More than two years in the making, the Army announced on Veterans Day that it would indeed be adopting a new service uniform in 2019.
Photos of the final uniform are yet to be released, but it will feature a belted jacket, foldable garrison cover and brown leather shoes in a gender-neutral style with long ties and pants for both men and women.
“The Army Greens uniform represents our tradition and history,” Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey said in a statement after the announcement. “It serves as a connection of past generations of soldiers to those working to secure America’s freedom today ― our next greatest generation of soldiers.”
The uniform won’t be in full production until 2020, when soldiers will have it custom measured and shipped to their homes directly after reporting to their first units of assignment.
But starting in 2019, the greens will see a soft roll-out, first with recruiters.
Then, in June, about 500 soldiers will don the green and beige ensemble for a public event, Col. Stephen Thomas, PEO Soldier’s protection and individual equipment program manager, told reporters in November.
He did not confirm the theme of the event, but June is a big month for the Army, with the 75th D-Day anniversary on the 6th and the service’s birthday on the 14th.
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For the rest of the Army, the current Army Service Uniform’s expiration date isn’t until 2028, when it will be upgraded to a dress uniform for more formal occasions.
Recruits will continue to be fitted for and wear their ASUs for the first time at basic training graduation, but after 2020, they will be an optional uniform and new soldiers will graduate in their Army Combat Uniforms.
Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.
