Frequently Asked Questions

  • When wearing the Operational Camouflage Pattern, or OCP, uniform, do my undershirt, belt, and boots have to match?

    No. There is no requirement that the undershirt, belt, and boots must match. Each of these items may be either color.

  • Which U.S. Flag is worn on the OCP uniform?

    The wear guidance for wear of the U.S. Flag is the same for all camouflage patterns of the Army Combat Uniform. AR 670-1, paragraph 19-18 states, "All Soldiers will wear the full-color U.S. flag embroidered insignia on utility and organizational uniforms, unless deployed or in a field environment. Soldiers will wear the subdued tactical flag insignia while deployed or in a field environment."

  • Can I wear my green fleece or Universal Camouflage Pattern cold weather gear with the OCP?

    Yes, Soldiers are authorized to wear UCP cold weather gear with the OCP pattern uniform.

  • Is the Army Combat Uniform-Female available in the OCP also?

    Yes. The ACU-Female is available in the OCP and will be stocked in all sizes at Army and Air Force Exchange Services Military Clothing Sales Stores. The sizes of the ACU-Female are designed to better fit the female body type. All Soldiers, male or female, have this option available to them in order to purchase the best fitting uniform for their frame.

  • I was issued Mountain Boots at Rapid Fielding Initiative. Are these authorized for wear with the OCP uniform?

    Yes. Commanders may authorize the wear of the Mountain Combat Boots issued at RFI for wear with Operation Enduring Freedom-Camouflage Pattern and OCP. The Mountain Combat Boots will not be replaced once unserviceable. Soldiers are still required to obtain the required quantity of clothing bag boots that are in accordance with Department of the Army Pamphlet, or DA PAM, 670-1.

  • Am I allowed to sew my name tape, U.S. Army tape, rank, and badges on the OCP uniform?

    Yes. Soldiers are permitted to sew the name tape, U.S. Army tape, rank, and all authorized badges on all camouflage patterns of the combat uniform, Universal Camouflage Pattern, OEF-CP, and OCP. If worn, badges must be all sewn on or all pinned on; Soldiers are not authorized to mix sew-on badges with pin-on badges. When personnel sew on badges, the following must also be sewn on the combat uniform coat: name tape, U.S. Army tape, and grade insignia. If a nametape, U.S. Army tape or grade insignia is sewn on, then personnel must sew all three of these items on the uniform coat. This requirement does not apply to the patrol cap. If Soldiers choose to sew on U.S. Army name tape, rank or authorized skill badges, it will be at their own expense.

  • Are Soldiers authorized to dye their hair?

    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.

  • Can female Soldiers wear a pony tail?

    Long length hair 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 only when within the scope of physical training, except when considered a safety hazard. The pony tail is not required to be worn above the collar. Soldiers are only authorized to wear a pony tail within the scope of physical training. Merely wearing the APFT Uniform in itself is not authorization to wear a pony tail.

  • What time of year are Soldiers authorized to wear Fleece Caps with the Army Combat Uniform (ACU)?

    Installation commanders will determine temperature, wind chill, and extended duty time warranting wear of the cap in nonfield, nondeployed environments.

  • May I wear carry my gym bag draped across my body?

    No. Soldiers may carry authorized bags by hand, on one shoulder using a shoulder strap, or over both shoulders using both shoulder straps. Soldiers may not wear a shoulder bag in such a manner that the strap is draped diagonally across the body, with the bag resting on the hip opposite the shoulder holding the strap.

  • Can I wear my headphones in my ACU’s and or during the Army Physical Fitness Test?

    No. Per AR 670-1 para 3-6(d)(3) Soldiers may use headphones, including wireless or non-wireless devices and earpieces, in uniform while performing individual physical training in indoor gyms or fitness centers. Soldiers may not wear headphones while taking the Army Physical Fitness Test. Soldiers may not wear headphones beyond the permitted area in any manner, including around the neck or attached to the uniform.

Personal pride for all soldiers

The Army is a profession. By wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army, Soldiers embody their professionalism and commitment to the Army Values - loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. The uniform is a symbol of honor and tradition, of esprit de corps and morale, and of personal excellence and pride.

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Army Combat Uniform

Army Combat Uniform

T-shirt • Sand or tan 499
Belt • Sand or tan 499 • One electronic device allowed on belt or belt loop
Pants • Tucked into top of boots or bloused
Boots • Tan or coyote leather • Soldiers must have 2 pairs Hot Weather (HW) and 1 pair temperature weather
Patrol Cap • Insignia on front, name on back • Hairstyles must not interfere with proper wear of cap
Rank Insignia • SSI-current organization, rank, other authorized insignia and accouterments • All Soldiers will wear the full-color U.S. flag (unless deployed)
Jacket • Must be closed or zipped at all times • Do not mix sew-on badges with pin-on badges
combat uniform front shot
combat uniform side view
combat uniform side view
combat uniform side view
UCP OCP

COMPONENTS+

Patrol Cap

  • Insignia on front, name on back
  • Hairstyles must not interfere with proper wear of cap

Shirt

  • Sand or Tan 499

Jacket

  • Must be closed or zipped at all times
  • Soldiers are not authorized to mix sew-on badges with pin-on badges

Rank Insignia

  • SSI-current organization, rank, other authorized insignia and accouterments
  • All Soldiers will wear the full-color U.S. flag (unless deployed)

Belt

  • Sand Or Tan 499
  • One electronic device allowed on Belt or Belt loop

Pants

  • Tucked into top of boots or blouse

Boots

  • Tan or coyote leather
  • Soldiers must have 2 pairs Hot Weather (HW) and 1 pair temperate weather
UCP mobile image OCP mobile image

Army Service Uniform

Army Service Uniform

Coat • Dark blue
Pants • Dark blue for general officers • Light blue for other officers and enlisted personnel
Tie • Black silk or satin • Personnel may wear the tie in a Windsor, half-Windsor, or four-in-hand knot
Belt
Shoes
Shirt • White, long or short sleeved
Skirt • Blue • Trousers may be elected in lieu of the skirt
Service Hat • Blue, with insignia centered • Hair should not be visible below the front brim of hat
Neck Tab • Black dress neck tab • Design of overlapping tabs forming an angle
Shoes • Black, oxford style
ASU front shot male
ASU side shot male
ASU front shot female
ASU front shot female
ASU front shot male
ASU side shot male
ASU front shot female
ASU  side shot female

MALE COMPONENTS+

COAT

  • Dark blue

TIE

  • Black silk or satin
  • Personnel may wear the tie in a Windsor, half-Windsor, or four-in-hand knot

BELT

PANTS

  • Dark blue for general officers
  • Light blue for other officers and enlisted personnel

SHOES

FEMALE COMPONENTS+

SERVICE HAT

  • Blue, with insignia centered
  • Hair should not be visible below the front brim of hat

NECK TAB

  • Black dress neck tab
  • Design of overlapping tabs forming an angle

SHIRT

  • White, long or short sleeved

SKIRT

  • Blue
  • Trousers may be elected in lieu of the skirt

SHOES

  • Black, oxford style

Army Physical Fitness Uniform

Army Physical Fitness Uniform

Shirt • Black, short or long sleeve with “Army” in gold
Shorts • Black, with “Army” in gold • Plain black spandex may be worn underneath
Hat • Black fleece • Bottom edge may cover ears, but not eyebrows
Jacket • Black and gold, with gold Army logo • Sleeves must be kept down when worn as complete uniform
Gloves • Black
Pants • Black, with gold Army logo • Pant legs must be kept down when worn as complete uniform
PT shorts female
PT winter male
PT shorts female
PT winter malee

COMPONENTS+

HAT

  • Black fleece
  • Bottom edge may cover ears, but not eyebrows

SHIRT

  • Black, short or long sleeve with “Army” in gold

JACKET

  • Black and gold, with gold Army logo
  • Sleeves must be kept down when worn as complete uniform

GLOVES

  • Black

SHORTS

  • Black, with “Army” in gold
  • Plain black spandex may be worn underneath

PANTS

  • Black, with gold Army logo
  • Legs must be kept down on pants when worn as complete uniform

Design Based on Soldier Feedback

Improved Physical Fitness Uniform TRANSITION TO: Army Physical Fitness Uniform

Through a series of surveys, town halls, and test periods, the Army solicited feedback from Soldiers about design features for the Army's new fitness uniform. This feedback not only determined the form, fit and function of the APFU, it also determined its look. The result is a more comfortable, modular PT uniform with some 34 improvements from the IPFU.

Key Improvements

  • 1 Army colors
  • 2 Streamlined fit and more size options for female Soldiers
  • 3 Lighter, high-tech moisture wicking fabrics
  • 4 Modular ensemble to mix and match pieces
  • 5 Tagless labels

Army Physical Fitness Uniform

Mandatory Possession Date

October 1, 2017

View Detailed Transition Plan

Key Improvements

  • Army colors
  • Streamlined fit and more size options for female Soldiers
  • Lighter, high-tech moisture wicking fabrics
  • Modular ensemble to mix and match pieces
  • Tagless labels
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A special thanks to The Old Guard for providing the photos featured on this website.