (corporal and higher) wear Army blue trousers with a single, 1.5-inch, gold braid and generals wear two braids spaced 0.5 inches apart
For Black Tie or White Tie events, the Army uniform may also take the form of the Mess Dress uniform. This formal adaptation of the ASU presents a striking and distinguished appearance.
Army Dress Uniform Guide Dress Mess Uniform Guide
The Mess Dress uniform features the most distinctive and formal version of Army attire:
Jacket: A short, blue jacket with gold accents and piping is paired with trousers or skirts for a polished, ceremonial look.
Bow Tie for Males/Neck Tab for Females: Adds an element of distinction.
Cummerbund: It complements the overall formal aesthetic.
The Mess Dress uniform is accessorized with mini medals worn above the left chest, symbolizing awards and accomplishments. Rank insignias and shoulder boards further enhance the uniform's formal appeal.
Army Dress Uniform Guide Detail and Tradition
The key to setting up the Army Dress Uniform is attention to detail. Every ribbon, insignia, and patch is a story of dedication and service. By following the Army's official regulations, you ensure both respect for military traditions and a sense of personal accomplishment in how the uniform is worn. If you’re an NCO or officer, you will be setting a great example for younger soldiers to emulate.
If you're getting started or need a refresher, always refer to updated Army regulations like AR 670-1 to ensure compliance. This ensures that everything from the placement of your badges to the gig line alignment is precise. When in doubt, ask an NCO who is well-versed in the regs.
Most importantly, remember that looking like a soldier is just a small part of being a soldier. While wearing this uniform it is important to remember to comport yourself accordingly and to never forget all of those who wore the uniform before you and to honor their legacy with your behavior.