Types of Military Uniforms
Like most organized armed forces, the United States military uses uniforms to both identify its personnel and to foster both pride and tradition within the individual service. While each branch of the military has its own set of uniforms, they all have similar types of dress that are used in specific situations -- be it in the performance of duty or at more formal functions such as dinners or ceremonies.
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Utility Uniforms
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The most common uniform associated with the military, the utility dress category (or working uniforms) covers all uniforms worn while performing military duties. This includes everything from camouflage fatigues such as the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) and flight suits to hospital and food service uniforms. These are the uniforms worn day-to-day by most military members.
Service Uniforms
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Service uniforms are the more "official" looking types of military dress. These uniforms are generally reserved for more official functions such as state events, funerals or weddings, however they can be modified into a utility uniform for certain administrative personnel. As an example, office personnel in the Air Force generally wear a modified service dress, without the form coat, as their daily uniform. Full service dress in each branch generally consists of black, polished shoes, slacks, a pressed collared shirt and a jacket.
Mess Dress
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Mess dress, or evening dress, is a formal military uniform that is suited more towards black-tie events rather than formal ceremonies. This includes formal dinners and parties such as the Inaugural Ball. Mess dress in each of the services has a more "tuxedo-like" appearance and includes a vest, cummerbund and, in the case of the Army or Marine Corps, a cape.
Physical Training Uniforms
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Although it is a type of utility uniform, physical training (PT) uniforms are often categorized by themselves due to their distinctive nature. These uniforms are for wear during exercise events and are used while jogging on-base or using military gyms. They are also worn during each service's physical fitness test. The PT uniform generally consists of a pair of shorts or wind pants and a T-shirt.
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