WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Aug. 25, 2008) -- Out with the old, in
with the blue. The Army has made it official; the green service
uniform, which has defined the service since the mid-1950s, is on the
outs.
In place of the green uniform will be a variation of the blue uniform,
something many Soldiers already own. Official word on the new "Army
Service Uniform," or ASU, was released Aug. 20 in a message to all Army
activities. The message defines the wear policy and the "bridging"
strategy for transition to the new uniform.
"It's a culmination of transformation efforts that started in 2004,"
said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston of the new ASU. "We had
three 'Class A' style uniforms, all the same style jacket, with just a
different color -- the policies on how we wore accoutrements on them
were different. We asked the question -- if we wear one only, which
would it be? And the blue uniform was the most popular of the three."
The new ASU coat, similar to the existing blue coat, will be made of a
wrinkle-resistant material and will have a more "athletic" cut.
Other changes to the uniform include authorization of a combat service
identification badge 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.
It is also permissible for enlisted Soldiers to wear both overseas
service bars and service stripes on the new blue ASU coat. Officers and
Soldiers in the grade of corporal and above will additionally wear a
gold braid on their slacks to indicate leadership roles.
"That is kind of a right of passage as you transition from being a
(junior) enlisted soldier to a noncommissioned officer," Preston said
of the gold braid.
New items for the ASU will be available in military clothing sales after July 2009.
Soldiers will be expected to possess the entire uniform by July 2014.
The two key components of the uniform, the coat and slacks, are
expected to cost around $140, with modifications bringing the total
cost to $200. Enlisted Soldiers will receive an increase in their
annual uniform allowance to help offset the cost of the uniform.
Source and credits : http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/08/21/11814-army-releases-message-announcing-new-service-uniform/
The
new Army Service Uniform is based on the Army's current dress blue
uniform and will replace the white, blue and green service uniforms.
Paratroopers are authorized to wear the black combat boots with the new
ASU. Photo by Sgt. Maj. Phil Prater
New ASU
Photo by Sgt. Maj. Phil Prater
August 21, 2008
The
new Army Service Uniform is based on the Army's current dress blues and
will replace both the Class A and B green uniforms. Soldiers will be
expected to own the complete ASU by July 2014.
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