Several proposed uniform changes will be up for review in 2016 following a soldier survey commissioned by Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey.
More than 18,500 soldiers responded to the survey, which was sent to a random sampling of about 120,000 soldiers this past summer.
The survey has already led to one change: Soldiers are now allowed to wear black socks when they're doing PT.
The Army Uniform Board will discuss and review the other proposals in the survey when it convenes in April.
Recommendations from the board will be submitted to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, who will make the ultimate decision. The Army secretary is sometimes asked to weigh in, but only for large-scale decisions.
Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey is seeking book recommendations for a reading list.
Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Chuck Burden/Army
The proposed changes up for review are:
- An updated version of the Eisenhower jacket, made popular by Gen. Dwight Eisenhower during World War II.
- Eliminating the female drill sergeant hat, with all soldiers instead wearing a single campaign hat.
- Going to a single blue service cap, or "bus driver cap," for male and female soldiers to wear with the Army Service Uniform,
- Requiring senior noncommissioned officers and higher to wear the blue service cap, instead of the beret, while in the Army Service Uniform.
- Changes to the fit and material of the white shirt for the Army Service Uniform.
Michelle Tan is the editor of Army Times and Air Force Times. She has covered the military for Military Times since 2005, and has embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Haiti, Gabon and the Horn of Africa.
