Class B Male Noncommissioned Officer Uniform Guide
PRESCRIBED UNIFORMS There are four types of uniforms that may be prescribed for wear: Class A, Class B, ACU (camouflaged field uniform) and Physical Training (PT). (1) Class A Uniform (Figures 7 and 9). (a) The Class A uniform consists of the blue/green coat, uniform slacks/trousers, short sleeve green/gray blouse/shirt, neck tab/necktie, cap, shoes, black socks, black web waist belt, name plate, rank, school crest, Honor Star, and all authorized badges, cords, medals, ribbons and tabs. (b) Female cadets may wear the uniform skirt in lieu of slacks with the Class A uniform. This skirt is not issued, but may be purchased through coordination with the JROTC Department Staff. NOTE: The required hem length is knee length.
(c) The uniform hat is worn for all inspections, parades and reviews, for all leadership labs, and selected other occasions. (d) A plain white oxford dress shirt and black bow tie worn with the Class A uniform constitute formal attire for appropriate formal activities, such as the Military Ball.
(e) Honor Guard members are issued a yellow belt/sash for the Class A uniform. (f) A Sam Browne belt and saber may be specified for wear by cadet officers. (2) Class B Uniform (Figures 8 and 10). (a) The Class B (green / blue) uniform consists of the short sleeve green/gray blouse/shirt, uniform slacks/trousers, shoes, black socks, black web waist belt, name plate, rank, Honor Star, school crest.
All authorized ribbons and tabs as well as badges are optional for wear unless directed for wear. (b) Female cadets may also wear the uniform skirt in lieu of slacks with the Class B uniform. (c) The Army black sweater with name plate, school crest and rank may be worn with the Class B uniform. This sweater is not issued, but may be purchased through coordination with the JROTC Department Staff.
If you do not have the Army sweater, you may wear the uniform CDH sweater in lieu of the Army sweater. (3) Class C Uniform: The camouflaged Army Combat Uniform (ACU) will be issued to both female and male cadets who attend the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC). This uniform consists of a coat, pants, cap, T-shirt, belt, socks, boots and insignia. (4) Physical Fitness (PT) Uniform: Athletic uniforms are not items of issue. Cadets will use their own athletic attire consisting of a sweatshirt or T-shirt, sweat pants or shorts, and non-marking tennis shoes, when this uniform is specified, e.g., Cadet Challenge, organized athletics, dodgeball and physical training.
DISTINCTIVE INSIGNIA (1) The proper placement of insignia, awards, and other uniform items is shown in Figures 1 through 10. (2) Cadets are authorized to wear distinctive shoulder cords on the Class A and Class B uniforms to recognize their status as active members of JROTC co-curricular organizations. Former members may wear the ribbon and tab awarded for that organization, but not the cord. Single cords will be worn on the right shoulder, except for the National Honor Society cord which is worn on the left shoulder only. The Crack Drill Team and Color Guard cords are worn on the right shoulder for uniformity during performances.
No more than two cords may be worn, one on each shoulder. The authorized cords are: a. National Honor Society: Gold Cord b. Honor Guard: Purple and Gold Cord c. Crack Drill Team: Red Cord d.
Color Guard: White Cord e. Air Rifle Team: Tan Cord f. Orienteering Team: Green Cord g. Regulation Drill Team: Maroon and white Cord h. Flight Cub: Medium Blue Cord i. Bugle Corps: Dark Blue Cord j.
Freshman Leadership and Outstanding Drill Cadet Award: Black Cord AWARDS AND DECORATIONS A. Achievement is recognized by badges, medals and ribbons.
All awards and decorations must be announced by an order before they may be worn. A ribbon and medal that represent the same award may not be worn at the same time. The awards and decorations listed herein are the only ones authorized for wear on cadet uniforms. Male cadets wear ribbons centered over the left pocket and 1/8' above the top of the pocket on the shirt/coat.
Female cadets wear ribbons centered above a horizontal line that is even with the first button of the blouse/coat and the bottom of the name plate. Ribbons will be worn in rows of three in order of precedence from the wearer’s right to left and top to bottom (See Figures 7 through 10). BADGES Up to three marksmanship badges may be worn on the Class A and Class B uniforms. Females wear badges 1/4” below the ribbons. Males wear badges 1/8” below the top of the left pocket flap. A single badge is worn centered.
Two badges are worn centered and at least 1” apart. Three badges are worn centered and equally spaced. Only the highest qualification badge for each sponsoring organization will be worn, e.g., a cadet will not wear both the Cadet Command Expert Air Rifle Qualification Badge and the Sharpshooter Air Rifle Qualification Badge (See Figures 7 through 10). The authorized marksmanship badges in order of precedence are: (1) US Army Qualification Badges (2) Cadet Command Qualification Badges (3) USA Shooting Badges (4) National Rifle Association Badges MEDALS Medals are worn in order of precedence from the wearer’s right to left and top to bottom.
Female cadets wear medals 1/4' below the ribbons, or 1/8' below the row of badges. Male cadets wear medals 1/8' below the top of the left pocket flap, or 1/8' below the bottom of the pocket flap on the pocket, if a row of badges is worn. Medals are worn in rows of two or more. If only one medal is worn, it may be worn in a row with one or two badges in the left most position. The number of medals worn in each row depends upon the size of the coat. Second and subsequent rows of medals will not contain more medals than the row above. For example, if there are five medals in the first row, the second row must have five or fewer medals.
Each row of medals will be positioned as high as possible under the row above. The Cretin-Derham Hall Corps of Cadets places great importance on the enforcement of uniform and appearance standards. Grooming and the manner in which an organization's members wear their uniforms provide an indication of the state of discipline and morale within the entire organization. Exemplary appearance is the desired standard for every cadet at all times.
Setting a good example and displaying good bearing are important characteristics of a leader. Virtually all JROTC uniform and grooming standards follow the CDH standards listed in the Student Handbook for all students. The minimum acceptable appearance standards for each cadet are listed below. (1) Slacks/Trousers.
Military and school slacks/trousers will be clean, pressed and properly fitted. When the waist band is on the hip line, the slack/trouser length will be such that the hem touches the laces of the shoe with only one 'break' in the front crease. The hem rises 1” above the ground at the heel. The left rear pocket tab will be buttoned. (2) Blouses/Shirts.
Military and school blouses/shirts will be freshly laundered and pressed. The top collar button will be buttoned when a necktie or neck tab is worn. Whenever the optional long sleeve blouse/shirt is worn, a necktie or neck tab is required. Blouse/shirt tails will be fully tucked into the slacks/trousers, so that the belt and belt buckle may be seen.
They cannot be worn 'flipped under' or loosely bloused over the belt. The JROTC insignia of rank will be properly placed on shoulder tabs of the blouse/shirt. Pockets will be buttoned and the name plate will be worn on the right side with the Honor Star and school crest. All authorized ribbons will be worn in order of precedence on the left. Organization tabs will be worn in order of precedence on the right (Figures 8 and 10). Only the issued shoes will be worn with the JROTC uniform. Shoes will be cleaned so that they are free of dirt, dust and smudges.
The upper shoe surfaces may be cleaned with a glass cleaner (Windex) and the sides of the soles painted with black edge dressing. The laces will be tied. Plain black socks are required when the JROTC uniform is worn. (5) Belt and Buckle. A black web belt with brass buckle is always worn with the slacks/trousers. The belt tab will extend on the left side of the buckle for boys and the right side for girls. The buckle will be shined and aligned with the 'gig line' (straight line formed by the edge of the blouse/shirt, the edge of the buckle opposite the belt tab, and the zipper flap of the slacks/trousers).
(6) Un dershirt. The only undershirt that may be worn with the JROTC uniform is a plain white crew neck T-shirt. Colored T-shirts, T-shirts with logos, slogans or colored designs, or V-neck T-shirts may not be worn. (7) Neck tab/Necktie. The black neck tab/necktie will be worn whenever the Class A uniform or optional long sleeve blouse/shirt is worn.
Neckties will be tied with a four-in-hand or modified Windsor knot so that the front of the tie is longer than the rear. Ties will be pulled up properly covering the collar button of the blouse/shirt. Tie clasps will not be worn. (8) Uniform Coat (Class A). The coat will be clean and pressed at all times.
Brass insignia must be highly polished. All insignia, badges, medals, ribbons, the name plate and cords are worn and properly placed. (9) Headgear. Caps will be clean and worn with the JROTC insignia or rank insignia (Cadet Officers). The insignia of rank will be shined. See Figures 1 and 2.
(10) Army Black Sweater (Optional). See paragraph 4B(2)(c). Hair and fingernail standards and grooming policies a.
The requirement for hair grooming standards is necessary to maintain uniformity within a military population. Many hairstyles are acceptable, as long as they are neat and conservative. It is the responsibility of leaders at all levels to exercise good judgment 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. (a) Leaders will judge the appropriateness of a particular hairstyle by the appearance of headgear when worn. Hairstyles (including bulk and length of hair) that do not allow Soldiers to wear the headgear properly, or that interfere with the proper wear of the protective mask or other protective equipment, are prohibited. Headgear will fit snugly and comfortably, without bulging or distortion from the intended shape of the headgear and without excessive gaps. (b) Extreme, eccentric, or faddish haircuts or hairstyles are not authorized. If Soldiers use dyes, tints, or bleaches, they must choose a natural hair color. Colors that detract from a professional military appearance are prohibited.
Therefore, Soldiers must avoid using colors that result in an extreme appearance. Applied hair colors that are prohibited include, but are not limited to, purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright (fire-engine) red, and fluorescent or neon colors. It is the responsibility of leaders to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable, based upon the overall effect on a Soldier’s appearance. (c) Soldiers who have a texture of hair that does not part naturally may cut a part into the hair.
Class B Male Noncommissioned Officer Uniform Guidelines
The part will be one straight line, not slanted or curved, and will fall in the area where the Soldier would normally part the hair. Soldiers will not cut designs into their hair or scalp. (2) Male haircuts. The hair on top of the head must be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of the hair may not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. The hair must present a tapered appearance.
A tapered appearance is one where the outline of the Soldier’s hair conforms to the shape of the head (see scalp line in figure 3–1), curving inward to the natural termination point at the base of the neck. When the hair is combed, it will not fall over the ears or eyebrows, or touch the collar, except for the closely cut hair at the back of the neck. The block-cut fullness in the back is permitted to a moderate degree, as long as the tapered look is maintained. Males are not authorized to wear braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted, individual parts of hair) while in uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty. Haircuts with a single, untapered patch of hair on the top of the head (not consistent with natural hair loss) are considered eccentric and are not authorized. Examples include, but are not limited to, when the head is shaved around a strip of hair down the center of the head (mohawk), around a u-shaped hair area (horseshoe), or around a patch of hair on the front top of the head (tear drop).
Hair that is completely shaved or trimmed closely to the scalp is authorized. (See figs 3–1 and 3–2.) (a) Sideburns. Sideburns are hair grown in front of the ear and below the point where the top portion of the ear attaches to the head. Sideburns will not extend below the bottom of the opening of the ear (see line A of fig 3–1).
Sideburns will not be styled to taper, flair, or come to a point. The length of an individual hair of the sideburn will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended.
(b) Facial hair. Males will keep their face clean-shaven when in uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty. Mustaches are permitted. If worn, males will keep mustaches neatly trimmed, tapered, and tidy. Mustaches will not present a chopped off or bushy appearance, and no portion of the mustache will cover the upper lip line, extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corners of the mouth (see lines C and D of Figure 3–1), or extend above a parallel line at the lowest portion of the nose (see line B of Figure 3–1). Handlebar mustaches, goatees, and beards are not authorized. If appropriate medical authority allows beard growth, the maximum length authorized for medical treatment must be specific.
For example, “The length of the beard cannot exceed 1/4 inch” (see Training Bulletin Medical (TB Med) 287). Soldiers will keep the growth trimmed to the level specified by the appropriate medical authority, but are not authorized to shape the hair growth (examples include, but are not limited to goatees, “Fu Manchu,” or handlebar mustaches).
(c) Wigs and hairpieces. Males are prohibited from wearing wigs or hairpieces while in uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty, except to cover natural baldness or physical disfiguration caused by accident or medical procedure. When worn, wigs or hairpieces will conform to the standard haircut criteria, as stated within this regulation. (3) Female haircuts and hairstyles. The illustrations provided in figure 3 –3 are intended only to clarify language regarding authorized hair lengths and bulks. The requirements for hair regulations are to maintain uniformity within a military population for female Soldiers while in uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty, unless otherwise specified.
Female hairstyles may not be eccentric or faddish and will present a conservative, professional appearance. For the purpose of these regulations, female hairstyles are organized into three basic categories: short length, medium length, and long length hair. (a) Short length. Short hair is defined as hair length that extends no more than 1 inch from the scalp (excluding bangs). Hair may be no shorter than 1/4 inch from the scalp (unless due to medical condition or injury), but may be evenly tapered to the scalp within 2 inches of the hair line edges. Bangs, if worn, may not fall below the eyebrows, may not interfere with the wear of all headgear, must lie neatly against the head, and not be visible underneath the front of the headgear.
The width of the bangs may extend to the hairline at the temple. (b) Medium length.
Medium hair is defined as hair length that does not extend beyond the lower edge of the collar (in all uniforms), and extends more than 1 inch from the scalp. Medium hair may fall naturally in uniform, and is not required to be secured.
When worn loose, graduated hair styles are acceptable, but the length, as measured from the end of the total hair length to the base of the collar, may not exceed 1 inch difference in length, from the front to the back. Layered hairstyles are also authorized, so long as each hair’s length, as measured from the scalp to the hair’s end, is generally the same length giving a tapered appearance. The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed in paragraph (a), above, apply. No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp, will exceed 2 inches. (c) Long length. Long hair is defined as hair length that extends beyond the lower edge of the collar. Long hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, except that bangs may be worn.
The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed in paragraph (a), apply. No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp, will exceed 2 inches (except a bun, which may extend a maximum of 3 inches from the scalp) and be no wider than the width of the head. (d) Additional hairstyle guidelines.
Faddish and exaggerated styles, to include shaved portions of the scalp other than the neckline, designs cut in the hair, unsecured ponytails (except during physical training), and unbalanced or lopsided hairstyles are prohibited. Hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of all uniform headgear. All headgear will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without bulging or distortion from the intended shape of the headgear and without excessive gaps. When headgear is worn, hair should not protrude at distinct angles from under the edges. Hairstyles that do not allow the headgear to be worn in this manner are prohibited. Examples of hairstyles considered to be faddish or exaggerated and thus not authorized for wear while in uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty, include, but are not limited to, locks and twists (not including French rolls/twists or corn rows); hair sculpting (eccentric directional flow, twists, texture, or spiking); buns or braids with loose hair extending at the end; multiple braids not braided in a straight line; hair styles with severe angles; and loose unsecured hair (not to include bangs) when medium and long hair are worn up.
Hair holding devices are authorized only for the purpose of securing the hair. Soldiers will not place hair holding devices in the hair for decorative purposes. All hair holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the Soldier’s hair as is possible or clear. Authorized devices include, but are not limited to, small plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair/head bands. Such devices should conform to the natural shape of the head. Devices that are conspicuous, excessive, or decorative are prohibited.
Some examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to: large, lacy scrunchies; beads, bows, or claw or alligator clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces. Soldiers may not wear hairnets unless they are required for health or safety reasons, or in the performance of duties (such as those in a dining facility). No other type of hair covering is authorized in lieu of the hairnet. The commander will provide the hairnet to the Soldier at no cost to the Soldier. Medium and long hair may be braided. Multiple braiding (defined as more than two braids) is authorized. When worn, multiple braids will be of uniform dimension, small in diameter (approximately 1⁄4 inch), show no more than 1/8 of an inch of scalp between the braids and must be tightly interwoven to present a neat, professional, well groomed appearance.
Foreign material (for example, beads and decorative items) will not be braided into the hair. Braids must continue to the end of the hair in one direction, in a straight line, and can be worn loose per medium hair length guidelines or secured to the head in the same manner as described for medium or long length hair styles. Ends will be secured only with inconspicuous rubber bands. If multiple braids are worn, they must encompass the whole head. When braids are not worn loosely and braided close to the scalp, the braids must start at the front of the head. Twists are defined as twisting two distinct strands of hair around one another to create a twisted ropelike appearance.
Although some twists may be temporary, and can be easily untwisted, they are unauthorized (except for French twists). This includes twists formed against the scalp or worn in a free-hanging style. (h) Dreadlocks. Dreadlocks are defined as any matted, twisted, or locked coils or ropes of hair (or extensions). Any style of dreadlock (against the scalp or free-hanging) is not authorized. Braids or cornrows that are unkempt or matted are considered dreadlocks and are not authorized.
(i) Cornrows. Cornrows are defined as hair rolled (not twisted using two strands) or braided closely to the scalp producing a continuous, raised row of hair. When worn, cornrows must be of uniform dimension, small in diameter (approximately 1⁄4 inch), show no more than 1/8 inch of scalp between the cornrows and must be tightly rolled or braided to present a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance. Cornrows must start at the front of the head and continue in one direction in a straight line and end at a consistent location of the head.
Only one cornrow style (braided or rolled) may be worn at one time. (j) Hair extensions. Hair extensions are authorized. Extensions must have the same general appearance as the individual’s natural hair and otherwise conform to this regulation. Wigs, if worn in uniform, must look natural and conform to this regulation. (l) Physical training. Long length hair, as defined in paragraph 3–2a(3)(c), may be worn in a pony tail during physical training.
A single pony tail centered on the back of the head is authorized in physical fitness uniforms, except when considered a safety hazard. The pony tail is not required to be worn above the collar. When hair securing devices are worn, they will comply with the guidelines set in paragraph 3–2a(3)(e).
Examples of hair accessories not authorized for securing hair during physical fitness are bows, ribbons, and claw or alligator clips.
SUBJECT: ARMY SERVICE UNIFORM (ASU) WEAR POLICY 1. THIS MESSAGE ANNOUNCES THE IMPLEMENTATION AND BRIDGING STRATEGY FOR THE ARMY’S TRANSITION TO THE BLUE ARMY SERVICE UNIFORM (ASU). THIS MESSAGE DEFINES THE WEAR POLICIES FOR THE ASU DURING OUR TRANSITION PERIOD.
IT REFLECTS THE INPUT OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF SOLDIERS AND LEADERS FROM ALL ARMY COMPONENTSWHO HAVE TOLD THE ARMY FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS WHAT THEY WANT AND EXPECT IN THEIR ASU. SOLDIERS WANT A UNIFORM THAT REFLECTS THEIR PRIDE OF SERVICE, SERVICE TRADITIONS, AND FUNCTIONALITY. THIS WEAR POLICY AND BRIDGING STRATEGY IS A CULMINATION OF MANY EFFORTS FROM ACROSS THE ARMY.
THE WEAR POLICY FOR THE BLUE ASU IS INTENDED TO GIVE SOLDIERS WHAT THEY HAVE ASKED FOR IN A SERVICE UNIFORM WHILE MAINTAINING THE TRADITIONS OF OUR SERVICE. THESE CHANGES INCLUDE AUTHORIZATION OF A COMBAT SERVICE IDENTIFICATION BADGE (CSIB) TO RECOGNIZE COMBAT SERVICE, OVERSEAS SERVICE BARS AUTHORIZED ON THE JACKET SLEEVE FOR BOTH ENLISTED SOLDIERS AND OFFICERS, THE WEAR OF DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA ON THE SHOULDER LOOPS OF THE BLUE COAT FOR ENLISTED SOLDIERS, AUTHORIZING PARATROOPERS TO WEAR THE BLACK JUMP BOOTS WITH THE BLUE ASU, AND THE DECISION TO TRANSITION TO A NEW SHORT SLEEVE AND LONG SLEEVE WHITE SHIRT WITH SHOULDER LOOPS. TO HONOR THE HERITAGE AND TRADITIONS OF COMBAT SERVICE, THE CSIB IS AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR ON THE ASU AND REPLICATES WEAR OF THE SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA-FORMER WARTIME SERVICE (SSI-FWTS) PATCH. THE SUBDUED SSI-FWTS PATCH CONTINUES TO SERVE AS THE PRINCIPAL INSIGNIA FOR WEAR ON THE ARMY COMBAT UNIFORM (ACU). LOCAL COMMANDERS CAN AUTHORIZE THE WEAR OF THE NON-SUBDUED SSI AND SSI-FWTS ON THE ACU FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS SUCH AS CHANGE OF COMMAND, REENLISTMENTS, COLOR GUARDS AND OTHER SPECIAL OCCASIONS.
HISTORY: THE ARMY CURRENTLY HAS THREE SERVICE UNIFORMS; GREEN, BLUE, AND WHITE. ENLISTED SOLDIERS RECEIVE THE GREEN SERVICE UNIFORM AS PART OF THEIR BASIC CLOTHING BAG ISSUE WHEN THEY ENTER THE ARMY DURING INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING. THE ARMY FURTHER PROVIDES ACTIVE DUTY ENLISTED SOLDIERS AN ANNUAL CLOTHING ALLOWANCE TO MAINTAIN PROPER FIT AND APPEARANCE OF THEIR BASIC CLOTHING BAG ISSUE ITEMS. THE ARMY INCLUDES A SERIES OF STIPENDS IN THIS ANNUAL CLOTHING ALLOWANCE TOWARDS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE GREEN SERVICE UNIFORM AND ALL BASIC CLOTHING BAG ITEMS. FOR ENLISTED SOLDIERS, THE BLUE SERVICE UNIFORM IS AN OPTIONAL WEAR ITEM, PURCHASED IF DESIRED, AND WORN ON APPROPRIATE OCCASIONS.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ARE GIVEN A ONE-TIME STIPEND WHEN COMMISSIONED TO PURCHASE THEIR REQUIRED UNIFORM ITEMS. OFFICERS THEN MAINTAIN PROPER FIT AND APPEARANCE OF THEIR UNIFORM ITEMS THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREER. THE ARMY REQUIRES OFFICERS TO PURCHASE AND MAINTAIN BOTH THE GREEN AND BLUE SERVICE UNIFORMS. TO STREAMLINE THE NUMBER OF UNIFORMS SOLDIERS PURCHASE AND MAINTAIN THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREERS, THE ARMY WILL PHASE OUT THE GREEN AND WHITE SERVICE UNIFORMS AND RETAIN THE BLUE SERVICE UNIFORM AS OUR ASU.
SOLDIERS WHO CURRENTLY HAVE A BLUE SERVICE UNIFORM CAN IMMEDIATELY BEGIN WEARING THIS UNIFORM AS THEIR ASU, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE IMPLEMENTING INSTRUCTIONS BELOW. THE NEW ARMY ASU WILL INCLUDE A NEW COAT AND LOW WAIST TROUSERS FOR MALE SOLDIERS; AND A NEW COAT, SLACKS AND SKIRT FOR FEMALE SOLDIERS. THE NEW FABRIC FOR THE ASU IS HEAVIER AND WRINKLE RESISTANT OVER PREVIOUSLY MANUFACTURED UNIFORMS AND WILL CONSIST OF 55% WOOL AND 45% POLYESTER MATERIAL. THE NEW ASU COAT WILL HAVE A TAILORED, ATHLETIC CUT, TO IMPROVE UNIFORM FIT AND APPEARANCE. THE ASU WILL INCLUDE A NEW IMPROVED HEAVIER AND WRINKLE RESISTANT SHORT AND LONG-SLEEVED WHITE SHIRT WITH PERMANENT MILITARY CREASES AND SHOULDER LOOPS.
THE ARMY ANTICIPATES THE NEW ASU ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN OUR MILITARY CLOTHING SALES STORES IN THE 4TH QUARTER FY 2009. THE ARMY ENCOURAGES SOLDIERS AND LEADERS, WHO OWN THE CURRENT (OLD) ASU, WHEN APPROPRIATE, TO WEAR AS THEIR DRESS BLUE, CLASS A OR CLASS B UNIFORM. THIS MESSAGE ESTABLISHES A CLASS B UNIFORM CATEGORY FOR THE CURRENT BLUE ASU AS PART OF OUR BRIDGING STRATEGY. THE CLASS B UNIFORM CATEGORY DEFINES THOSE ASU ITEMS WORN WITHOUT THE SERVICE COAT.
DRESS BLUE ASU: THE DRESS BLUE ASU INCLUDES THE ARMY BLUE COAT AND TROUSERS, A LONG-SLEEVED WHITE SHIRT AND BLACK BOW TIE FOR MALES. THE ARMY DRESS BLUE ASU FOR FEMALES INCLUDES THE ARMY BLUE COAT, SKIRT, AND A LONG-SLEEVED WHITE SHIRT WITH BLACK NECK TAB. CURRENTLY, FEMALES IN ARMY BANDS, HONOR GUARDS, AND FEMALE CHAPLAINS ARE AUTHORIZED TO WEAR ARMY BLUE SLACKS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES. THE BLACK BERET AND SERVICE CAP ARE AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR WITH THIS UNIFORM. WHEN THE DRESS BLUE ASU IS WORN FOR EVENING SOCIAL OCCASIONS (AFTER RETREAT) COMMANDERS CAN DIRECT NO HEADGEAR REQUIRED. COMBAT BOOTS AND ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS, SUCH AS BRASSARDS, MILITARY POLICE (MP) ACCESSORIES AND DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA (DUI) ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR WITH THE DRESS BLUE ASU. ALL OTHER ACCESSORIES AND INSIGNIA AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR WITH THE CLASS A SERVICE UNIFORM ARE AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR ON THE DRESS BLUE ASU.
CLASS A ASU: THE CLASS A ASU INCLUDES THE ARMY BLUE COAT AND TROUSERS/SKIRT/SLACKS, A SHORT OR LONG SLEEVE WHITE SHIRT AND FOUR-IN-HAND NECKTIE (MALE)/NECK TAB (FEMALE). (FOR ACCESSORIES AND OTHER ITEMS AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR ON THE CLASS A ASU SEE INSIGNIAS, AWARDS, BADGES AND ACCOUTERMENTS WORN WITH THE DRESS BLUE, CLASS A, AND CLASS B ASU PARAGRAPH BELOW.) 6. CLASS B ASU: THE CLASS B ASU INCLUDES THE ARMY BLUE TROUSERS/SKIRT/SLACKS, A SHORT OR LONG SLEEVE WHITE SHIRT. SOLDIERS WILL WEAR THE FOUR-IN-HAND NECKTIE WITH THE LONG SLEEVE WHITE SHIRT WHEN IT IS WORN WITHOUT THE CLASS A COAT. (FOR ACCESSORIES AND OTHER ITEMS AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR ON THE CLASS B ASU SEE INSIGNIAS, AWARDS, BADGES AND ACCOUTERMENTS WORN WITH THE DRESS BLUE, CLASS A, AND CLASS B ASU PARAGRAPH BELOW). UNTIL THE NEW ASU ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE, SOLDIERS WHO HAVE THE LOW WAIST TROUSERS WITH BELT LOOPS, OR SLACKS, HAVE THE OPTION OF WEARING A COMMERCIAL SHORT SLEEVE WHITE SHIRT WITH SHOULDER LOOPS IN THE OPEN COLLAR CONFIGURATION OR WITH A FOUR-IN-HAND NECKTIE (BLACK NECK TAB FOR FEMALE SOLDIERS). SOLDIERS HAVE THE OPTION OF WEARING A COMMERCIAL LONG SLEEVE WHITE SHIRT WITH SHOULDER LOOPS AND A FOUR-IN-HAND NECKTIE (BLACK NECK TAB FOR FEMALE SOLDIERS).
SOLDIERS WHO HAVE THE CURRENT COMMERCIAL WHITE SHIRT WITHOUT SHOULDER LOOPS MUST WEAR AS APPROPRIATE, THE BLACK WIND BREAKER, BLACK PULLOVER OR BLACK CARDIGAN SWEATERS WITH THIS UNIFORM. SOLDIERS WHO HAVE THE HIGH WAIST BLUE TROUSERS WORN WITH SUSPENDERS (DESIGNED TO WEAR WITH THE BLUE MESS UNIFORM) MAY WEAR THESE TROUSERS WITH THE CURRENT ASU DURING THIS TRANSITION PERIOD. THESE HIGH WAIST TROUSERS MUST BE WORN WITH THE SERVICE COAT, BLACK WIND BREAKER, BLACK PULLOVER OR BLACK CARDIGAN SWEATERS.
THE ARMY WILL PLACE THE NEW ASU ITEMS IN THE SOLDIERS CLOTHING BAG FOR INITIAL ENTRY SOLDIERS IN 4TH QUARTER, FY 2010. THE MANDATORY POSSESSION DATE FOR THE NEW ASU ITEMS IS 4TH QUARTER, FY 2014. THE ASU CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:. ASU COAT. ASU TROUSERS, LOW WAIST WITH BELT LOOPS (MALE SOLDIERS).
ASU SLACKS, LOW WAIST (FEMALE SOLDIERS). ASU SKIRT (FEMALE SOLDIERS) 10.
ASU ACCESSORY ITEMS AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR IAW AR 670-1, WEAR AND APPEARANCE OF ARMY UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA.