Soldiers should begin seeing emails soliciting their input on several proposed uniform changes including female Drill Sergeant headgear and a return of the ‘Ike’ Jacket.
Emails will direct Soldiers to an online survey where they’ll provide feedback on the future of gender-specific headgear for Drill Sergeants. Originally adopted in 1972, the Tan Bush-Style Female Drill Sergeant Hat was transitioned to a Green color in 1983 to better fit in with the Woodland Battle Dress uniform which was beginning to enter service. The Army seeks opinions on whether it should scrap the Female version and adopt the Brown Campaign Hat currently worn by Male Drill Sergeants for use by both. The Campaign Hat is a distinctive design steeped in Army history and it’s not hard to see this change being implemented.
The Army is also considering the development of a gender-neutral Service Cap more commonly referred to as the ‘Bus Driver Cap’. Such a move would take the Female Service Hat out of the inventory. The Male Service Cap features a wide bill, while the Female version has a raised brim on either side. A new common version would resemble the current Male Cap with slight modifications. Concurrently, there is a proposal to make the Service Cap mandatory headgear, rather than the Black beret, with the ASU for senior NCOs and above.
The most popular item on the survey was proposed by Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey after visiting several Posts. Soldiers want to wear Black socks with the new PT uniform. Considering the new uniform’s Black dominant color scheme, this is a no-brainer.
Also suggested by SMA Dailey is something a little more controversial which is an optional wear “Eisenhower jacket” to be added as a more appropriate indoor alternative to the black windbreaker jacket. Although named for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the waist length jacket actually entered service in the late-1930s. While it is a great heritage item, it isn’t very flattering for some body types. Of course, there’s a Cardigan Sweater, so why not an Ike Jacket?
