WASHINGTON — The Army Uniform Board (AUB) recently met to address and vote on the latest feedback from Soldiers for improving the design of the new Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU). The AUB, which included the first all-female board for the female uniform, sought and addressed the critical changes from Soldiers in designing the uniform for function and fit.
The AUB discussed and voted on 20 uniform changes for both complex and simple design features. These changes directly stem from Soldier participation in the limited user evaluation that is intended to enhance the AGSU’s performance and functionality for Soldiers across the Army.
Voting efforts focused on balancing responses from Soldiers and costs for the Army and Soldiers. “It was important we voted in such a way that demonstrated we understand the valuable input and concerns of our Soldiers. We must also continue to safeguard our promise to keep the AGSU cost down,” stated Lieutenant General Duane Gamble, Deputy Chief of Staff G-4 and AUB Chairman.
The AUB is the Army’s only forum to address the changing requirements of Soldiers’ uniforms and accessory items. Every Soldier can contribute to the Uniform Board process by providing his or her recommendation to his or her unit’s Sergeant Major. Incorporating the feedback from our Soldiers is a big part of the AUB process and without their input, the new uniform would not have the support it currently has.
Members of the AUB include Soldiers of all levels, and representatives from the active component, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard. Each member has an equal vote in deciding which recommendations go forth to the Chief of Staff of the Army.
By Ms. LeAndrea O White (G4)
So what are the changes?
Headgear is optional.
If you look below the waist his hands are in his pockets.
He needs about 500% more hair though, given the current Soldiers I’ve seen.
But the best question is this: Is that E9 rank?
I guess I am still from the Army green generation. I still enjoy looking at my old Army green Class “A” uniform. I think the Army has had more dress uniform changes than any other branch of service from the 20th Century to the 21st Century and that is not a good thing. I counted more than 20 uniform changes from the 1900s to 2020. I think the Marines have had the similar dress uniform since the 19th Century with minor changes over time. Identity crisis from the Generals, Senior Officers, and Senior NCOs over the last 30 years has taken over the Army. We had no identity crisis in the 1980’s with the dress greens. No more saying you are Army Green. I should not worry thou. It is a different time period.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniforms_of_the_United_States_Army#20th_century
Still feels like Greatest Generation cosplay to me. My grandfather served in the Army in WWII, but he never wore the “Pinks and Greens” because he, like the vast majority of those who served, wasn’t an officer. My father and uncle, both Vietnam vets, wore the AG44 Class A uniform, basically the same uniform I wore until the Army got rid of it.
None of this matters, though, it’s the Soldier that makes the uniform, not the other way around.
Bob, While I agree with your sentiment, unfortunately it seems that our opinion might be in the minority because if the focus was really on the soldier then we wouldn’t go through endless uniform changes every time the wind blows. To me, it’s a reflection of today’s generation which has taken hold in the Army which is this ceaseless insecurity which fuels a need for recognition for everything. It seems there is an award for everything from getting your laundry back from the Post cleaners to the Tactical Spoon Badge for Combat Cooks in an Tactical Dining Facility. Basically we have participation trophies and graduation gowns like kids soccer and Kindergarten graduation with caps and gowns. Frankly US Army uniforms today look like something from a Banana Republic designed by Ru Paul. However to me, the most glaring is the ridiculous black beret started by Shinseki in an effort to make us look like the Europeans. He succeeded alright. Everyone looks like a Swedish cook drunk on dark beer, and bursting to the gills with salted lox. It should be about the soldier but instead it’s about efficiency ratings and trying to a make a mark in lieu of leading. All show and no go.
So just like modern corporate management. If a manager finds nothing else to do, he (or she) introduces a new corporate logo, because everybody can instantly see the change. Didn’t Shinseki also introduce that “lone star” logo for the US Army? It wasn’t like there already was a logo with the cuirass and phrygian cap in use…
How about this change: Stop wasting money on pointless ceremonial dress.
For the Pentagon dwelling soldiers this is an issue close to heart, because they wear it daily. Ironically the USAF wears the same blue dress uniform since when? 1970?
Early 1990s. It’s a variation on the “McPeak” uniform. We have already tried changing our in the late 2000s, but put it on indefinite hiatus.
After all the suggestions and changes are done will we actually see soldiers wearing this uniform in garrison on a regular basis when ACUs or other utility uniforms are not needed? Or will this be another item that everyone must have, must spend lots of money on, and rarely worn?
Man if that guy is an E9, whats he been doing? A little short on ribbons.
That uniform is still a waste of money. That’s all the AUB needs to hear.
Well, if the suggestions must be filtered uphill through the unit CSM, don’t expect the AUB to hear very much.