Army Combat Uniform Policy

This vest, worn by soldiers, is made in the digi-camo pattern.

The Army combat uniform (more commonly referred to as ACU) is strictly regulated by Army Regulation 670-1, "Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia." According to the regulation, only small variations are permitted, and those are not at the discretion of the individual soldier--they are chosen by a unit commander. This policy, as with all other Army policies, can be added to but never subtracted from.

Features

The basic Army combat uniform consists of tan combat boots, green socks, digitally camouflaged trousers (called digi-camo), a tan T-shirt, a digi-camo blouse, identification tags and, at the unit commander's discretion, a beret or patrol cap. The blouse has five hook-and-pile fasteners which hold the soldier's name, her branch of service, rank and identifying unit patches. If a soldier has not been deployed to a combat zone, the hook-and-pile fastener on his right sleeve remains empty; if he has, it holds the patch of the unit with which he deployed.

Significance

Strict adherence to every letter of the Army combat uniform policy is mandatory and is enforced by all soldiers. A uniform in good order is representative of self-discipline and dedication. The professionalism of the soldier wearing the Army combat uniform--and all other military uniforms, including the Army physical training uniform--is directly reflected in her appearance.

Types

Army pilots wear the Army combat uniform flight suit.

There are three distinct types of Army combat uniforms. Each type bears the digi-camo pattern; however, each has a different purpose. All Army combat uniforms feature hook-and-pile fasteners to hold name, rank and unit insignia. Army combat uniforms worn by pilots are considered "flight suits" and have zippers, whereas flame-retardant Army combat uniforms and regular duty uniforms only feature buttons. Soldiers (other than pilots) who are deployed to a combat zone are required to wear flame-retardant uniforms, and all other soldiers are required to wear standard duty uniforms.

Benefits

The Army combat uniform policy sufficiently covers every aspect of the proper wear, care and storage of the uniform. All soldiers are taught where to find the information contained in Army regulation 670-1 and commonly refer to it simply as "AR 670-1." Most soldiers are extremely well-versed in the Army combat uniform policy and are able to make on-the-spot corrections if another soldier has misinterpreted the policy in some way.

Interesting Facts

The flag worn on ACUs appears to fly toward the rear of the soldier.

According to military regulations, when lacing combat boots the lace coming from the left side must always lay atop the lace coming from the right side.

A common way for new soldiers to remember their name belongs on the right side of the Army combat uniform is to recall a favored saying of drill instructors: "It's the only time in the Army you'll ever be right."

The flag an American soldier wears on her right sleeve appears to be flying backward; this is because soldiers in the U.S. Army are running into battle--never away from it.

If a soldier wears the American flag upside-down on his Army combat uniform, it is a symbol that he is in distress.

References

• Army.mil: Uniform requirements

Resources

• Army Regulation 670-1
• Army Service Uniforms