Could an updated, blue version of the Eisenhower jacket soon be available? How about a lighter, better-fitting Army Service Uniform shirt?
The Army's uniform board met today, and while officials refused to share the agenda, it's likely board members considered these questions and a handful of others raised last year by Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey.
The SMA last year commissioned a survey of soldiers to address the following changes:
• Eliminating the female drill sergeant hat, with all drill sergeants instead wearing the same campaign hat
• Requiring senior noncommissioned officers and higher to wear the blue service cap, instead of the beret, while in the Army Service Uniform.
• Going to a single blue service cap, or "bus driver cap," for male and female soldiers to wear with the Army Service Uniform
A majority of the 18,500-plus soldiers surveyed were amenable to all of the above updates. While not covered in the survey, the board was also expected to consider upgrading the ASU's white shirt. Soldiers have slammed the shirt for being too bulky, heavy and difficult to clean. In addition, soldiers have said it develops pilling (balls of cloth/fluff).
Until Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and acting Army Secretary Patrick Murphy are briefed on proposals favored by the board, the Army won't release any further details, according to spokesman Troy Roland. Another Army official said that it "will take several months" before any approved recommendations are processed and presented.
The uniform board consists of 17 members and is chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff G-4, currently Lt. Gen. Gustave Perna. The body generally meets twice a year, or whenever there are enough discussion items to warrant a gathering. Milley generally has final say, though the Army Secretary may be asked to weigh in on big decisions as well.
